Episode 59 Gary Fritz, percussionist, DJ, photographer
Release Date: 02/18/2019
Episode 336 NYE Ritual
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
Even though I initially thought I would skip an episode this week, I changed my mind and wanted to share two simple rituals from previous guests Shawna Emerick and Laura Pensiero. May these rituals help us take a moment to pause, reflect and envision what we want to manifest for the New Year. May we set intentions that help us live more fully, more authentically and more joyfully. May we manifest 2025 to be a creative, connected, easeful, and prosperous year. Check out the show notes for links to Shawna and Laura’s websites, they both offer such wonderful soul-nourishing gifts. Happy New...
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Episode 335 All Is Well
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
The chaos of our political landscape, the stressors of the holidays and tensions in our relationships can convince us that all is not well. In this week’s episode I share a personal struggle I’ve had with someone in my life and how de-railed I felt by fear and frustration. I asked for help and my spirit guides provided gems of wisdom that realigned me with understanding, acceptance and surrender. Louise Hay’s affirmation is a transformative mantra for me “All is well. Everything is working out for my highest good. And out of this situation, this so called problem, only good will...
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Episode 334 Honoring Nikki Giovanni, poet & activist
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I honor the legendary poet, author, educator, activist, Nikki Giovanni who died this past week on December 9th at the age of 81. Her rich biography, prolific work that includes writings, essays, conversations, poetry, children’s books, records, tapes, CDs and film, as well as her awards, honors and multiple honorary degrees is expansive and impressive. Thank you Nikki, for all that you embodied and modeled. Thank you for shining your truth through decades of our collective darkness. Thank you for caring about children and the quality of books they read. Thank you...
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Episode 333 Spark of Light
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge the spark of light that is ignited at this time of year. As the sun is setting by 4:30pm, shortening our days and expanding our nights, the tradition of lighting up our homes, is a wonderful reminder to honor the light in the midst of darkness. May we be a spark of light. May we connect with your own community, honor silence, light a candle, and feel the energetic hands of our sacred circle of humanity, join together to breath a new vision forward. May our vision spark a new kind of light. Check out the show notes to learn about the global ritual that...
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Episode 331 Hilary Carr Jones, In Memoriam
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode I re-release my conversation form April 19, 2021 with my beloved Aunt Hilly. This spectacular human, Hilary Carr Jones just died on Friday November 15th, so I wanted her voice and spirit honored. Before my conversation with her starts, I share the mystical connection I felt with Aunt Hil as she was transitioning from the physical realm into the spiritual realm, as the Super Full Moon was rising. May you open your heart and mind to how Source is calling you into the mystical, magical moments of your life. Grateful for the gathering in Camden, Maine this past weekend...
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Episode 330 Clyde Lawrence and Gracie Lawrence
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
I am thrilled to feature Clyde and Gracie Lawrence as my guests today. This gifted, brother and sister team, enriched by their 6 talented musician friends make up the electrifying soul-pop band “Lawrence”. Their music is phenomenal, the synergy and creativity of their band is a blast to witness and they are kind, thoughtful human beings living the challenging life of artists with integrity, humility and grace. When I saw Lawrence the band perform to a sold out Radio City Music Hall show in September, I was blown away by the music, the production, the pure fun everyone was having on that...
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Episode 329 Hold Onto Love
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, as I process the devastating election results, I know we are to hold onto love. In addition to the trauma, disappointment, sadness and fear, there is love. Surround yourself with loving, kindred souls. Let yourself be held in love and hold others in love. I know we are all trying to make sense of this, figure out how to navigate a way forward. As a country, we must wrestle with how deeply ingrained racism and misogyny is. We are in for more darkness and now more than ever, we need to be present and connected with love. Be gentle with yourself, take time to rest and...
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Episode 328 Vote as a Prayer
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, with the election tomorrow, I invite you to see your vote as a prayer, a prayer reflecting the depths of your heart. It is important to stay grounded in an atmosphere of fear. May you release the grip fear has on you. May your heart be aligned with trust, with compassion, with a connection to all the caring people, working for equity, justice and peace. Remember that your spiritual heart belongs to a collective spiritual heart. There are so many caring people bringing comfort and healing to others, to their communities and wanting to make this world a better place....
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Episode 327 Heart Aligned Action
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode I acknowledge the heightened sense of fear, anxiety and worry, with 8 days before the Presidential Election. I share wisdom from the spiritual teacher, Tara Brach that our despairing feelings are a reflection of our small Self, which is limited, isolated, and consumed with divisiveness and the illusion of separateness. Our small Self forgets who we are. For when we remember who we are, our true nature, we understand our interdependence and deep connection to each other. We tap into a pure sense of belonging, awaken to our oneness and align our actions with our heart. ...
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Episode 326 Honoring Indigenous People 2024
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode we belatedly honor Indigenous People’s Day. I share an example from my cousin, of how we can acknowledge the dark history of oppression while remaining open to learning, healing and reconciliation. May we all be inspired to reflect, learn and better understand the history and legacy of Indigenous People. Reconciliation is not just a moment, but an on-going process. May we each seek opportunities throughout the year to learn and engage with Indigenous voices and stories. May we contribute to the healing of past, present and future generations of Indigenous...
info_outline My guest today is Gary Fritz. Gary is a percussionist, drummer, DJ, photographer and one of the pioneers of NYC’s graffiti movement. Gary happily admits he has diverse interests and has been motivated to pursue them all! It’s not just that he expresses himself in different art forms, Gary embraces the variety of culture and genres within one art form. Take music, for example, Gary plays folk, pop, rock, rap, R&B, jazz, fusion, world beat, spoken word, big band, orchestra and gospel!! He has performed with George Benson, Roberta Flack, Brand New Heavies, Magic Lady, Inc. and played drums or percussion with Broadway tours.
I met Gary 13 years years ago when he became the percussionist for the Alvin Ailey band that backs up the gospel choir for their signature piece, Revelations. Gary shared his long history with the company: he played drums for Ailey classes and camp, dated a dancer from the company in 1988 and had meaningful conversations directly with Alvin. His deep connection to the Ailey company continues to lift and enrich his whole life experience.
Sadly, Gary’s 33 year old daughter, Nneka died in a bus accident in Panama 4 years ago, and his stories of mystery, miracles and spiritual connection are very healing. Nneka continues to have a really big impact in the world. Even though I never met her, Nneka’s love is present, palpable and powerful!!
Check out the show notes below for links to Gary’s social media sites, to find out where he is performing next and view his graffiti collection.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
FB: Gary Fritz
IG: @wickedgf
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