One of the fun things I get to do this summer, that you won't find on my schedule (because it's not an open/public event). Getting ready to board the "American Spirit", after a brief ride out from the dock in Chestertown. American cruise lines is a happening operation (so I've learned), operating smaller cruise vessels (roughly 100 passengers) for (often) weeklong domestic excursions. This summer they worked out adding Chestertown to their itinerary on about 1/2 dozen runs. Thanks to Lucia Foster (executive director of the Prince Theatre), I have the opportunity to "welcome" the overnight visitors with an entertainment program on board. Tomorrow the passengers will enjoy a tour of Chestertown in the morning, and then sail away around noon. We had a blast tonight, and I'm looking forward to the next one.  

 This has been quite a couple of weeks, in the Holt household. Charie' is now a high school graduate (!), Joe, Jr (and Simone, pictured) paid a surprise (to Charie') visit for graduation weekend (everyone else was nervous that they were going to be the one to make the slip, and ruin the surprise, but no one did). Then right into the opening of Robbie's first "adult" stage production (dress rehearsal photo in character, as Noah Claypole), then, last night, Robbie's 8th grade advancement (welcome high school!). 2 more weekends of shows for Robbie (who is impressing everyone, notes the proud papa), otherwise, things are settling down a bit here. "Gigging" (for me) ramps up this weekend, and (thankfully) stays in gear for the rest of the summer. More on that soon. Papa is proud of Joe (who is making huge strides in his visual arts endeavors in NC), Charie' (now a college girl), and Robbie ("Consider yourself...well in...")!  

                                               

 Now available!

Much of the excitement, momentum, and opportunity, over the last few months (and continuing) has been connected to my new trio. I think you'll agree (once you listen) that we we've created a "happy" vibe, with the new CD. There's lots to be happy about, actually. In my performing world, there are now 3 (separate) steady (weekly) engagements for the summer. Also some unique private performance opportunity (will probably be able to tell you more about that later), along with the usual. In addition to this summer being (in all likelihood) the busiest ever, there are numerous winding roads and paths that are poised to take me to new places in the fall (and beyond). Check out the new recording (and the increasing variety of live events, if you can make it). I think you'll walk away smiling.