Just a brief check in. Home now from recording the radio show (often on Tuesday nights). The show always seems to hang on. Just when I decide I can not longer justify (afford) it, something comes along to give me a reason to keep it going. Honestly, this is not (at all) a "moneymaker". Also, honestly, I don't (desire to) care. This concept has been in my mind for many years, and now realized (and into year 3!), I'll "go down kicking and screaming". This, ultimately, is an exercise in patient persistence. Those who have found the show and listen regularly (a growing number) have provided me with great encouragement. I'm pleased with the current format, which includes sharing my thoughts and reflections on music making. Listened lately?

For all the concerts I'll do, it's pretty clear that, at least for the time being, my YouTube channels will find the biggest audience. And it appears I'm going to make my 50,000 view (by the one year mark) goal a little ahead of schedule (hey - that's not like me), perhaps tomorrow, as the view count continues to accelerate. By YouTube standards, 50,000 views could be a drop in the bucket. The real encouragement here is the continued acceleration of views (now around 2000 weekly), and the connections made and retained with many.

It's fun (for me, anyway) when things are swirling around - and lately, they have been, especially today. The summer gigs are starting to fill in. I might remain a little behind for a time in posting dates out in my schedule, but it'll get there. Speaking of getting there:
-Closing in on my goal of 50,000 youtube views by the 1 year "anniversary" of posting - 6/3/08. Right now at 47,500, and with a pace of around 2,000/week (and accelerating), it's looking good!
-In addition to the gig schedule (public and private) filling out, the long term goal of growth in solo piano concerts is staying on the tracks. Check out the schedule for info on my concert at the Prince (Chestertown) in November. More will be coming.
What I have finally come to understand, however, is that my YouTube channels are my most important concert, making new "connections" daily. The encouragement and camaraderie has been great! Suggestion - if you are inclined to "subscribe" to my YouTube videos (for which you must be a YouTube member), sign up for the JoeHoltsNotes2008 channel. This is where the current posting is happening.

Okay, it's today. My birthday being when it is, it always falls around (or on) Mother's Day. This year we each get our own. This week has had a lighter schedule. Ideally, then, I'll get more office/promo work and practicing in. Sometimes that works. Really enjoyed subbing for my (pianist) friend, Erik Apland for a midweek service at the Saint Martin's Lutheran Church in Annapolis. I miss playing service music. It was a regular part of my life until age 30 (at that point, I had been music director, and organist of my home church in NJ for 11 years). When I stepped down, I became the only 30 year old in my awareness to get a "retirement dinner". I was presented with, not a gold watch, but a commemorative plaque. It was displayed in my office at the Chestertown Church for the 3 years (2003-2006) I was on staff. Now, back in "retirement".

Feeling a bit lighter today. Made it official yesterday that I am taking myself off of the Midiri Brothers jazz cruise in September. It has been discussed "behind the scenes" for some time now. This is wholly "amicable" between Joe (Midiri) and I, as he understands my difficulty with one of the trip "conditions" that turned out to be different than previously stated. Everything else will stay intact. In the meantime, am really enjoying the recent gigging. Expect to see more going on locally with Holly Lane in the coming months. It’s all good.