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Two ways Star Wars fans can celebrate May 4
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"Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills" is by Greg Rucka. - photo by Lottie Johnson
"May the fourth be with you."

What started out as a pun has evolved into a full-fledged celebration that is acknowledged worldwide on May 4.

While Star Wars fans most likely have their own traditions to commemorate this day, here are a couple options to make the celebration even better.

Fans that were captivated with the endearing Chirrut Imwe and his protector, Baze Malbus, in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" are in for a treat.

Chirrut, whose unwavering belief in the Force led him to bravely navigate through explosions, blast-fires and stormtroopers in spite of his blindness, was a true character of inspiration. His brotherhood with the rougher, doubting Baze was, for many, the comical and emotional highlight of the film.

Star Wars fans can read more about these two characters in author Greg Ruckas new middle grade adventure, "Guardian of the Whills." Readers will follow Chirrut and Baze on adventures that precede the events in the film.

An excerpt from the book is available at ew.com.

Star Wars fans can also join TBS in celebrating May 4. The channel is airing the first six Star Wars movies to commemorate the day. View the schedule at the Huffington Post.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Street musician killing it on clarinet

She must have lungs of iron! Its inspiring hearing the upper registers being played so well.

Posted by Clarinet Life on Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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