Winter is a magical season, filled with frosty air and shimmering snowflakes. During this time, many people embrace the coziness and mystery of the season by incorporating witchy elements into their wardrobes. The term "witchy winter" refers to a style that combines witchy aesthetics with winter fashion. This trend has gained popularity among individuals who are drawn to the enchanting and mystical aspects of witchcraft. Witchy winter fashion often incorporates dark colors such as black, deep purples, and rich burgundy. These hues are reminiscent of the night sky and create a mysterious and captivating look.
The Negro Music Festival had little direct impact on the patterns and practices of segregation that encumbered the daily lives of black St. Louisans. The event did demonstrate, however, that St. Louis’s major political and cultural institutions were increasingly open to celebrating African American music. Mayor of St. Louis Aloys P. Kaufmann officially proclaimed the week of July 10, 1944 “American Negro Music Appreciation Week” and attended the festival along with former mayor Bernard F. Dickmann. 14
A[loys] P. Kaufmann, “A Proclamation,” St. Louis Argus, July 7, 1944. Before Handy’s performance, Edwin B. Meissner, chairman of the St. Louis Race Relations Committee, presented the composer with “a scroll honoring his contribution to modern music.” 15 Although a cynical appraisal might suggest that the festival was intended primarily to defuse racial tensions that might interfere with the United States’ war efforts, it also led some white St. Louisans to reflect on the history of racial injustice that informed Handy’s music. Kuhl of the Star-Times, for example, wrote that St. Louis Blues evoked “three hundred years of oppression, discrimination, prejudice, as well, if you listened closely, for that’s what made the blues.” 16 The Argus expressed optimism, writing that “the great and near great of both races, plus thousands of music lovers, and patriotic citizens were gathered together under the open sky…at one of the most stupendous spectacles of good-will that St. Louis has yet witnessed.” 17
After the festival, the venerable musician was whisked away to the Riviera Club, one of the city s premier black nightclubs, where others were waiting to pay him homage at a fête arranged by club owner Jordan W. 6 Representing the operatic tradition were baritone Richard Bonelli of New York s Metropolitan Opera, soprano Lillian Evanti of the National Negro Opera Company, and the black Canadian contralto Portia White, who also performed spirituals.
These hues are reminiscent of the night sky and create a mysterious and captivating look. Flowing dresses and skirts with lace detailing are also common in witchy winter outfits, as they add an ethereal touch. Accessories are an important part of witchy winter fashion.
Copeland, Magic Slim Lead W.C. Handy Nominees
Sporting five nominations each, Shemekia Copeland and Magic Slim lead the field for the Blues Foundation’s 24th annual W.C. Handy Blues Awards. Fellow veterans Solomon Burke, W.C. Clark, and Charlie Musselwhite each earned four nominations.
Copeland, who is the daughter of legendary blues guitarist Johnny Copeland, is up for entertainer and traditional blues female artist of the year, while her Dr. John-produced Alligator album “Talk to Strangers,” is up for blues album of the year and contemporary blues album of the year. The Shemekia Copeland Band is also up for the blues band of the year honor.
Chicago blues traditionalist Magic Slim pulled in nominations for entertainer, male artist, and guitarist of the year. Along with his band the Teardrops, he also received mentions in the traditional blues album category for his Blind Pig album “Blue Magic,” and in the blues band of the year column.
Bob Dylan received his first W.C. Handy nomination, which came in the song of the year category for “Stepchild,” his contribution to Burke’s Fat Possum album “Don’t Give Up on Me. The set, which also features tracks written by Elvis Costello and Van Morrison, among others, is up for blues album and soul/blues album of the year.
The Handy Awards will be held May 22 at the Orpheum Theater in Memphis. Like in previous years, the Gibson Musical Instruments-sponsored event will be taped for later broadcast on public television. The show will kick off the city’s Handy Weekend of events, which include a music festival, a blues film festival, and a children’s festival.
Click here to view the full list of nominees.
W.C. Handy (1873-1958) was an influential trumpeter, bandleader, and composer renowned as “the Father of the Blues.” While his song St. Louis Blues significantly influenced the development of American popular music, the city of St. Louis also had a profound effect on the composer himself. During the Panic of 1893, Handy tried his luck as a musician in the city but was able to find only “temporary pickup work as a stevedore unloading riverboats.” 1 Handy later told an interviewer that during this time he “slept on levee cobblestones by night and fought hunger by day.” He added that “the nearest thing to ‘a break’ in those days happened when he stood on Eads Bridge, threw his lice-infested shirt in the river, and then received the price of a meal and bed from an observer who thought the shirt-doffing scene was a prelude to suicide.” Handy claimed that St. Louis Blues was inspired when he overheard a St. Louis woman who “tried to drown heartbreak in a bottle. She wandered the streets sobbing, ‘Ma man’s got a heart like a rock cast in de sea.’ So that went into the song.” 2 Although this sounds like a romanticized telling of Handy’s early life, it reveals St. Louis’s importance to his public image.
Many people opt for wide-brimmed hats, adorned with feathers or ribbons, to add a witchy flair. Scarves made from soft fabrics like velvet or cashmere are another popular choice, as they provide warmth while also adding a touch of luxury. A key element of witchy winter fashion is layering. Long flowing coats in dark colors are a must-have, as they create a dramatic silhouette and protect against the cold. These coats can be adorned with velvet or lace detailing to further enhance the witchy aesthetic. To complete the witchy winter look, many individuals incorporate statement jewelry into their outfits. Chunky rings with mystical symbols, such as pentagrams or moons, are often worn alongside long necklaces with crystal pendants. These accessories add a touch of magic and individuality to the overall look. Overall, witchy winter fashion allows individuals to embrace their inner witch and add a touch of enchantment to their winter wardrobe. By incorporating dark colors, flowing fabrics, and mystical accessories, one can create a captivating and ethereal look that is perfect for the winter season..
Reviews for "Witchy winter coats for the modern witch"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Witchy Winter Coa6". The storyline felt disjointed, and the characters lacked depth. The writing style also left much to be desired, as it felt rushed and lacked proper development. Overall, I found the book to be a letdown and not worth the hype.
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3. Megan - 2 stars - "Witchy Winter Coa6" was not my cup of tea. The writing style was difficult to follow, with confusing sentence structure and a lack of clear descriptions. The worldbuilding was also lacking, leaving me feeling disconnected from the story. I couldn't fully immerse myself in the book, and as a result, I found it difficult to enjoy.