09.26.07
Beirut and Balkan Beat Box
I am truly bummed that I didn't have my recorder on me to document this show. At the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park, home of Shakespeare in the Park, two great New York/Eastern European groups performed under a beautiful full moon. Balkan Beat Box rocked the house, drumming up an impressive dance party given the venue and headlining band, neither of which are conducive to booty shaking. Though not a dance band, Beirut played an entrancing and beautiful set of body-swaying songs, with a reverent audience hanging on every word, beat and horn blast. Tonight's music was unique and exciting, a fresh sound to inspire me in this late summer evening.
09.22.07
Play.
I played golf today in Bedford, NY and what a day we had. Bright sunshine and endless green lawn, a walk punctuated by opportunities to hit a little white ball into a small hole. This is what it's all about! I grew up playing golf often and even captained the Milton Academy Golf Team, but now teeing it up is rare and I relish every chance I get. I am even willing to go so far as to not spend my Sunday afternoon watching the Patriots, who seemed not to need my help with a 38-7 trouncing of the Buffalo Bills. They have dominated thus far and I would love to see it continue. As for the Red Sox, their early-season domination has stalled and they are doing their worst to completely surrender the 14 1/2 game lead over the Yankees, which now stands at 1 1/2... They have clinched a play-off spot, but are liable to be punished in October if they continue likewise.
09.21.07
Work.
I'm back to work. And it feels good. My Music Together classes have all met and I am really enjoying the daily routine of playing music for kids all day. They each have such unique and pure expressions of the music and it is a joy to experience that with them. This video was made a few years ago.
I am also starting a new gig as Music Man at The All Souls School on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, which I am very excited about. It is an amazing pre-school and I look forward to getting involved. Today the concept of "emergent curriculum" was explained to me and I love the sound of it. Essentially the teacher becomes more of co-explorer with the children and allows them to initiate and lead activities, thus determining their own curriculum of study. Sounds like the best jam band ever!
09.14.07
It's been a while...
What a month. Alaina and I had some amazing travels to France, specifically Corsica and La Borde Neuve, as well as an excursion to North Haven, Maine for the annual Labor day Lobster Ball. We also moved into our new home, a condo on 23rd St. in Brooklyn, from which I blog today for the first time ever. It is hard to think about how nice vacation was after my first day of work yesterday, knowing that the cycle has begun again and it will be another 11 months until I have the opportunity to enjoy the summer chill-out...
One of the most fun parts of our trip to France was speaking French. I took French for seven years in high school but so rarely get to use it. I took Italian for three years in college and never use it. Any time I have the opportunity to immerse myself in either of those languages, it comes back and I get excited about communicating with foreigners. It is challenging and burns my brain in odd ways, but I love it.
I got to see Clap Your Hands Say Yeah a few nights ago at The Blender Theater and was very impressed. They seem to be playing really well right now and are enjoying it. They also borrowed my video projector to show a movie Tyler made of his ant farm, which I believe will become a regular part of their show on this tour. Check them out if you have a chance.