Life, the Universe and Everything

Dee Daniels and her New Song

2012-02-08T22:56:00.000-08:00

It just dawned on me... here's my last blog about creating a new song titled "A New Song" and I get a phone call from jazz singer and friend Dee Daniels. It took me a while to make the connection. The article about Dee that was posted on my web site this last year is titled A New Song. Dee was in the middle of making big decisions and changes in her life. And what changes... she called Monday night from her new apartment in a brownstone in the city that never sleeps, New York, where music is prolific. Dee is following her dreams!
Don't you just love coincidences!

A New Song

2012-02-06T14:47:00.000-08:00

I've had a new song going through my head, at all hours. It just won't leave me alone. It's almost complete and will be performed on March 3 for a special concert at the Doukhobor Community Centre (USCC) in Grand Forks. Why the title "A New Song"? The lyrics are a metaphor for all the changes we are going through in life. The song was originally created for a conference I will be attending in Surrey in September for Inner Garden.
Cheers and chuckles and singing A New Song...

It's an Honour

2012-01-22T08:22:00.000-08:00

I feel so honoured in this life to know and talk with musicians and artists who make a difference in this world, who are filled with passion, caring and concern for life. This week I spoke with tenor Ken Lavigne of Chemainus, BC. Through his music and concerts it is his heart-felt desire to instill hope and inspiration. Ian Parker, one of Canada's leading pianists, told me the other day about how he looks upon his teaching of music as a means to help young people through this life. And while I write these words, I think again of John Forrest and the legacy of music he has left behind. Music - the universal language that transcends all cultures, emotions and experiences.

Memorial Gathering for John Forrest

2012-01-18T15:43:00.000-08:00

I just got sent the obituary for John Forrest. It's short and doesn't begin to describe the talent and influence this man has had on the music scene in Nanaimo and Vancouver. What is does tell is that the informal gathering of family and friends will be held at Bowen Park Complex, in Nanaimo on Saturday, January 28, from 1-3 p.m. If I were on the coast I'd be there! So how's the music on the other side John?

Keep on smiling - John Forrest

2012-01-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

Got another call from Jim Salmon yesterday. He was the bearer of sad news - John Forrest, a terrific musician from Nanaimo - passed away on Tuesday - he went "Home". John, a bass player and all-round musician, was an integral member of the musical cast for my show "Over The Rainbow" at The Port Theatre in 1999 - he is now himself "Over The Rainbow"... May you be smiling John!

A New Year - 2012

2012-01-09T09:41:00.000-08:00

Got a surprise phone call this morning from Jim Salmon (AKA Fish) percussionist extraordinaire, fellow musician, great friend. It's so important to keep in touch with those who have been a part of our lives. We are all travellers on this road of experience... all connected...