Ten concerts I'm glad I didn't miss in 2010

2010 was a great year for live music - if you are interested in smaller theaters and independent artists. For big acts it was a year to forget, with ticket sales down and and the industry's unsustainable practices finally catching up with them. Here are the concerts that highlighted my year - I fell in love with music all over again at each one. I post them here to celebrate the amazing work of these musicians and to encourage YOU to get out there and hear live music. There is an amazing scene out there right now if you know where to look.


10) ftet, the "Chris Klaxton farewell show" at The Press Room, Portsmouth, NH - This fall the Portsmouth music scene lost one of its budding icons to a Masters Degree program in Miami. Chris Klaxton had become such an integral part of our local music that his departure was met with disbelief as well as a cover story in Spotlight Magazine. Keeping my fingers crossed that he gets that degree finished quickly and comes home, but wishing him much success wherever he lands. Mike Effenberger's ftet featured Klaxton on trumpet, Matt Langley on sax, Jim Rudolf on drums and Effenberger on organ. A great jazz combo playing tunes from the newest American songbook - Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Nirvana and more.

9) The Monterrey Jazz All-Stars featuring Regina Carter, Kurt Elling and Russell Malone at The Music Hall, Portsmouth, NH - The Music Hall continues to be a focal point in Portsmouth by bringing amazing artists to town week after week and 2010 was no exception. A highlight of the evening was when most of the band left the stage to let Regina Carter and Russell Malone do their thing. Playful, joyous, and communicative on so many levels.

8) fiveighthirteen with The Attic Bits at The Barley Pub, Dover, NH - The trio of Phaneuf, Effenberger and Walsh delivered a stellar performance of their long awaited release, GLACIAL, which was no surprise. What was unexpected was the amazingly creative 8-bit sounds of The Attic Bits. I never thought I could enjoy the sounds of a vintage Gameboy so thoroughly.


7) Ron Carter with Russell Malone at The Blue Note, NYC - Our first time at The Blue Note, with the legendary Ron Carter leading the drumless trio. Mulgrew Miller was supposed to be on the bill, but for some reason was replaced by Renee Rosnes. Short set, but oh so sweet. They performed the best rendition of My Funny Valentine I've ever heard. Anyone who can make that tune sound new blows my mind.

6) Herbie Hancock at The Music Hall, Portsmouth, NH - With Vinnie Colaiuta on drums and Tal Wilkenfeld on bass, this was one great show.

5) Buika at The Music Hall, Portsmouth, NH - Ever go to a show not knowing anything about the artist? And then they floor you? That sums it up. Great band, amazing singing by Buika whose distinctive voice and style capture you from the first note. Jazzy, bluesy and lots of soul. Another reason to love The Music Hall.

4) Dan Blakeslee, Tatnic Tales CD Release Party at The Press Room, Portsmouth, NH - Tatnic Tales is without a doubt one of the jewels of 2010. And a fantastic live show bringing it to life with Dan, Nick Phaneuf on bass and Jim Rudolf on drums.

3) David Binney with Brian Blade at Joe's Pub, NYC - Indie jazz? That's the scene these guys are making. We were up close an personal at this show...so close I could reach out and touch Binney, though that would've been creepy. Blade stole the show, which was hard to do since the whole band was on fire. Great, great jazz, but another case of NYC shows being way too short. Can't wait to catch Binney again. We'll be seeing Blade again in just a few months with Wayne Shorter. Looking forward to that.

2) Tegan and Sara at The Orpheum, Boston - I've been in love with their music since I first heard The Con in 2007. Sainthood continues in that tradition and the show, before about 3,000 adoring fans, was remarkably intimate. Especially considering their electronic, 80's style songwriting. So many musicians could learn a lot about connecting with an audience from these two.

1) The Dresden Dolls 10th Anniversary Reunion Show, night one, at The Wilbur Theatre, Boston - And speaking of connection with the audience, Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione are the masters of rock intimacy. The first night of their 2-night reunion show in Boston featured a complete performance of thier first studio release, the self-titled Dresden Dolls as well as some great covers and songs from their other two albums. We went to both shows, but night one stood out as being quite remarkable. Not much else I could say that I haven't already said about the wonder duo. Could a new album be in their future. Let's hold hands and pray...please!

HONORABLE MENTION:
Elsa Cross at The Press Room, Portsmouth, NH


Spinal Tarp II at The Barley Pub, Dover, NH


Robert Gerry Trio at The Barley Pub, Dover, NH


Jerry Bergonzi and Phil Grenadier with the Ryan Parker Trio at The Press Room, Portsmouth, NH


Rush at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT

Fall 2010 Music Department Workshops

Below is detailed information pertaining to the upcoming Departmental Workshops. This is PMAC's seventh year of providing workshops for private lesson students. It is one of the advantages of studying at a community school and designed to be fun and informative for all students. PMAC lesson students can register for a workshop online by clicking here. Also check out my May 2005 Blog Post: The Value of Departmental Workshops.

MUSIC DEPARTMENTAL WORKSHOPS:
November 21 - 23, 2010

What are Departmental Workshops? Departmental Workshops are master classes for all private music lesson students who study at PMAC. These workshops are presented by our faculty and focus on musicianship, performance techniques, music equipment and repertoire.

Why do I have to attend? As a private music lesson student, workshop attendance is mandatory. This is an opportunity to work with different teachers, meet students with similar interests and learn something new. There are no lessons the week of Departmental Workshops to give everyone time to attend.

When are the Workshops? The dates are the workshops are June 1-5, 2010. Please note the following: We’ve added two Friday workshops and a Saturday workshop to accommodate 5th grade students who will be attending Environmental Camp this week and the Adult Workshop will be on Tuesday evening.

Where are they located? All Workshops take place in our PMAC Recital Hall.

How do I sign-up? Please talk to your instructor directly to get their recommendation for the best workshop for your ability. All workshops are limited to 25 participants – no exceptions! – so be sure to sign up early to get the class of your choice. If you have any questions, please call the PMAC Office at 431-4278, register for a workshop online at www.pmaconline.org or e-mail Katie at katie@pmaconline.org.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2010
2:30 - 4:00pm: Time-Feel Listening Workshop (for youth students of all levels/instruments)

In this workshop we will deal with listening for time-feel: pocket, vibe, energy, color, etc. These ideas are a vital part of the way that musicians approach the relative evenness or un-evenness of tempo to suit the music being expressed. We will listen to music ranging from hip-hop to rock to electronic music to jazz to early/classical music. We will also make time at the end of this workshop for students to provide feedback about PMAC, its programs and facility. Workshop Teaching Team: Mike Effenberger and Nick Phaneuf

7:00 - 8:30pm: Adult Student Workshop: You’ve Got Rhythm (Who Could Ask for Anything More?)
Rhythm is one of the core elements of Western music and can transcend style and genre. This workshop explores beginner to advanced concepts in rhythm, providing a starting point for further study in your lessons. What are some strategies for learning to read rhythms fluently? How do improvisers use rhythm to structure a solo? What is a non-retrogradable rhythm? How can subdividing time help us understand complex rhythms? These questions and more will be addressed as we examine rhythm as it applies to classical, jazz, swing, blues, rock, pop music and more. Bring your instruments (we’ll all play some rhythms), your hands (we’ll all clap some rhythms), your feet (we’ll tap...), and your mouths (we’ll speak, sing and ask questions). Workshop Teaching Team: Russ Grazier, Katie Papini Backus and Judy McCann

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2010
3:30 - 4:30pm: Young Student Workshop (for students age 9 and under, all levels/instruments)
How many notes does it take you to Name That Tune? Do you hear what she hears when you play Music In Your Head? Can you shape the music when you Conduct a Cacophony, Come join in all of the fun and games with music at the Young Student Workshop! Workshop Teaching Team: Bryan Bergeron-Killough and Ginna Macdonald

4:45-5:45pm: Guitar Effects (for youth guitar studentsof all levels)
We will discuss the tools and methods available to sculpt, shape and mangle the sounds of one’s instrument. Workshop Teaching Team: Nick Phaneuf, Carlos Sabina, Bryan Bergeron-Killough and Jim Dozet

6:00-7:00pm: “Blue Monk” (intermediate/advanced students, ages 12-18. Piano, Guitar, Drums, Bass, Brass, Woodwinds & Strings)
In this workshop we’ll be exploring Thelonious Monk’s “Blue Monk” and discuss different approaches on improvising with it. It is recommended that the attending students listen to at least one recorded version of the tune via iTunes, youtube, record, CD, wax cylinder, etc. Workshop Teaching Team: Mike Effenberger, Jeff Auger, Mike Walsh, Nick Phaneuf and Bryan Bergeron-Killough

7:15-8:15pm: Percussion/Drums Workshop (for youth drum students of all levels)
Most drum students are familiar with such drumming greats such as Neil Pert, Buddy Rich, John Bohnam, and Travis Barker, but are you familiar with Tony Williams, Max Roach, Steve Gadd, or Jimmy Chamberlin? These are some of the drummers we will be listening to and discussing why they are important drummers. Jim and I will also demonstrate and explain some of their classic grooves and fills that made them famous. Workshop Teaching Team: Mike Walsh and Jim Rudolf

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2010
3:30-4:30pm: String Workshop - Making Sounds With and Without the Bow (for youth string students of all levels)
We will review all of the parts of your instruments and their roles in creating sound. Then we will learn the different ways we create sound other than with the bow and try them out on your instrument. Workshop Teaching Team: Katie Papini Backus, Diane Tiezzi and Adam MacDougall

4:45-5:45pm: Pedaling Techniques for Pianists (for youth piano students of all levels)
This workshop will explore the three foot pedals, including how and when they are used, the history of their development, and especially learning and improving pedaling techniques. It is appropriate both for curious beginners who may never have used any of the pedals, and advanced students looking to add more expressiveness and excitement to their piano playing. Workshop Teaching Team: Adam MacDougall, Heather Bissell and Nicole Hajj

6:00-7:00pm: Vocal Performance (for youth voice students of all levels)
Bring a song you've been working on to share with the group. A great opportunity to prepare for an upcoming recital and to sing in a fun, friendly setting. THIS IS NOT A RECITAL! This is an opportunity for students to try out different approaches to their singing in front of others in a non-performance setting. Workshop Teaching Team: Nicole Hajj, Judy McCann, Adam MacDougall

QUESTIONS? Please call us at PMAC at 603-431-4278 or e-mail katie@pmaconline.org

Spring 2010 Deptartmental Workshops

Below is detailed information pertaining to the upcoming Departmental Workshops. This is PMAC's sixth year of providing workshops for private lesson students. It is one of the advantages of studying at a community school and designed to be fun and informative for all students. Also check out my May 2005 Blog Post: The Value of Departmental Workshops.

MUSIC DEPARTMENTAL WORKSHOPS:

June 1 - 5, 2010

What are Departmental Workshops? Departmental Workshops are master classes for all private music lesson students who study at PMAC. These workshops are presented by our faculty and focus on musicianship, performance techniques, music equipment and repertoire.

Why do I have to attend? As a private music lesson student, workshop attendance is mandatory. This is an opportunity to work with different teachers, meet students with similar interests and learn something new. There are no lessons the week of Departmental Workshops to give everyone time to attend.

When are the Workshops? The dates are the workshops are June 1-5, 2010. Please note the following: We’ve added two Friday workshops and a Saturday workshop to accommodate 5th grade students who will be attending Environmental Camp this week and the Adult Workshop will be on Tuesday evening.

Where are they located? All Workshops take place in our PMAC Recital Hall.

How do I sign-up? Please talk to your instructor directly to get their recommendation for the best workshop for your ability. All workshops are limited to 25 participants – no exceptions! – so be sure to sign up early to get the class of your choice. If you have any questions, please call the PMAC Office at 431-4278, register online at www.pmaconline.org or e-mail Katie at katie@pmaconline.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2010

3:30-4:30pm: Vocal Workshop (for any youth voice student) – Bring a song you've been working on to share with the group. A great opportunity to prepare for an upcoming recital and to sing in a fun, friendly setting. THIS IS NOT A RECITAL! This is an opportunity for students to try out different approaches to their singing in front of others in a non-performance setting. - Workshop Leader: Nicole Hajj; Supporting Teachers: Judy McCann, Margo Nothnagel

5:00-6:00pm: Listening Workshop – Covers and Transcriptions (for any student ages 9 to 18) – What is the difference between a cover song and a music transcription? How do these re-workings of music compare to the originals? Come find out in this fun listening session! - Workshop Leader: Adam MacDougall; Supporting Teacher: Nick Phaneuf

7:00-9:00pm: Adult Workshop (for all adult students (ages 21+) – ALL adult private lesson students are asked to attend this important session where we get the opportunity to play our pieces for each other, discuss the unique challenges and joys of learning music as an adult, and partake in wonderful food and libations! - Workshop Leader: Russ Grazier; Supporting Teachers: Adam MacDougall, Mark Zielinski

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010

3:30-4:30pm: Young Student Workshop (for students ages 8 and younger) – Designed for our youngest lesson students, this workshop encourages joy and fun in music making. - Workshop Leader: Virginia Macdonald; Supporting Teacher: Nicole Hajj

4:45-5:45pm: Violin Workshop: Ensemble Playing (for any violin student) – Play violin in a large group with other violin students. Diane Tiezzi will provide music to prepare - pick up in the PMAC office prior to the workshop! Workshop Leader: Diane Tiezzi; Supporting Teacher: Katie Backus

6-7pm: Guitar Workshop: Capos (for any guitar student) – Learn about the capo or more formally "capo tasto," a clamp-like device used on the neck of a guitar or other string instrument to shorten the strings and raise pitch. The capo has a long history and many practical uses! - Workshop Leader: Bryan Bergeron-Killough Supporting Teachers: Nick Phaneuf, Carlos Sabina

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2010

3:30-4:30pm: Listening Workshop: JAZZ (for all youth students) – Jazz has a rich history as America's true art form. Come spend an hour with Mike Effenberger and learn about the amazing world of jazz music through many exciting recordings. - Workshop Leader: Mike Effenberger; Supporting Teacher: Chris Klaxton

***Just Added!*** 5-6pm: Young Student Workshop (for students ages 8 and younger) – Designed for our youngest lesson students, this workshop encourages joy and fun in music making. - Workshop Leader: Virginia Macdonald; Supporting Teacher: TBA
FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2010

3:30-4:30pm: Percussion Workshop: Drum Set Jam (for all youth drum students) – What happens when we set up five drum sets in one room and unleash a bunch of drum students? You'll only know if you come play. - Workshop Leader: Mike Walsh; Supporting Teacher: Mike Effenberger

4:45-5:45pm: How Scales Work (for any youth student) – Many of us practice scales on our instruments, but do you know how they work? Do you know how many scales exist? Going far beyond major and minor, we'll learn why E-sharp is NOT an F and how you can make amazing music with wild scale creations. Workshop Leader: Russ Grazier; Supporting Teacher: Bryan Killough

SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2010

11:00am-12:00pm: Play the Blues (for all youth instrumentalists) – Join our faculty as we explore playing the blues. One of America's richest musical idioms, it is important for all young musicians to have a basic understanding of the blues. In this special workshop we'll play as a group - bring your instrument! Everyone will get a chance to join in and play. Even if you've never played the blues or improvised before, this workshop is a great way to start! - Workshop Leader: Matt Langley; Supporting Teachers: Nate Therrien, Mike Walsh, Jeff Auger

QUESTIONS? Please call us at PMAC at 603-431-4278 or e-mail katie@pmaconline.org

The Internet as a Music Resource

PMAC is about to launch a new blog - "Living Composer of the Month." It will be an educational resource, providing information about composers who are actively writing music today. I believe it is vitally important that our young music students, particularly classical and jazz students, understand that there is a thriving world of new music. Even our rock students sometimes get caught up playing the music of The Beatles, Led Zepplin and Cream - though they tend to be much more in touch with the music of the moment.

There is great music being written TODAY. Even though we cherish and continue to perform Beethoven, Ellington, Bach, Coltrane, and Mozart, there are wonderful composers living among us who are writing music that young musicians should be learning to play and programming on their concerts.

Our first "Living Composer of the Month" is a wonderful example of how the internet can be used to learn about today's music. Information about her music appears all over the net. There are wonderful interviews with her on YouTube and you can even stream complete recordings of some of her major compositions - without paying a penny. Of course, you can also buy her music on iTunes, or on CD from any music store (online or otherwise). You can also purchase her actual music (scores and parts) on the internet and learn to play it yourself. If you want to hear her music live, there are many resources for finding her concerts and purchasing tickets. And, through the wonders of the internet, I was able to interview her via e-mail - she doesn't live in this part of the world, yet communicating with her was remarkably easy.

I am hoping that this new project will be embraced by our students and reach an even larger audience. It is important that musicians champion the music of their time. Check back later this week - I will provide the link to the new blog. And then on May 1st we'll unveil our first Living Composer of the Month. I hope you'll come along for the ride.

FriPod

Today's random playlist, with some notes.

1. Victory at Sea (Richard Rodgers) The Portsmouth New Horizons Band "Concert of Thanksgiving 2008" - This has never happened before, but I hit shuffle and the first recording to pop up is a PMAC student performance. One of our clarinet players recently asked me to put this arrangement back into our repertoire for this summer. Listening to it both reminds me how much rehearsal it takes to put it together, and how much fun it is to play. We might just have to bring this one out of the library again soon.

2. The Larger Bowl Rush "Snakes and Arrows Live" - My two sons are huge Rush fans, thus the presence of about a dozen Rush albums in my iTunes catalog. Do have to admit that taking the boys to see them in concert in 2008 was fun.

3. Off the Wall Michael Jackson "The Essential Michael Jackson" - Katie picked this one up last summer after his untimely passing. The title track from his pre-Thriller masterpiece. It can be hard to remember back to pre-scandal, even pre-Thriller Michael, but if you can ignore all the baggage, you can still groove to the self-proclaimed "King of Pop" who I think would have been better crowned the "King of Soul," as clearly evidenced in this track.

4. You Dress Up For Armageddon, I Dress For Summer The Hives "The Black and White Album" - Reminiscent of the punk-pop anthems of the early 1980s, I've never thought of The Hives as a terribly original band. But they can provide some great background music for a summer party. I'd sooner listen to the Arctic Monkeys any day.

5. Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) The Jacksons "The Essential Michael Jackson" - Guess it's going to be one of those FriPods. Alright, I admit it. I hit the advance button as soon as this came on.

6. Piano Sonata No. 3 in F-sharp minor, Op. 23 - Andante (Third Movement) (Scriabin) Evgeny Kissin "Scriabin: Sonata No. 3, 5 Preludes; Medtner: Sonata Reminiscenza; Stravinsky: Three Movements from Pétrouchka" - Finally, something to really share! If you do not know Scriabin, listen to some of his piano music ASAP. This gorgeous recording is a great place to start - with the bonus of Stravinsky.

7. La la La the bird and the bee "the bird and the bee" - Another recommendation. Some of the more catchy pop out there right now with just the right amount of saccharine. Fun - but some explicit lyrics (not on this tune).

8. Perdido de Amor Luiz Bonfá "In the Mind of Jamie Cullum" - From an intriguing compilation album put together by jazz hipster Jamie Cullum. Beautiful piece. I might need to go out and find some more Bonfá. Cullum has achieved his goal.

9. I'm Shipping Up To Boston Dropkick Murphys "The Warrior's Code" - Love it. Dropkick at their best. Al Barr told me the story behind the discovery of this tune after a clinic he did with the youth rock bands at PMAC. Ask him about it the next time you run into him at Cafe Kilim.

10. Hook Blues Traveler "four" - From the definitive Blues Traveler album. Reminds me of Cat Stevens, in a really good way.

Well, that's what you sometimes get when you hit shuffle. The Scriabin alone makes it worth hitting "publish." Enjoy your weekend and I hope to see you tonight at PMAC's Spring Fever for the Arts!

Spring Fever for the Arts is tomorrow night!!!

It finally arrives tomorrow night: PMAC's Third Annual "Spring Fever for the Arts."

This is an amazing party. Please join us tomorrow night at the Discover Portsmouth Center - pre-party at 7:00 pm, and full-raging party at 8:00 pm. Everything you need to know can be found by clicking HERE.

This event raises funds for youth music and arts scholarship and community education programs. The Portsmouth Music and Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit school, and support is needed to keep programs accessible to all in the community. This is a great way to show your support and have a blast at the same time. Hope to see you there!

practicing and breathing

In order to have productive practice sessions, you really need to be there, in the moment. Find ways to shed the stresses of life, to remove preoccupations when you begin your practice routine each day. In my casual reading about Zen practices (I am no expert), breathing plays a significant role in attaining focus on the now. Being a saxophonist, I have the advantage of my breathes being an integral part of my music making. But in reality, breathing plays a role in the making of all music, for music is a living and breathing art form. If you play violin or piano or guitar - or any "non-wind instrument" - you must pay extra attention to the way you breathe as you play. Breathe with your musical phrases.

I begin most practice session with long tones. They allow for deep breathing and have a calming effect. They also focus me for the work ahead. How does breathing factor into your practice?

Do you play an instrument?

This one goes out to adults in particular.

Do you play an instrument? I'm looking to grow our adult New Horizons Band. It's an early-intermediate level concert band that meets on Tuesday nights and performs about 4-5 times a year in the community. We currently have about 20 adult student musicians in this group. ANYONE over the age of 21 can come sit in and play with this group to try it out for free. If you join, there is a tuition, but it is definitely worth it. This band is really designed for two types of adults:

1. Those who played a band instrument in their youth and following a period of not playing want to return to their instrument and play in a band setting.
2. Those who never had the chance to learn an instrument and play in a band. We can teach you how to play and get you into the band setting quickly so you can have all the fun of a band experience.

While we welcome new members on any instrument, I am particularly looking for:

• trombones
• flutes
• clarinets
• percussionists
• French horns
• baritone saxophone
• bass clarinet
• bassoons

Shoot me an e-mail at russ@pmaconline.org if you are interested. For more information, check us out at http://pmaconline.org/New-Horizons-Band.html

A new week, a new blog entry

2010 has been a non-blogging year thus far. The rise of Facebook and Twitter changed where I focus my online efforts. But there's only so much you can say in 140 characters, and both mediums are so "in the moment" that each posting takes on a fleeting quality. Therefore I've decided to devote a little time to blogging again. Post may be short at first (call it a side-effect of Tweeting), but I do feel it is important to tackle weightier issues of music and art education - such as listing random iPod playlists, or reviewing the occasional exhibit or concert. So, with that said, I'm back.

Memorable concerts I've attended thus far this year:

Tegan and Sara at the Orpheum
The Monterey Jazz Festival Tour at The Music Hall with Kurt Elling, Regina Carter, Russell Malone and Kenny Baron.
Michelle Enos and Ben Tibbetts Junior Piano and Composition Recital at UNH
Jared Steer Trio at The Barley Pub

Come Join the Puppet Party

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday break! Lessons resume at PMAC tomorrow, though most classes and ensembles are on hiatus until February - except the new art classes! And, speaking of art, check out PMAC's first-ever Saturday workshop (one day only):

PUPPET PARTY!
Saturday, January 16th from 1 to 3 p.m. at PMAC
For Children in Grades 1 & 2 (enrollment is limited!)
Led by PMAC Visual Arts Instructor Anna Nuttall
$30 per student for this workshop plus a $5 materials fee
Enjoy a magical session of puppet-making! Join us for this FUN and unique experience “carving” FOAM to create super hand puppets! We will create your favorite animals or people, or invent your own creatures from your imagination! Dream up parrots with personality, purple polka-dotted beings from outer space, or make yourself a human-like foam friend! When finished, children will develop a personality for their puppet and we’ll let the conversations begin! Art comes to life with puppet-making!

Amanda Palmer with The Boston Pops - New Years Eve 2009-10

Had a great time with Adam at the Boston Pops' New Year's Eve gala bash. Unfortunately, Katie came down with a cold, so her seat was empty. :-(

Here's the setlist from Amanda's portion of the concert:

They opened her half of the concert with the U.S. Premiere of "Statuesque" a short film by Neil Gaiman (Amanda's boyfriend), starring none other than Amanda Palmer. Watch the film on YouTube here.

Then the second half (Amanda's half) of the concert began:

Missed Me

Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1

Astronaut

Mein Herr

Runs in the Family

Hurt (Nine Inch Nails cover)

Coin-Operated Boy

countdown to midnight

Auld Lang Syne

We Are The Champions (Queen cover)

encores:

Neil Gaiman read his New Year's Benediction

Poker Face (Lady Gaga cover)

Leeds United

It was a great show, though similar in many ways to her show of June 2008. Read my blog entry about that show here.

Resolutions for the New Year

I start off each year with a list of resolutions, a reminder to myself of how I would live my life in an ideal world. Just the act of writing them down often instigates action. I just read my list from last year and I like it. Read it here. This year I'm going in a different direction, with some specific actions. Though I'll still try to live up to the lofty ideals of last year's list. For 2010 I resolve to:

• Read - Katie gave me a Kindle for Christmas. Add that to the vast quantities of books on my shelves that I've wanted to read for some time, I've come to the decision that I need to read more. This should be an easy resolution to follow through on, since I really do enjoy books. Right now I'm reading The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon, as well as Robin Kelley's new biography of jazzman Thelonious Monk. I think that's a good start.
• Perform - In 2010 I'll be performing quite a bit more than I have in recent years. PMAC has absorbed all aspects of my life for nearly a decade. I think I've come to a point now where I can resume my life as a performing musician and balance it with my PMAC responsibilities. So I hope to see you at a gig soon!
• Compose - I plan on writing more music this year. Ditto to what I said about performing.
• Play - This is the year my disc golf game will come of age. My breakthrough year. Count on it.
• Ride - My bicycle, that is. As often as I can, which is not as much as I'd like in this "challenging" climate.
• Listen - I love music. Can't state that enough. Will continue to listen as much as I can - live, recorded, whatever.
• Live - Enough said.

Happy New Year!