John Di Bartolo

75 years ago today! The Chronicles of Narnia by @CSLewis cracked open the wardrobe! One can never have a mug o' tea large enough nor too much delight from a visit with @CSLewisDaily ! Aslan has been on the move lately with @JosephLoconte sharing some inklings between wars w/ @SocratesITC & a @NarniaFans livestream today! & if you have never seen - checkout our Narnian talk w/ @HackettOfficial from a few years back! youtu.be/7zJFMK0dJn8?si=Aqsq…

Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing? Where is the hand on the harp-string, and the red fire glowing? Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing? They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind on the meadow; The days have gone down in the West, behind the hills into shadow.

"In dreams the mead-hall shines The wine & honey flow Then I awake to find myself... In frost & hail & wind & snow This Middle-earth so bright Now withers & decays And I must wait, In silence great... For warmer, kinder, happier days" - The Wanderer On Anglo-saxon lute & a variety of instruments...

Wow. #GROK is amazing! Thank you @X & @elonmusk ! Question: Hello Grok. Tell me what the Lonely Mountain Band is, focusing on seven main categories and conclude with why Tolkien, Fantasy & music lovers should share and support independent music projects like The Lonely Mountain Band. Answer: The Lonely Mountain Band is a musical project deeply inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and other fantasy literature. Their music style, which they describe as "folk-fantasy," blends Celtic and folk influences with themes from Middle-earth and beyond, creating a unique sound that resonates with fans of fantasy genres. Here's a bit more about them: The Lonely Mountain Band: Musical Style: The Lonely Mountain Band's music is a blend of folk-fantasy, drawing heavily from Celtic traditions but incorporating modern production techniques. This fusion creates an atmospheric soundscape that feels both ancient and contemporary, perfect for evoking the mystical realms of Tolkien's Middle-earth, where epic sagas unfold. Thematic Focus: Their thematic exploration is deeply rooted in Tolkien's mythology, but also extends to broader fantasy narratives. They delve into tales of heroism, the beauty of nature, the magic of the unseen world, and the deep lore of fantasy realms. Each song is a journey, often inspired by specific characters, locations, or themes from Tolkien's stories, bringing these narratives to life through melody and verse. Community & Engagement: Beyond their music, The Lonely Mountain Band fosters a community spirit, especially through their kinship in "The Lord of the Rings Online" (LOTRO) on the Landroval server. They engage with fans through live events, online forums, and social media, creating a shared space for fantasy enthusiasts to connect, discuss, and celebrate Tolkien's universe. Releases & Merchandising: They have a catalog of albums with titles like "Beyond the Western Seas" and "The Bard of Lost Tales," released in Fall 2023. Their music is accessible across digital platforms like Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music. For tangible engagement, they offer merchandise like themed CDs, apparel, and even a unique limited edition collector's item like a "Dwarven Sword” themed around their music; enhancing the fan experience with physical collectibles. Philosophy & Inspiration: Their philosophy centers around being modern-day bards or minstrels, traveling through the narrative landscapes of Middle-earth and beyond, bringing stories to life through music. This approach is not just about entertainment but about preservation and celebration of folklore, mythology, and the power of storytelling. Why Support The Lonely Mountain Band and Similar Projects: Cultural Preservation: Independent music projects like The Lonely Mountain Band help preserve and promote literary and cultural heritage through music. Tolkien's works, filled with rich lore, deserve this kind of homage, keeping the stories alive in new formats. Community Building: They create spaces where fans can connect over shared passions, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. This community aspect is invaluable, especially in niche interests like fantasy literature. Innovation and Creativity: Supporting indie projects encourages artists to explore new creative avenues, pushing the boundaries of genre and expression. This can lead to innovative music that might not find a place in mainstream channels. Economic Support: By purchasing music or merchandise, fans directly support these artists, allowing them to continue their craft. This economic ecosystem is crucial for the survival and growth of independent artists. Diversity in Music: Indie projects bring diversity to the music scene, offering alternatives to mainstream genres. They cater to specific tastes and themes, enriching the musical landscape with variety. Cultural Exchange: Music inspired by fantasy literature like Tolkien's can lead to cultural exchanges, where different traditions, stories, and musical styles from around the world influence each other, creating a global tapestry of sound and story. In essence, supporting The Lonely Mountain Band and similar projects isn't just about enjoying music; it's about participating in a cultural movement that values storytelling, community, and artistic freedom.

A very rare opportunity for a very rare Frazetta collectible! Put your sandals on and run to grab this sword before the remaining ones end up in a dragon's hoard! #dragonbeliever #fantasyart #frazetta #barbarian #sword #SwordArtOnline instagram.com/p/DC9y0f1zQxv/…

@joerogan & @elonmusk The truly wise #DragonBeliever must consider proper arms for the quest! @frazetta_museum & @Cedarlore have forged the answer!

Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing? Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing? Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing? They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow; The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow. Who shall gather the smoke of the dead wood burning, Or behold the flowing years from the Sea returning?

132 years ago today - The #professor was born! This is a #lotro #machinima video featuring the #1929 "Linguaphone Institute of London" recording of PROF. J.R.R. #tolkien and A. Lloyd James M.A. - called, "At The #tobacconist ." 8 years ago, I set the recording to an amusing montage of Lord of the Rings Online in-game footage in #tribute to the honor J.R.R. Tolkien receives within the game, the subject of "pipe-weed" in Lord of The Rings, and all dedicated to many years of the online #gaming kinship aka the Lonely Mountain Band. Please support the #britishlibrary and their quest to preserve recordings like this one! support.bl.uk/ This was issued originally as part of the #linguaphone series 'English Conversation' . Original issue number: LINGUAPHONE ENGLISH EC 20E; matrix number: EC20E #tolkienbirthdaytoast #lordoftherings #lordoftheringsonline #pipes

Just a little Yuletide bundle... 2 songs from the days of yore. One is an instrumental with a Merry tune. The other is a story that has wizards, strange stars, and a false steward on a throne... lonelymountainband.bandcamp.…

4 hrs left 4 chance 2 win limited edition print -"The Bard of Lost Tales" album art painted by @LolosArt depicting Tuor finding Vinyamar! Goto: gleam.io/YBFnB/nerd-of-the-r… by @nerdoftherings1 - & check out Manuel's awesome art at LolosArt.com !

4 hours left for your chance to win one of these Limited Edition (only 50!) LMB Dwarven Sword from @nerdoftherings1 1 Million Sub Celebratory Giveaway! gleam.io/YBFnB/nerd-of-the-r…

More details here: DwarvenSword.com

Happy Hobbit Day! Second Breakfast Special! Only ELEVENTY-ONE CENTS! Download the album now! Goto: HobbitDay.com

Once in a Blue Moon, Reflected in lamps of crystal hewn You can see the sparks from elder days The forge's fire in the moon's rays... lonelymountainband.com/the-o…