#hearing voices café Riga

[thehearingvoicescaferiga]

The Hearing Voices Café Riga, September-October 2022, Photo Album by Kristīne Rožkalne

[visariga-blog]

Supernova 2017: Live and In Person

By now, it's perfectly clear to anyone who's been reading this blog for a while that I'm an unabashed, unapologetic fan of Supernova, Latvia's yearly contest show that selects the country's entry into the Eurovision song contest. Created in 2015 in order to end six straight years of Latvia failing to qualify for the Eurovision “grand final,” the show's winners so far have found success on the continental stage with a 6th place finish in 2015 and a 15th place finish in 2016. 2017's winner will be chosen out of eight semifinalists that were selected from two quarterfinal rounds that were broadcast on February 5th and February 12th.

This year, it was time to take my fandom to the next level. Instead of simply writing another blog post about this year's competition, I set my mind on getting into the live studio audience for one of the show's four broadcasts. Thankfully one of my high school students who is connected with Latvia's music community showed me how to acquire tickets, and suddenly I found myself with two passes to the February 12th quarterfinal episode. So yeah, that's me you see in the grey shirt in the top right of the first photo.

Līga doesn't quite share my level of enthusiasm for cheesy TV song contests, plus she was probably worried that I would do something stupid to get on TV (a perfectly justified fear on her part). Luckily, her sister Vita agreed to go with me, who you can see with purple hair to my right in that first picture. Since she was coming from Jelgava, we agreed to meet at Centrala Stacija (Central Station) at 20:00 in order to make it to the studio for 20:30 when doors were supposed to open. I was excited to finally have an excuse to take the mysterious #20 trolleybus for the first time in my life.

We were joined by only six other passengers, all of who were headed precisely where we were. The journey took just over ten minutes, bringing us across Salu tilts (Island Bridge) to the towering LTV headquarters on Zaķusala (Rabbit Island).

Built between 1979 and 1986, the 22-story building stands impressively in the middle of the Daugava and is visible from much of Rīga's southern and central regions. I was excited to finally have a reason to visit the city's 17th tallest structure I had admired so much from afar, and now we were just in front of it. Unfortunately, my sub-standard phone camera wasn't able to take an acceptable picture of the building at night, so here's one I took during the day a few years ago for you to get an idea of what it looks like:

We followed a group of fans to the main entrance in the back. Inside, fans and contestants alike sat in funky chairs and sofas chatting and, of course, watching LTV as we all waited for the doors to the studio to open. A Russian-speaking journalist enthusiastically buzzed around asking audience members about their favorite participants, although I didn't recognize the logo on his microphone. A few people were also enjoying drinks and food from a fancy-looking café just next to the studio entrance.

At just about 20:50, thirty minutes before the show was to begin, the doors opened and people began to file upstairs to the studio. Some men just outside the studio checked our bags and took our tickets just as they would at a concert or festival, and then we were able to walk right on in.

I have to give Vita a lot of credit for not immediately bailing on me as soon as we walked in, as I probably seemed a bit too overly enthusiastic. This was my first time inside a TV studio, let alone for a show that I actually regularly watched, so it was a bit overwhelming at first. About ten minutes before the broadcast began, Rīgas Bebrs (beaver), Latvia's Eurovision mascot, came onstage and politely told us to stand in place while the show was live and to cheer enthusiastically after each song. While this may seem like a no-brainer, Latvian audiences have a reputation for being overly polite and quiet.

Although we were simply trying to find the spot with the best view, as it turned out we stood in the perfect position behind the judges to be quite visible on TV every time they commented after a song. This week the celebrity jury included Prāta Vētra drummer Kaspars Roga, former Eurovision contestant Intars Busulis, DJ Rudd from Latvijas Radio 5, and songwriter Guntars Račs.

Unfortunately, I was under the incorrect impression that we were not allowed to take photos or videos while the broadcast was in progress, so I don't have any cool behind-the-scenes pictures of the performances themselves. That might be all for the better though, because I wasn't there to watch the performances through a small screen and there's no way my phone camera would have captured anything revelatory.

The night was kicked off by Katrina Lukin's upbeat ballad Silhouette, which was pleasant but not memorable enough to make it to the next round. This was followed by poor Markus Riva's third consecutive attempt to make it to the final round, “Dynamite.” Markus Riva is a complete mystery to me: he is massively popular in Latvia and had by far the most enthusiastic fanbase in the studio, but he consistently fails to make it to the final round in a vote-by-SMS popularity contest. Līga was telling me that there's a saying in Latvian going around on Facebook along the lines of “on a scale from one to Markus Riva, how persistent are you?” At least that's something to show for all that effort...

After a commercial break during which we were entertained by Rigas Bebrs' attempt at creating poetry, Toms Kalderauskis and his group continued with the Imagine Dragons-esque anthem, “We Won't Back Down,” before things got weird with Up's Kill Bill-inspired “One By One” in which she stood still for three minutes threatening to kill people as interpretive dancers pranced sensually across the stage. Although the performance went over like a lead balloon with the audience and judges, I thought it was one of the more memorable songs from this year. In fact, I was a bit disappointed by 2017 in general that there really wasn't anything as over-the-top ridiculous as Electrofolk's corny “Miracle Drums” or refreshingly different like Catalepsia's pop metal “Damnation” from 2016 aside from last week's off-the-wall Bjork meets the xx “Escape” by Crime Sea. While there were much higher highs and lower lows in 2016, this year there was mostly a sea of pleasant but forgettable cuts, such as Miks Galanovskis' funky “Runaway” which led us into the second commercial break.

After being taught how to create paper fans by the beaver, the contest continued with the Russian-language “Taju ot Lubvi” by The HiQ, an epic, saxophone-tinged Indie folk song that wasn't quite able to make it to the next round. Then the completely previously unknown Santa Daņeļeviča proceeded to blow the audience's socks off with her amazing pipes, becoming the first musician of the night to make it to the semi-finals. The video doesn't quite capture just how powerful and impressive her voice was in person; it permeated every corner of the room. I wasn't surprised to learn later that she made it to the second round, and I fully expect to see her in the finals.

Next up were Laura Lo and graduate from the school I teach at in Jelgava Chris Oak with the cutesy "Little Weird,” a performance that wasn't quite enough to qualify for round two. After a commercial break in which the ever-instructive beaver taught us how to make an actually-sort-of-nice-looking elephant mask from a cardboard box, we were back to the final three songs, all of which qualified for the semi-finals. I don't know what it is about going at the end, but last year's first place “Heartbeat” by Justs was also the final song of his round. Maybe since it's at the end it's easy for voters to remember? Maybe the producers save the best for last? Anyway, up first were Supernova veterans MyRadiantU who bounced back from last year's final four performance “We Will Be Stars” with the indie pop rocker “All I Know.”

Next up was 16-year-old student The Ludvig's slinky electro ballad “I'm In Love With You.” The judges and audience alike were impressed by the teenager's voice, and I'm sure that regardless of how he does in the competition that this isn't the last we'll be hearing from him.

Unfortunately we had to leave the studio before the final song, so we missed Triana Park's colorful pop banger “Line.” The band is pretty popular and has a well-established fanbase, so it wasn't much of a surprise that they made it to the second round. I didn't think it particularly stood out among the other songs this week though, so I will be surprised if it goes much further than the semi-finals.

And that was it for us! Luckily public transit was still fully running when we left (around 11:45) and it was no problem getting home. I tried taking one last picture of the view from the island of the night skyline, but of course my phone camera was not up to the task.

All in all, watching Supernova live and in person was a fantastic experience that I will definitely do again next year. Maybe next time I can even convince Līga to go with me! In the meantime, you can catch the semi-finals next Sunday at 21:25 (I know it's a weird starting time) either on LTV1 or as a live webcast here. Alone with the four songs chosen at the episode Vita and I went to, another four from last week will compete as well: Mīks Dukurs with “Spiritual Priest,” Lauris Valters with “Magic Years,” Franco Franco with “Up,” and  Linda Leen with “Who's In Charge?” Take care!

[thehearingvoicescaferiga]

КОЛИ? Субота, 15 жовтня, з 16.00 до 17.30. Це безкоштовний захід, запрошуємо всіх охочих із 15:45. КУДИ? Survival Kit 13, вул. Пілс 23, Рига

The Hearing Voices cafe — це гостинне та безпечне місце для українців, їхніх друзів та прихильників у Латвії, де вони можуть під час чаювання, послухати та взяти участь у створенні живої музики, поділитися історіями, познайомитись та поспілкуватись у дружній атмосферы з місцевими творчими людьми та миротворцями.Ця субота — остання подія у серії із п'яти заходів. Цього дня прозвучать традиційні українські та латиські колискові, знайомі кожному з дитинства. Цей простір буде наповнений турботою та дружньою підтримкою у складний сьогоднішній час. Учасниками суботньої зустрічі будуть: латиський миротворець Ілзе Дзеновська, українська художниця Марія Зенькова, традиційна латиська співачка Янта Межа та українська вокалістка та бандуристка Дар'я Лелеко. Захід проходитиме мовою серця та розуміння з використанням латиської, англійської, російської та української мов, щоб спілкуватися та розуміти один одного. Захід безкоштовний. Запрошуються сім'ї з дітьми, у кафе буде спеціально відведено дитячу зону, де будуть представлені розваги – настільні ігри та матеріали для малювання. Закуски та напої безкоштовно надасть ресторан «Борщ – vakariņas pie ukrainietēm». Вхід на фестиваль Survival Kit 13 для українців безкоштовний.

Voices Café is a safe, welcoming and free space for Ukrainians and their friends and supporters in Latvia to have an afternoon tea, listen to and participate in creating live music, share stories and build heartfelt connections with locals artists and peacebuilders.

WHEN? Saturday, October 15 4pm – 5:30pm

This is a free event and everyone welcome from 3:45 pm

WHERE? Survival Kit 13, Pils iela 23, Riga

This Saturday is the last event in the series of five happenings and it will be an afternoon filled with Ukrainian and Latvian lullabies, traditional singing opportunities of songs for soul and joy and space for nurturing and supporting ourselves and others through times of transition.You all we be welcomed by Latvian peacebuilder Ilze Dzenovska, Ukranian painter Marija Zenkova, traditional Latvian singer Janta Meža and Ukranian vocalist and bandurist Daria Leleko.Event will be held in the language of heart and understanding using Latvian, Russian and Ukranian in order to connect and understand each other.Families with children are very welcome to attend, as there will be a designated children’s area in the café, where attractions such as games and drawing materials will be provided.Snacks and drinks will be provided by the restaurant “Borščs – vakariņas pie ukrainietēm” (Borscht – dinner with Ukrainians).

______

The Hearing Voices cafe — это гостеприимное и безопасное место для украинцев, их друзей и сторонников в Латвии, где они могут во время чаепития, послушать и поучаствовать в создании живой музыки, поделиться историями, познакомиться и пообщаться в дружеской атмосфере с местными творческими людьми и миротворцами.Эта суббота — последнее событие в серии из пяти мероприятий. В этот день прозвучат традиционные украинские и латышские колыбельные, знакомые каждому с детства. Данное пространство будет наполнено заботой и дружеской поддержкой в сложное сегодняшнее время.Учасниками суботней встречи будут: латышский миротворец Илзе Дзеновска, украинская художница Мария Зенькова, традиционная латышская певица Янта Межа и украинская вокалистка и бандуристка Дарья Лелеко.Мероприятие будет проходить на языке сердца и понимания с использованием латышского, английского, русского и украинского языков, чтобы общаться и понимать друг друга. Мероприятие бесплатное.Приглашаются семьи с детьми, в кафе будет специально отведена детская зона, где будут представлены развлечения – настольные игры и материалы для рисования. Закуски и напитки бесплатно предоставит ресторан «Борщ – vakariņas pie ukrainietēm».Мероприятие и угощение бесплатное. Вход на фестиваль Survival Kit 13 для украинцев бесплатный. КОГДА? Суббота, 15 октября, с 16:00 до 17:30. Это бесплатное мероприятие, приглашаем всех желающих с 15:45. КУДА? Survival Kit 13, ул. Пилс 23, Рига

[thehearingvoicescaferiga]

HEARING VOICES CAFÉ RIGA 28.09

Truth, love, and life cycles.

Yesterday, at the meeting, very few people were present. 

Gerd Laposhka (poet), read Shakespeare's sonnets, and we talked about what we mean by these words. What images resonate in our hearts. One of the sonnets became the topic of conversation - respect towards oneself. 

Then we talked about the thin line between honest words of criticism and laudatory ones. How difficult it is sometimes to make the right decision, even if it means to lie. 

Gerd told how difficult it is for him now the relation he has with his mother. After all, the war is gaining new speed, and Latvia is quite close to Russia. He has to choose words of support and consolation for his mother, although he himself understands how serious and even desperate the situation is.

After that there was a sonnet in which the concept of eternity and temporality resonated for me. I told a story about how in Latvia I saw that my parents, back in Ukraine, had grown old. And for me, this discovery was terrible. 

Indeed, as a child, it always seemed to me that they were the youngest and the best, and all my life, they were the coolest friends. But now, I see how they lack resilience, they are unwilling to open up to something new ... I was scared. 

I am the mark they will leave behind. And as for myself - I realized that behind me I can only leave paintings, art, etc. 

But this is actually secondary, the cycle of life stopped with me. So my parents end with me.

Maria Zenkova

Зенькова Марія

[thehearingvoicescaferiga]

undefined

HEARING VOICES CAFÉ RIGA 21.09

RESURRECTION

[thehearingvoicescaferiga]

HEARING VOICES CAFÉ RIGA 21.09

Resurrection.

On September 21, the topic of our meeting was, if I choose the right words- Filling yourself and your life. Resurrection. And from clay we made bowls, which, like us, can be filled with something. However, the conversation took us more to the topic "Art in our life. And how to be honest with yourself. Do not betray yourself"

Of the stories told, the most impressive (the one which emotionally resonated with many of us) was the story about the apple tree. 

This story was told by Victoria Broca (ceramist). She told how, as a child, she drew an assignment in art school - to draw an apple tree. An old apple tree grew in their yard, in a very complex perspective, the girl painted it the way it is in reality. 

But the teacher said that such an apple tree does not exist and this is a bad picture. But the child remained true to herself and loved this apple tree very much. Later, when she entered to study fine arts, it was this drawing in her portfolio that helped her to enter to study.

Зенькова Марія

Maria Zenkova

[thehearingvoicescaferiga]

Daria Kalashnikova. Я слышу голоса… 14.9. Hearing Voices Café Riga

Я слышу голоса…

Это фразой испанская художница объяснила создание проекта «Кафе голосов». В Риге «кафе» проходит каждую среду в 17:30 на улице Пилс 23 в рамках фестиваля Survival Kit

В этом году «кафе» посвящено украинцам. Сегодня я была там впервые.

В «кафе» выступал дуэт парней поющих фольклорные песни славянских, балтийских и балканских народов. Пели они и украинские молитвы. Саму же беседу мы вели на русском. Почему? Это единственный язык который понимали все участники. 

Обсуждали мы разницу в понятии одиночество (loneliness) и уединение (solitude).

Уединение очень комфортное и продуктивное для меня состояние, я в него себя добровольно погружаю когда путешествую или живу одна. 

В то время как одиночество - состояние горькое, вынужденное. 

Один из участников поющего дуэта поделился, что услышал фразу математика, уроженца Донецка, живущего до начала войны в Москве: - мир в долгу передо мной. И эта эмоция показалась ему близкой, в моменты, когда он погружается в одиночество. А вот его друг возразил, что вообще-то, это он в долгу перед миром. И это выражение откликнулось уже мне.

Я чувствую, что в уединении, ищу время и способ объяснить себя миру. Написать, нарисовать, рассказать. Будто я в долгу перед ним. А вот когда меня настигает одиночество, то я как раз и хочу чтобы мир возместил мне свой долг. Одиночество в моем исполнении это обида. Очень деструктивное и высокомерное состояние. 

Вспомнила свой момент одиночества в Испании. 

Это был Старбакс в Барселоне. Зима, слякоть, у меня не ладилось на работе и вечером я бродила одна, зашла погреться. Делая заказ, как и принято, сказала свое имя чтобы карявым почерком его неправильно написали на бумажном стакане и… ко мне обернулась стоящая впереди в очереди испанка с ребенком. 

Она переспросила мое имя. Да-Ша по слогам произнесла я. В ответ испанка (каталанка, извиняюсь, жители Барсы заценили сейчас мой реверанс) показала на ребенка и тоже сказала Даша. А дальше прозвучала история о том, как маленькую Дашу в 4 года удочерили из детского дома в Украине и она совсем не знает ни украинского, ни русского. Но судя по улыбающейся мордахе, живет счастливым испанским детством.

Когда мы закончили разговор. Я взяла свой кофе с написанным без ошибок именем, уселась в кресло и поняла что я не одинока. Одинока была Даша, до четырех лет, а теперь у нее есть целый мир. И главное, Даша не высокомерна, а взаимна, чтобы объяснить себя миру она учит язык, какой? Да тот, на котором ее любят. А будет это украинский, русский, испанский, какая разница. 

Главное чтобы не язык высокомерной ненависти, а у него как известно ни алфавита, ни транскрипций, одни только пули и лагеря.

[thehearingvoicescaferiga]

The Hearing Voices Café Riga. September 14. Survival Kit 2022.

14.09 Loneliness.

The theme of the evening was loneliness. At the beginning of the evening, when the members were just getting together, I stood with two girls, and we began to gradually discuss the topic. First round of diving. It was very interesting that one of the participants, at the beginning, said that she did not feel lonely at all - “this is because I am a Catholic”, but she really likes to go somewhere in nature alone for a long time.

The second of the participants, said that she likes loneliness. She dives into herself, knows herself and becomes stronger. And at that moment, we were saying that very different things are “loneliness” and “solitude”. "Solitude" is a dialogue - with the world, with yourself, "loneliness" - a monologue - when you are not heard, or you do not want to hear.

As for my story, I shared my experience of transition from loneliness to solitude.

Living at home in Kyiv, I had many friends with whom we saw each other very often, spent time together, and communicated in reality. From the first days of the war, a rather large list of people dear to me was formed very quickly, with whom I contacted every half an hour / hour to check if everyone was alive. We can say that there was a lot of communication then. Then gradually the list began to decrease, as many began to leave the country. (They don't need to be checked. Besides, it's a bit difficult to communicate with a person who is already in a peaceful world and is trying to solve his primary needs).

When I arrived in Latvia, I did not know anyone. But I knocked on all the doors of opportunity and tried to do as much as possible of something. The citizens of Latvia very cordially opened their hearts to me and supported me. For me, this is incredibly valuable. When you feel like the world, through strangers, speaks to you and helps in the dark.

A month later, I had the resources of strength and opportunity to share something in return. But I saw that many wonderful people whom I met in my life here only wanted to help me as a refugee, but to receive something in return - they did not want to. Besides, “adult life”, if you want to meet friends, you have to make an appointment a month in advance. Therefore, communication remains very occasional.

At the same time, communication with friends who stayed at home also greatly decreased. This is because I often went to events in support of Ukrainians (concerts, performances, cinema, festivals, etc.), and when I shared my impressions with them, I often felt that they hadn’t the strength or time to be happy for me. Therefore, I continued to walk alone, in my soul having a great desire to share with someone, but gradually falling silent. (Already not even really wanting to meet someone at events to share emotions). I was feeling so lonely.

I remember the moment when I was talking to my boyfriend on a video-call, getting ready for a concert (trying to look amazing), and he asked: “Are you really going on your own?”, To which I answered him, “Latvia taught me to be alone.” - “Sounds very sad.” And I realized that I had stopped talking to the world, and as a result, I stopped hearing it.

That late evening, I was walking from a concert of a well-known band, screaming (as you can say "singing") in the forest, completely soaked, in the rain, in a black garbage bag (instead of a raincoat) and realized that I was incredibly happy at that moment. I feel good in my company. I'm not lonely, but I'm alone. The same feeling when I am painting in my studio in solitude. So, I realized that I can participate in a dialogue with the world without being tied to any specific people or places. I like to be open.

 Maria Zenkova

[thehearingvoicescaferiga]

The Hearing Voices Café Riga. September 7. Survival Kit 2022.

The first Hearing Voices Cafe gathering for members of Ukrainian Community in Riga took place on 7th of September, 2022.

 These gatherings are initiated and crafted by Ilze Dzenovska, professional in the art of peacebuilding and conflict resolution together with Ukrainian painter Maria Zenkova invited to collaborate by Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art.

Each evening Ilze and Maria is joined by an artist who shares with them a role of supporter and space holder at the same time fully participating and sharing their stories through the language of art. 

With deep respect and sensitivity to the diverse and uncertain reality experienced by Ukranian civilians residing in Latvia some willing and some very tiered or even resistant to identify with the label refugee, Ilze, Maria and singer Helena Kozlova explored how they can in the most authentic, collaborative way be present, share and hold a safe space, for the minds and hearts of Ukranians who are in need to restore and discover a new sense of community and belonging in this city so far from their homes, left unwillingly. 

 We all united around the theme intuition as we could recognize the ease and suffering linked with our personal trust and betrayal to this inner voice.  Exploring and observing  the presence of the inner voice that can guide us if we allow it, that can become very silent if we ignore it repeatedly and that can open and create connections and understandings beyond language and spoken words if we trust it has been a recent focus for singer Helēna Kozlova 

 Helēna Kozlova – composer, singer, multi-instrumentalist. Helena started her musical venture through underground movements at the age of 15. She has released many albums, you can get a glimpse of some of her work here: https://helenakozlova.bandcamp.com/, and if you enjoy gothic rock, here is a link to her older music: https://skumjuakmeni.bandcamp.com/.

 During the first evening stories were shared from and elderly couple who had just arrived to Riga a month ago, from students, mothers with children and local Latvians.  Every time when somebody was sharing a story of trusting their inner voice I could observe sparkles and softness in their eyes, vitality and relief in their voices. 

 Whether choosing to quit unwanted academic course, job, partner or following a new, unknown road intuition for the most was the loudest voice. Hence also this evening each of us could follow our own inner journey as the music and songs that were shared were without words in any particular language – those were deep and harmonious sounds and syllabus that provided a welcoming space for individual travels to places were each of our hearts knew we need to go.

 Ilze Dzenovska, September 18, 2022 

[thehearingvoicescaferiga]

Nakti Vajag Nokert!

The Night Must Fall

Hearing Voices Café Riga, Sept 7

[thehearingvoicescaferiga]

The Hearing Voices Café Riga opens on Wednesday 7 September as part of Survival Kit

[thehearingvoicescaferiga]

undefined

[thehearingvoicescaferiga]

The Hearing Voices Café Riga opened with 7. septembirs - Intuīcija, spēja pielīdzināties tai un noliegt to/ Intuition - the inner voice that you can listen to or silence. With Helēna Kozlova, singer.

In the picture, Ilze Dzenovska, gracious host of HVCRiga, and Maria Zenkova, gracious host as well; together with the singer Helēna Kozlova, and a beautiful dog.