We got a Wii for the family this Christmas (yes, that's our television screen). It took a few games for me to navigate the subtleties of Wii bowling, but I think I'm getting it. Many senior communities actually have Wii bowling tournaments now. I'm sure there are others also. Reminds me of the silly predictions I heard years ago that the electronic keyboard would soon completely displace the piano, Yeah, right. They are convenient, though. And, back to the Wii, it does now seem unlikely that any new construction senior community would include a bowling alley (yes, it happens. I'll try to remember to take a picture sometime at the Philadelphia Protestant Home). It's all fun. Does take me back though to my high school days, when my ambitions were more toward professional bowling than music. My abilities, however, leaned otherwise.
Our family has had a nice Christmas, and I hope you and yours as well. The church I now attend had 3 Christmas Eve services. Of course, I went to the last one (11pm). I'm glad I did. "Cultural Christmas" alone seems awfully empty. I wish the meaning and presence of Jesus for everyone.

Slightly fuzzy, but as good as I could get at close range with my cell phone camera. We have a neat store (among others) in town that sells clever and pseudo-eccentric stuff. Check the product description. That's my kind of analysis! I'm increasingly reluctant to nail anything down these days. Good grief - my mind just played the tune "My Dreams are Getting Better All the Time", with the words: "I'm getting more postmodern all the time". Sometimes, that's kind of scary. More often though, it's a grand opportunity for peace and trust. My favorite paraphrase of the proverb: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and never rely on what you think you know". Remember that, Joe.

Brittany (10 years old) "showed me up" today. Turns out I was her "warm up act" during one of my nursing community presentations - which I found out about when she (fearlessly) walked up to me, holding her music and smiling, as I finished my program. She has proud grandparents who, along with all the residents, enjoyed her little set. When Brittany finished, I asked her if we could play a duet. No problem - Brittany is fearless, and did a great job!

Gigging every which place means a constant change of scenery. Drove tonite to Ocean City (MD) for a private gig (Christmas party, of course). The best part was that the community center (where the gig was) was adjacent to the annual (and extensive) Winterfest lights event. They even had a "Happy Birthday Jesus" display (how did that happen?)!

The race is on, and the finish line may be just a little too far away. It would be cool if I could reach 100,000 total video views by the end of the year. As of now, we're at 94,703 (combined total). In YouTube land, these are not really big numbers, believe it or not. Nonetheless, YouTube has made a major impact in reaching those who are specifically interested in what I am doing, and I have made many new connections. There is no geographic discrimination on line, so now I have friends everywhere. Curiously, this is not really in synch with with my current performance plan, which is wholly local/regional (for now). I can imagine, though, over time, that everything will merge in God's good plan. Perhaps, when it's the right time to push out the borders of solo piano improv concerts, an audience will already be in place. Right now, we're working on the momentum where I live. My next solo improv concert is at the Church Hill (MD) Theatre on Fri 1/30/09. I am told there is already a group of 25 planning to come, originating from a single (enthusiastic) person who attended the Prince last month. Just one little pocket where the "buzz" is apparently spreading. Exciting stuff. If only for the clarity of vision, and purpose that I have found for my career in recent months, then 2008 truly is"my year" (thanks, Ruthie!)

From a small lounge/library in a Denton, Md nursing home.
Going on 15 years now that I've been serving seniors, primarily as a music therapist. It took only a short time, relatively, to adjust to the environment. These days, in many respects it's "down to a science". In a different (upscale) facility, once a month, I play for the "resident tea", where many enjoy coffee, tea, and desserts (just before lunch, but no one is keeping score). Tom (from social services) also attends. Throughout the hour he canvasses the room, eventually coaxing most of the ladies (individually) to dance. More than anything, this defines and structures my presentation. Each resident dances to a different song, the length of which is determined by the success of the dancing. Tom and I share this "science": timing the dance for each resident, pacing the space in between, as well as each specific dance tempo (though the waltz and the jitterbug can look amazingly similar). It's a well oiled machine, though Tom and I have never discussed this. In fact, Tom and I have never even had a conversation (about anything). It's no different than working on a gig w/ other musicians. If you're a pro, you know what to do, and the gig happens. That's my world.

Uncle John wants you!!

Going to an event/gig is often knowing little more than when it starts, and what to wear. Everything else you need to know, is learned upon arrival, or "in flight". Turns out that I was the "House accompanist" for a 2 hour fund raiser this morning for the Prince Theatre on WCTR (the local radio station). What fun! Got to accompany John Schratwieser, and Sue Matthews (2 of my favorites!), and just hang and take it all in. Also "tutored" Sue on e-mailing cell phone pictures to yourself (as she was surprised to see the mornings "festivities" on my laptop). It appears that she really thinks I know what I'm doing :) With apologies to the few participants I missed, the remaining pictures are posted in the next entry (above - dated tomorrow, as is just past midnight), without comment.

From a recent walk thru town.

Added a new senior nursing facility to my schedule yesterday. First time in awhile. Haven't been pursuing anything new in this realm for some time (until a recent mailing with an updated description of my approach to music therapy), and probably let attrition set in too much. Am aware that the clock is ticking toward that time when I become decreasingly relevant (culturally) to seniors. My Music Therapist certification is something that I usually keep low key, as I still consider myself a performing pianist. It all fits together, though; the common denominator being the perspective that music makes connections - to the (potential) benefit of the listener/participant. The less it is about me, and the more about the connection, the better it is.

Just received the following message in a text comment box from one of my YouTube posts (edited):
"I don't even know where to begin. Maybe just, "How much fun must it be, to be Joe Holt?" I'm overwhelmed, agonizingly envious, and thankful for having discovered a master pianist. 'And I subscribe to 'em all, Mr. Holt, ******, ******, ******...etc. All gifted; generous in sharing their talents. But the "happiness" with which you generate achingly inventive, wonderful sounds from that instrument is utterly compelling. This is my first "text comment post" ever. Glad it goes to you. "

My reply:
"Me too. The most "fun" of all is the growing understanding of the "connections" that the music facilitates. I'm 48 years old, and in many respects, I feel (almost) like a teenager (with a 48 year old's worldview) :) Your comment (and others like it) provides needed validation and encouragement as I travel this path, and I am most appreciative..."

I don't know if a day goes by anymore where my "conviction" of this "calling" is not encouraged/validated. Just telling Carol (my wife) earlier today that I am feeling this on nearly every gig. Honestly, though, am seeing this from the "big picture" perspective: I have now, by God's good grace, been able to set a foot into the door of this next "place", and am met with both the awe and gratitude of "arrival", and the sobering humility of the growth opportunities that lie ahead, as well as the joyful anticipation this brings.
All of this said, it seems realistic now that I begin this path of "solo improv" concerts; sharing "discoveries" with new friends. No illusion here that this isn't the beginning of another long (and winding) road. In fact, I've recently put on paper my 5 year plan/goals for this path. One step at a time.