Home for the Holidays

I've been waiting, less than patiently, for winter break from "Miss Saigon," and it is now here in earnest. The road can be stressful, despite the fact that my workday only lasts 5-6 hours, including practice time, preparation, and performance. Still, the number of people which makes up your entire work and social interactions is small -- fewer than 80 people! That may seem like a large number, but consider that it's the same group for MOST daily interactions -- work, play, and at home (read: the hotel room). It becomes obvious that this gets tedious over time. Still, I like and love each and every one of my colleagues/friends on the gig. Now I am back home, shuffling between Scranton, PA and New York City, and wouldn't have it any other way. There are no shows to perform, no boring, used-to-be-happening (or never-were-happening) cities, and no tour drama. There is only the excitement of the season (in the most interesting place on earth), and a bunch of old faces, and old places which briefly make themselves new again. The little things in life really DO give us supreme delight -- take advantage of it! Before you get caught up in the nitty-gritty of holiday shopping, crowded streets, and blustery winter weather, take a moment to appreciate some small wonder. Those are the moments the true spirit of the season reveals itself. Happy Holidays!

Cleveland Rocks!

I don't really know if that statement is correct, but it's fun to say, even if it isn't true. Truth be told, it's been too snowy and cold to see much of anything here. But dont worry, you'll be the first to hear about my visit to the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame --- just as soon as I thaw out enough to walk over there. So far, there is nothing interesting, no wild adventures, and no wacky people to report about. Life in Cleveland is boooring (just like this blog, you say? OK, I'll admit that much). It doesn't matter though; There are only 7 more shows left until a 2-week holiday break, so there!

A (Not so) Late Night Hang

One of the benefits of travel is you never know what adventure you'll have next. Well, last night the adventure involved one of the people on my '200 Most Like to Meet' list, trumpeter Jens Lindemann. Also in attendance at our after-show hang was noted soprano Arianna Zuckerman. The two were in Columbus, OH for several days to perform with the ProMusica chamber orchestra. Nick Snaith (the other trumpeter on "Saigon"), met Jens on the elevator at our hotel and Jens decided to invite our brass section out for drinks after our respective Sunday evening performances. Upon our arrival at the Westin Hotel bar, Jens, Arianna, and several members of ProMusica greeted us warmly as we sat down and ordered some wine. Forget that they are some of the most gifted and accomplished musicians on the planet, they are also some of the nicest I've had the good fortune to meet. After much laughter, jokes, and the usual shop-talk, it was time to say our goodbyes. I hope they all had as much fun as Nick, Jeremy and I had. Meeting great musicians (and other creatives) always gets my own creativity flowing and inspires me to work harder in the practice room. It also helps me to raise the standard, as far as my own playing goes. So, many thanks to Jens, et al. Soon it's back to NYC for a holiday break from "Saigon, " and I can hardly wait...

'Tis the season

Earlier this afternoon I had an interesting lunch with my friend (and 'Miss Saigon" Asst. Company Mgr.) Jack Stephens. Jack is a nice guy who happens to be very good at his job, and is also a magician of note. Over some excellent mediterranean cuisine, our discussion turned to Jack's magic act and how his interest in the art began. It was then that I found out about how, around this time of year, he has been performing his act for the benefit of individuals and families who may need extra financial support, or who may be alone or otherwise disadvantaged. In fact, it has become a bit of a tradition over the past several years. This year, because of his commitment to "Miss Saigon," it seems that he will be unable to carry out his annual holiday gift for those in need -- unless/until he receives a little help from someone else. This is where YOU, dear reader, enter our little story... Jack has only a few days in the month of December to pull it off. He has the act, the props, the scenery, and the heart; All ready to go at a moment's notice. What he *doesn't* have is a venue in the Denver, CO area willing to donate space for the cause. So, if any of you know of a venue or person to whom Jack could propose his fundraiser, please let me know via e-mail. Also, should a venue come forward in support, Jack could also use some help on the promotion side. If any of you have contacts in broadcast radio (even college stations) or any other local Denver media, please let me know that as well. Perhaps some of you know an influential individual in Denver who could help make it all happen... ...and wouldn't it feel good to know that YOU were, in part, responsible for making it so? (Hopefully you answered: "Yes!") Jack had no clue that I intended to blog here in support of his project; But I feel that it is an important and worthwhile one... one which helps to inspire people who may feel disempowered, overwhelmed, and without hope, especially during the holiday season. Remember, time is of the essence, so please let me hear from you soon if you have any ideas. Thank you, in advance, for your generosity.