Happy New Year

December 28th. Almost 2010, already. I'm still writing 1987 on my checks.

Last night was the 20 year Anniversary of Deirdre and I getting together. A long time ago in many ways, many changes in our lives since then, that's for sure. Best 20 years of my life and I hope there will be many many more to come.

We had a lovely Christmas, with visits with friends and family, a reasonable number of wonderful gifts...nothing ostentatious this year and too much good food. I'll be hitting the gym in the new year, for sure.

No news from Liza. The PBS Show was aired all over the country and I suspect it will be shown again on the rest of the PBS stations in the spring. I think the show is spectacular. Producer JoAnn Young and her team did a great job of capturing the Liza's At The Palace Show. The band sounds amazing. I really can't say enough good things about the Liza band. In my three years as drummer/Conductor, the band has always delivered, no matter the circumstances. I've been proud to have been a part of that.

I will be at APAP in NYC at the Producers, Inc. booth. They are representing my Krupa Band and the show, Sinatra and Basie at the Sands. Look for me there if you're at APAP.

Artists of Mainstage, Terry Kippenberger, has another of my shows, in addition to the Krupa Band, The Capitol Years. The best of the music of Capitol Records...Kenton, Billy May, Riddle, Sinatra, Cole, Garland, etc....

Santa Rosa Symphony in February...Music from the Movies. 27/28th.

Something very big in the offing. Will know more in the weeks to come and will let you all know then.

In the meantime, have a great rest of the Holiday.

PS. If you're going to email me, please do give your name. Anonymous emails are rather cowardly, don't you agree?

All the best,

MB

Where does the time go?

Hi,

Been a while. Time to catch up around here.

Let's see.

Was at PASIC in Indianapolis. Great to attend. Met many people. Saw many seminars, clinics and demonstrations. My faves...The Emeritus Percussion Ensemble. Sal Rabbio and Alan Abel were amazing. Learned so much just by watching these two perform excerpts from Orchestral repertoire.

Had lunch with Michael Vosbein from Bosphorus Cymbals. These cymbals have changed my life! What beautiful music comes from these Turkish made wonders.

Richard Markus, old friend from Indiana U days was there. He's an Industry stalwart, always moving and always a big supporter, as I am of him.

Steve Houghton did a magnificent job on the Convention and the new Rhythm Center which houses the PAS Collection in downtown Indy is a must see for everyone.

Did two Judy Garland Tribute Concerts in Santa Rosa with the Orchestra there. The amazing Debbie Gravitte sang the Garland Songbook and she knocked them out of the Ballpark. Hope to do this concert many more times, the music is so wonderful. BTW, this is not a "sound alike" show. Just a celebration of the Music that Garland made famous, with a few surprises along the way.

Just finished 4 nights with Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch at NYC's Birdland. Their Holiday show, "A Town and Country Christmas." I had a ball and was able to take out the old Mark tree, jingle bells and triangles from a long time in the case and use them on the show.

The lovely Deirdre and I got our Xmas tree yesterday. Will put on the lights and other treasures this evening, while drinking champagne and yours truly smoking a cigar.

Off to the gym.

The lovely Deirdre and I wish all of you the Happiest and the Merriest and see you in 2010.

MB