The Moth

Monday I played a very cool gig. It was "The Moth" presented by the USA network. The Moth is an event touring the US that includes several story tellers. It was held at the Seawell Grand Ballroom downtown at the DCPA. My job was a time keeper. I played two short pieces at the beginning of each half and then sat on stage. When the storyteller reached their 10 minute maximum I would play a single note to tell them to wrap up the story. Story tellers included: Reverend Leon Kelly (founder of the Open Door Ministry), Pam Grier, and Lt. Dan Choi. Also there was Reshma Shetty from Royal Pains. I believe the show will be on the podcast of the Moth and on National Public Radio. 

9/11 Bridges to the Future

Date: February 10, 2011
Ensemble: Lamont Symphony Orchestra
Venue: Gates Hall, Newman Center, University of Denver

"This is a concert in commemoration of the 10-year anniversary of September 11th. The concert will begin with the poem "The Dead of September 11" by Toni Morrison, read by TBD.  This will be followed by the Colorado premiere of This Thread, a musical setting of Morrison's poem by composer J. Mark Scearce. This Thread will feature international opera star Judith Christin as well as Lamont School of Music violin faculty member and concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Yumi Hwang-Williams. Following  intermission will be a performance of the monumental Symphony No. 7 by Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, known as the "Leningrad". This piece was written in response to terrorism and enemies of humanity,  and has been associated with the German attack and invasion of Russia in 1941.”

Ansel and the Great Tree

The Lakewood Symphony gave a wonderful concert on Saturday, January 22 geared towards children. The orchestra played "Entrance of the Gladiators" by Fucik and "Ansel and the Great Tree" by Matthew Switzer. Ansel and the Great Tree is a wonderful children's story written by Matthew's mother, Rose.




"Ansel and The Great Tree" is the story of a small boy, a tiny village and a huge tree - and how one person, no matter how small, can make a difference.
The concert presented the books pictures on an overhead screen with narration; while the music played on stage. It was a really enjoyable concert for every age!

If anyone is interested in the book, please check it out at anselandthegreattree.com

I HIGHLY recommend it!