Silent Whys: Waltz For October
[audio:http://whatweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/01-Waltz-for-October-mp3.mp3]

“We try and do something with both of our hands and feet at all times,” is how the duo of Amanda Glasser and Austin Tally, better known as Silent Whys, profess to make so much sound pour out of their performances.  Call them sex folk, environmental dub or low-fi modern folk or any number of genre twisting descriptors. The result is the same.  Sweet but not sugary, traditional though unconventional, and simple without sacrificing complexity.

Photo by Jason Bender, story by Justin Metzger.

The stage at their live show is cluttered with a variety of instruments like dobros, banjos, and an accordion and all of it is necessary.  The combination of rich instrumentation and the harmonies carry the listener away to a simpler place.  “Its our contribution to the world in some way…if people hear our music and enjoy it,” Amanda explains, “that is is our contribution.”  “Sharing is caring,” Austin quips.

Photo by Jason Bender, story by Justin Metzger.

Clearly their fellow musicians have enjoyed Silent Whys, as they have been invited to play all over Baltimore and beyond.  They have also picked up the help of some help from A Cat Called Cricket front man Alex Champagne who is helping the duo record their newest songs. Champagne says the studio is not much different from their stage set up. In jest he said, “its like a minefield in the recording studio, dobros and mandolins everywhere.”

Photo by Jason Bender, story by Justin Metzger.

Silent Whys have not been together long but they’ve already made a mark on the local scene.  Mike Nestor, founder of Beechfields Records, heard the duo on a

Photo by Jason Bender, story by Justin Metzger.

Silent Whys keep all of their music available for for free download.. They live by their motto that, “giving it away for free keeps people from taking it for nothing.”   “If we play lots of shows and meet lots of people that’s more rewarding,” the duo explained.

Photo by Jason Bender, story by Justin Metzger.

Silent Whys

Photo by Jason Bender, story by Justin Metzger.

Deadline March 10, 2011

Grants for Arts Projects from The National Endowment for the Arts

To view the guidelines, go to www.arts.gov/grants/apply, select the field or discipline most relevant to your project, and choose Grants for Arts Projects or Our Town from the list of funding opportunities.

Organizations may apply under the following categories:

Art Works: To support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and the strengthening of communities through the arts. Within these areas, innovative projects are strongly encouraged. An organization may request a grant amount from $10,000 to $100,000. (Two application deadlines: March 10 and August 11, 2011)

Challenge America Fast-Track: To support projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations. Grants are for $10,000. (Application deadline: May 26, 2011)
Our Town

Organizations may apply for creative placemaking projects that contribute to the livability of communities and place the arts at their core. An organization may request a grant amount from $25,000 to $250,000. (Statement of Interest deadline: March 1, 2011)

To view the guidelines, go to www.arts.gov/grants/apply, select the field or discipline most relevant to your project, and choose Grants for Arts Projects or Our Town from the list of funding opportunities.

‘);return false;”>Sign up to be notified of more NEA funding opportunities.