Friends, we have two bell festivals, one on change ringing and one on the carillon, coming up here in the month of May. First, the 6th Annual Illinois Tower Bell Bash will take place May 19-20. Ringers will gather to ring changes (what else?) at the Mitchell Tower at the University of Chicago on Saturday … Continue reading Two Chicago Bell Festivals in May
Plainfield United Methodist Church, Plainfield, IL
In the community of Plainfield, IL, just outside of Chicago, the Plainfield United Methodist Church expanded their historic chime into the fine carillon it is today. I’ve had the good fortune to visit this carillon a few times—to play and listen. Larry Stephens, parishioner and major donor for the instrument expansion, kindly showed us the … Continue reading Plainfield United Methodist Church, Plainfield, IL
A zvon can go just about anywhere
Gosh, I've always wondered what it would be like for a zvon to be played in a 19th-century rural American setting, haven't you? Russia meets the Wild West.
Guns into Bells
The Chicago-duo Wild Belle rallies around ending gun violence in Chicago in their 2016 song, "Throw Down your Guns." The video latches onto a potent cycle described elsewhere on this blog--guns are smelted down to create bells in peacetime, and vice versa in wartime. Kudos, Wild Belle!
Change Ringing Illinois Bell Bash
In Chicagoland for Memorial Day weekend? Itching to see some change ringing in action? Check out the fourth annual Illinois Bell Bash! Hosted by the University of Chicago Guild of Change Ringers on Saturday, May 28th, guests may see and hear the bells in Mitchell Tower. Public tours will leave at 1 and 3 p.m. … Continue reading Change Ringing Illinois Bell Bash
To David Bowie
Space Oddity on the Dom tower carillon in Utrecht, the Netherlands! Performed by Malgosia Fiebig.
With Bells On 