(April 7th, 2015)

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This is related to the following event:
April OAKS (Oldfurlong Amazing Koncert Series)
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Captain's Quick Report:  April OAKS (Oldfurlong Amazing Koncert Series)

There was once something spoken to me in regards to music in this world we dwell in, I cannot recall the exact details, or whom they were, for it was mostly in passing while in my travels, but it was something like this;

"There is much music, and many songs in the world, so many that it would take more than the lifetime of perhaps all Elves ever born, ever to be, combined -- and being immortal in a sense -- that is a very long time.  Yet you could listen all day, all night, for every week of the month for every month of the year, and still not ever hear every song, every melody, every tune there ever was made, nor would you ever exhaust all that could be yet sung and created, either."

And with that aside, it was with a most astounding chorus of 'Chantefables!' which did echo through the crowd today, as the musical festivities came to a close, and the concert concluded (though I shall admit, it appeared close to ending several times, before the last song was truly sung!). 

I was a little late to arriving at Oldfurlong, however, other business required my time.  Though I was with some sorrow at not being on time, the gains from the delay means several boons to look forward to when I arrive back to the Bree Captain's Guild offices in Bree-town; several old archives and documents surrounding Fullbridge Village was uncovered intact (though due to time much colors and illustrations were lost, but the written text is well preserved still!), and not lost forever as was previously thought.  I have heard rumours that a particular Brablo Boffin is responsible for this miracle, and I must remember to arrange a thank-you letter of some sort, perhaps even a visit to the Shire and his home on behalf of the Bree Captain's Guild to show our deep appreciation directly.  And then of course, there was the inspiring companion whom joined me on the swift journey from Bree-land to the Shire, to see the April OAKS concert in Oldfurlong; Master Aragail, a fellow Man, whom it was perhaps my greatest honor today to be asked by him for directions and help in reaching Oldfurlong.  And in doing so, perhaps slightly helped redeem my late-ness to the event when we both stepped quickly, almost at a run, towards the musical joy happening in the distance as the town center and neighbourhood park of Oldfurlong came into view before us.  (I sadly did not manage to spot Master Silon at all throughout the rest of the event, perhaps it was a busy day the OAKS had unfortunately coincided with in regards to his work schedule.)

But the Chantefables band themselves today!  Though some words were with strange accent and spoken language at times, merrily did they still yet play with all the energy and sparks of dance and rousing cheer did you ever see, from such a talented group of both Dwarves and Hobbits!  Lovely vocals from both Hobbit lads and lasses, with fine rumbling and deep voices from the Dwarves when they did sing! 

Returning to the earlier written quotation above, on music and songs being so numerous -- you would be hard-pressed in a lifetime (even Elven ones!) to  hear all there ever has been sung, or ever will be played in musical notes, even if you listened every day for every moment you ever lived (which might mean missing a large number of meals) -- and so it was the case that despite this being perhaps... the third, or was it fourth... attendance to the OAKS concerts I have been privileged to make the journey for, alongside having heard many other fine tunes and melodies throughout the land at other concerts and musical performances -- the notes played here today by the Chantefables was enCHANTing, and did not disappoint, not that the OAKS ever does.  Hoho!

Your feet, as was the case for most of the audience, would have been tapping along and your hands clapping what would feel like familiar beats and patterns, but with what the Chantefables today bestowed upon us in music and songs for the ears, it was as fresh to listen to and outstanding to enjoy, as if it was your first OAKS event to attend all over again.

A warm congratulations to Missus Acorne and the OAKS society for this wonderful musical event as Spring just begins to dawn around the corner.  Thanks is also due for the advance notice we were given about the next OAKS to occur next month -- a grand 'festival' of music as it was called I think, with all the previous OAKS bands having performed this year, returning on May 17th next month in Oldfurlong, this time at the 5 bells past noon!  For certain it sounds to be the most grandest musical event I'll have seen yet in Oldfurlong -- what would that be... at least least four bands playing all on the same day in Oldfurlong?  Each with their own full list of songs to play and tunes to stir the crowd?  Goodness, this will be quite the big one to schedule in hoho!

A more full and concise report of my experience from this event shall follow at a later date.  As is the custom, the Quick Reports written by my hand are mostly to be drafted and sent early to the Grey Repository, for convenience of easing my mind while events are still fresh and only a few hours past, and to perhaps allow others to have at least some early glance and idea of how the musical cheer and joy of these gatherings often unfold.

Oh, and Master Reader... are you informed about the ((Northern Garrison's one-year)) anniversary celebrations in Buckland and Grenrill Village?  Or perhaps the fabled search for singing, that's correct, singing badgers in the Bindbole Woods of the Shire-bounds?  The former is well advertised across the land, and all races and Free Peoples are jointly invited by the leaps and bounds.  The latter, is primarily a hobbit-led event, for hobbits, with no doubt a strange and curious eye cast your way if you should be in attendance and not quite be of the halfling-folk stature.  However, should you indeed joyously be fond of the culture, music, and cheerful nature these Small Folk are known for, as I must admit such is my case, I would submit my most heartiest recommendation to make the long journey into those northern woods of the Shire to try and catch the rare glimpse of these singing badgers they seek.  It might well be the most rare sight you see all year -- musical, instrument-playing, singing badgers!  There appears much to be happening this month with spring celebrations and anniversaries of all sorts! ((LOTRO's 8th Anniversary is also slated for this month beginning on April 14th and lasting to April 28th))

Signed,

Captain Naismithea Willarc

Watcher of Roads
Representative of the Bree Captain's Guild
Officer of the Sworn Wanderers


P.S.

Drawings associated with this early report for the Grey Repository should arrive shortly and soon.  The first batch was already wrapped and sent to the local Quick Post here in Michel Delving, where I stopped momentarily to prepare for the long journey back to Bree.  There may be another collection or two submitted later for those with more time and willing effort to peruse at their own risky convenience.