The Snake Charmer
Kim Maerkl, Calvin E. Burke, Atlantic Crossing Records
Audible Audiobook
(Atlantic Crossing Records, Jan. 18, 2017)
The Snake Charmer explores a very special moment in India's history through words and music. It is the year 1607 in Agra, India. Shiba, the snake charmer, lives in a grass-roofed hut with his mother and his cobra Bonji. One day, as Empress Mumtaz Mahal is strolling through the marketplace of Agra, she is captivated by Shiba's performance and invites him to play at the palace. His success arouses the jealousy of another artist endangering Shiba's life. Kim Maerkl's original music for clarinet, guitar, and tabla reflects the passion of the snake charmer and the vibrancy of India. The trios energetic playing combines with Calvin E. Burke's dynamic storytelling to enchant listeners of all ages. Author biography: Kim Maerkl was born in 1961 in Cleveland, Ohio. She is an author, composer, and producer. Her works have been performed in concert halls and theaters throughout Europe and released by publishers in America, Germany and Switzerland. She is a Fulbright scholar. Narrator biography: Calvin E. Burke is an actor, singer, film producer, screenwriter, and director. He has appeared in theater productions, television series, feature films, musicals, and international films. Since the beginning of his artistic career, he has starred in more than 100 stage and screen productions. youtube.com/watch?v=vvLwbXcklrQ&feature=youtu.be