Press & Video

MoJoW emancipates the dancer within with their mix of funkdafied beats, saucy sax, & positive message. Each year they are at the top of the list of MOST WANTED groups to return to our festival. Most telling to me was watching their stage performance last year, and taking note of all the accomplished musicians in the audience hanging on their every note."

John and Moriah-Melin Whoolilurie, aka Mojow and the Vibration Army, captured the rapt attention of our student body and faculty during their assembly at San Francisco University High School on Friday, April 22. Their program, an eclectic mix of musical styles from salsa to hip-hop to Tibetan throat-singing, was both entertaining and informative, using imaginative manipulation of acoustic and electronic instruments. John and Moriah-Melin also met with two music classes and clearly explained the complex techniques of their music, and expressed their inspiring beliefs in the power of music to change lives. By reflecting on the role music has played in his own life, John gave an optimistic message to students who find in a music a refuge from personal and academic pressures.
A musician of remarkable versatility, John played the sax, flute, electric guitar, keyboards, in addition to singing in a variety of styles and ranges, prompting one student ask, "Is there any instrument you don't play?" Moriah kept the energy high with musical support as well as her retro-style dancing and costume--a throwback to the style of Goldie Hawn in Laugh-In.
In addition to their fine showmanship, John and Moriah-Melin delivered a positive message that was age-appropriate and nonpartisan, expressing concerns for the environment, good citizenship, and optimism through the power of music. The performance ended with free improvisation with members of our Jazz Band, who joined them on the stage; the audience's deafening ovation was proof enough of its success. Our Dean of Students conveyed this response which she got from one student: "That was the coolest assembly--ever!"

To whom it may concern:


As the Assistant Head at The San Francisco School, it is my pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for John Whoolilurie of Mojow & the Vibration Army. John recently presented his "Use your Voice" demonstration/workshop to our school (pk – 8). The presentation covered world music vocal techniques (Tuvan throat singing, Indonesian kechak, and yodeling), along with an innovative "looping" activity where he encouraged the students to record their voices creating their own collaborative song. John also used his unique "looptility belt" to demonstrate the components of a song (rhythm, harmony, and melody) giving the students a basic music lesson in an appealing and fun way. It is safe to say that they students were captivated from start to finish!


Throughout his presentation, John maintained an underlying theme of respect, cooperation, and artistic empowerment. Those themes fall right in line with the values of our School, and it was wonderful to have a performance that our kids found cool and at the same time educational. Students hooted and hollered (respectfully) throughout John’s show and responded with thunderous applause when John’s performance ended. The students could also be seen humming/acting out some of his tunes in the days that followed his show.


We are in the process of inviting John back for an encore performance, and I have recommended his show to several other schools in the area. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions about his show.


Sincerely,
Steven Morris
Assistant Head
The San Francisco School
smorris@sfschool.org

To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to you in support of John Whoolilurie who worked for the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County's SPECTRA — Excellence in Arts Education program for 3 years. During that time, John presented musical performances with his band to students K-8.
John's demonstration covered a wide variety of musical styles from around the world, showcasing a wide variety of instruments, giving children a look at the diversity of music styles from this country and others. The children, and teachers, were entranced — they could hardly sit still in the face of all that dynamism, rhythm and soul stirring music!
Mr. Whoolilurie’s demeanor with the students was exceptional and the students responded with enthusiasm and interest. The presentation provided is, in my opinion, a valuable resource in teaching musical and artistic diversity, in a time when we are struggling to understand cultures different from our own. This exuberant display creates a link in understanding how people are different, yet essentially the same.

To Whom It May Concern:
In August 2006, I was the dean of Family Camp at deBenneville Pines, a conference center located in the San Bernardino Mountains, owned and operated by the Pacific Southwest District of the Unitarian-Universalist Association. One of my responsibilities was to plan all camp activities and night events. It was fortunate that Mojow and the Vibration Army were referred to me and I was able to schedule this musical duo to perform for the camp one evening.
From the beginning, John and Moriah-Melin were easy to work with. They listened to our planning committee’s needs and parameters and were willing to work with us to make the event happen. When they arrived at camp, they had to work with the space that we provided and improve the acoustics as much as possible. They were flexible and optimistic which made it easy to turn over the set up to them completely.
Their performance was a fun, family-oriented, musical event that many campers will not forget. John and Moriah-Melin demonstrated their musical talents through a diversity of styles and instruments. They involved the audience and encouraged a playfulness that was fun to watch. The children enjoyed getting on stage and making animal noises that were recorded and made into a new song within minutes. It was also great to see all ages up and dancing to the beat and rhythms of the various instruments.
If you have an event where you want music that promotes positive energy, thoughtful messages and enthusiastic participation, then I recommend contacting Mojow and the Vibration Army!