watching

looking back, looking forward

Hey there. So it’s 2013. Where did last year go? 2012 brought so much live music into my life, and I drank it all up like a thirsty man finding water in the desert. I have two young kids, so getting out of the house at all, let alone seeing tons of live music, is nothing short of manna. I went to Hillside Festival in Guelph, and to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, in, well, Edmonton. Got to see Merill Garbus and the incredible tUnE-yArDs (watch this video for a sample of her crazy/raw/fun aesthetic), and I fulfilled a life-long… Read More »looking back, looking forward

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sing for love

At the risk of killing romance, I’m going to be honest: I hate valentine’s day. I buy pre-packaged branded valentine cards for my sons to give to their friends, and my kids will come home this afternoon with bags full of the same kinds of cards that bear not more than a tenuous connection to love. Same for the chocolates and roses we’re supposed to purchase for our lovers this one day: consumerist expressions of love. So I’m a cynic, a valentine scrooge: bah humbug on love, valentine style. But this morning, I’m rethinking the value of a day in… Read More »sing for love

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Phenomenon of Singing in Phenomenal Newfoundland

Well, that was an incredible 4 days. Up at 4:30 am on Sunday to catch a plane to St. John’s for the Phenomenon of Singing International Symposium VIII, At Memorial University Newfoundland, the academic part of a GI-NORMOUS choral festival called Festival 500. Let me tell you, there really were no downsides to this journey. In fact, I’m not really sure what to say, or where to start. Highlights from the Symposium: Kate Munger, who began Threshold Choirs in California about 10 years ago–groups of women who singing to people who are dying. She was warm, thoughtful and best of… Read More »Phenomenon of Singing in Phenomenal Newfoundland

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Echo/Mariposa Fundraiser March 26, 2011

David & Goliath Earth Hour Arts Celebration Fundraiser an Evening of Music, Song and Story to support the Echo Women’s Choir and Mariposa In The Schools Saturday,March 26, 2011 7 to 10 p.m. Church of Holy Trinity, Toronto Such an exciting line-up:Ken Whiteley, David Anderson, Michael St George, Njacko Backo, Marylyn Peringer, Chris Rawlings, and the Cuban Percussion Ensemble. And of course, Echo Women’s Choir (the wonderful choir that I serve as a guest conductor this season). Come join us! Silent Auction plus  Nibbles and Cash bar. Tickets $25 Sponsors $100 Proceeds support 2 great organizations: Echo and Mariposa in… Read More »Echo/Mariposa Fundraiser March 26, 2011

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if i collapse onstage, just drag me off and keep singing

last night I saw a documentary about an incredible group of singers: young @ heart. I was in the library with my kids, and my two-year-old pulled the DVD off a library shelf and handed it to me saying “der you go!”  Seemed like a sign, so I took it out and watched it.  I laughed and cried.  I was inspired and challenged. If you’re not familiar with the doc, it’s about a  chorus of seniors in Massechussetts that sings surprising repertoire.  Surprising in the choices (80-yr-olds singing Sonic Youth? The Ramones? David Bowie?) and surprising in how poignant and… Read More »if i collapse onstage, just drag me off and keep singing

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