Sitting in the Panera Bread in Easton MD, between events, in the quiet between (the normal person's) lunch and dinner. Have enough of a break that I am hopeful to make significant progress on the October newsletter this afternoon. Have been informed today that yet another senior community is cutting back on my schedule (and, in fairness, this is happening across the board, as the pendulum has swung hard against existing activity budgets). This actually brings me to a good place, as it seems that the landscape may be just beginning to portray what may around the corner/bend that I am just beginning to enter. A significant chunk (but not, by a long stretch, all) of my enthusiasm is related to the new CD that will be released next week: "Stories Without Words". It is so different from anything else I've released, that I still don't know what to think about it with any objectivity. The biggest consideration, right now, is how well this recording will connect with those who hear, and to what extent this will move me beyond (add to, not replace) the older adult demographic. It really seems that it is time. Also, this morning, I was hit (pleasantly) hard with the sense that increased (solo) touring is also just around this bend. I can see it being nearly time for this as well. When Joe, Jr (my oldest) was very young (and the only child - now he is 20, with 2 younger siblings), Carol and I would put him in the car, and travel for up to 2 weeks at a time, often driving out to concerts in the Midwest. Today's realization also reminds me how much I/we enjoyed that, and would enjoy it again. There is, now, a weekend of concerts (2 churches so far) in southern Florida in later Feb, next year. Will see what else can be tagged on. If you find later, this described as a "winter tour", that means I probably succeeded. Lots of cool stuff is already planned. In the coming days and weeks, my posted schedule will reflect these new opportunities. Time to start typing...

Another weekend for "Triumph of Love" at Church Hill Theatre. The orchestra catches some fresh air during intermission. From left to right: Trevor, Ian, Rebekah, Ron (sorry for the bad angle), and Jarvis. All excellent musicians, to a person, meaning that everyone pulls their own weight, and - we rock (actually a broad stylistic diversity that we authentically create)! Steve (Arnold - our grand poobah) will remind us that no one buys a ticket to the theatre to hear the orchestra. I'd say that's essentially true - as he says this to illustrate our role of support, rather than to draw attention away from the stage (except for our exit music, where we do assemble a little "crowd" on our side of the house, which will acknowledge us - which I take as recognition of a job well done, over the entire show). It's fair to say that we are providing fine support to an equally fine cast, and performance. Our crowds have been a little light thus far, but that's to be expected, at least initially, as this is a more contemporary, less familiar show to many. The word is spreading, though, and those who heed the word will be treated to a great show. Our local arts reviewer agrees: http://churchhilltheatre.org/content.php?sec=nws&pg=news6 Better show up soon, before it's too late! We run through 10/11, and reservations are always recommended, especially for a final weekend.