There's something about music and community. Last week I lunched with Peabody Conservatory's Director Jeff Sharkey. Jeff is a visionary who while honoring Peabody's storied past is also zeroing in on how best to keep Peabody relevant in an age where online education, blogging and "access" so deeply shape how many of us learn, buy, sell and enjoy music. Jeff also sees the unique opportunity Peabody has to expose school-kids to classical music and jazz across the socio-economic and racial divide.
Meanwhile, on Saturday I attended the open house for School of Rock's new Bellevue, WA (USA) location. The school was crammed with 8-18 year olds and their parents. The buzz was infectious; particularly as legendary Santana drummer Michael Shrieve hosted a jammed and jamming master class. The Seattle "burbs" have thirsted for School of Rock and I suspect the Bellevue school will fill a gaping community need.
This week I've continued discussions with a Canadian filmmaker who is considering licensing 1+ of my original songs for an upcoming documentary focused on rivers around the globe. As I enter an exciting new life phase, writing music in support of causes I believe in inspires me as much as anything.
More soon and Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends and fans!
Meanwhile, on Saturday I attended the open house for School of Rock's new Bellevue, WA (USA) location. The school was crammed with 8-18 year olds and their parents. The buzz was infectious; particularly as legendary Santana drummer Michael Shrieve hosted a jammed and jamming master class. The Seattle "burbs" have thirsted for School of Rock and I suspect the Bellevue school will fill a gaping community need.
This week I've continued discussions with a Canadian filmmaker who is considering licensing 1+ of my original songs for an upcoming documentary focused on rivers around the globe. As I enter an exciting new life phase, writing music in support of causes I believe in inspires me as much as anything.
More soon and Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends and fans!