At the Intersection of Appalachia and Himalaya
by Kara Bachman
It might seem odd to compare the folkways of Appalachia to the culture of the Himalayas, but to music teacher Tara Linhardt, these mountain communities aren’t such strange bedfellows. Some similarities are apparent while others are more obscure, and this bluegrass musician first discovered the commonalities and disparities while traveling abroad during college.
“I was studying Buddhist philosophy in Nepal…I stayed with a Nepali family,” she said. She was introduced to woodcarving, classical Indian drumming, and an array of artistic and cultural folkways with which few Americans are lucky enough to interface.
“There are so many similarities between the music and the culture,” Linhardt summarized.
These connections are all mapped out in a one-hour film called “The Mountain Music Project,” a 2006 documentary (available on Amazon) that includes Linhardt and tells the story of the two rural roots music forms.
She loved learning about Nepali culture so much she decided to start a tour company that allows bluegrass musicians and fans to take in things that seem both familiar and exotic. The deadline for the next Music, Arts, Adventures tour – happening in the Fall of 2022 – is essentially here.
“I like to keep it pretty small [between 5 and 12 people], so it’s like a group of traveling friends, so even if they’ve never met, they become friends pretty quick,” Linhardt said. You don’t have to be a musician to join the tour, but about half of her guests are people who make music.
Following the cultural tour is an optional “trekking week.” It’s not grueling but does involve lots of exercises and outdoor activity. It provides the perfect balance of physical activity and comfort.
“I try to pick hikes that are culturally interesting,” Linhardt explained. She brings the group on walks through “cool villages” and past views of “majestic mountains.” It’s communing with nature but isn’t all-out “roughing it.”
“We have porters carry most of our stuff and sleep in beds in guest houses, not on the ground,” she assured.
Linhardt’s passion for this is evident.
Read original article here.
