Friends of Tuva
Friends of Tuva (FoT) was conceived by accident in 1981 to commemorate Tuva's 60th anniversary as a distinctive splotch on the world globe. Because FoT is a brainchild of Ralph Leighton, it is impossible that it could even resemble an organization. Rather, it has been a clearinghouse of information about Tuva and its "patron saint," Richard Feynman, who collected Tuvan stamps as a boy — and as an adult wondered,
"Whatever happened
to
Tannu Tuva?"
FoT is unfunded and so has no affiliation with any government or religious institution. As there are no dues, meetings, or even a membership list, those who would like to consider themselves as Friends of Tuva should simply spread the word about this magical country, and celebrate Richard Feynman's spirit of adventure.
NEWS
June 18, 2014: On the night before his return to Tuva after riding in the Rose Parade in 2013, Kongar-ol Ondar recorded some tracks impromptu for Dirtwire artists Evan Fraser and David Satori, who are big Ondar / Tuva fans.
The result can be heard at https://dirtwireondar.bandcamp.com/album/ondar-ep
You can find more of Ondar's music, along with recordings of the godfather of the Tuva adventure, Richard Feynman, at http://kongar-olondar.bandcamp.com
The remixes of Dirtwire might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I like them a lot -- and I know Ondar was always keen to expand the horizons of his artistry and the reach of Tuvan music (witness Genghis Blues and Back TUVA Future), so I'm sure he would have enjoyed this EP.
What a tragedy that Ondar left us so soon -- he had so much energy, it seems his body couldn't hold it!
Tuvanly yours,
RL
