Monday, January 24, 2011

2011 is in Full Schving!

Hello Music Lovers,

Just off the Red Eye from San Francisco to Newark. Concert Sunday afternoon with the California Symphony and then on the plane at 10:20, arriving NY at 6:30 AM. New Jersey Transit train to Penn Station and then, that fog that comes with total lack of sleep.

Not sure about continuing the Red Eye for future trips. I love not losing an entire day at Home but the passengers on every one of these flights has included an array of characters more likely to be found in a Fellini movie or the Star Wars Cantina. And TSA still won't allow me to take my Light Saber on board...just for my protection, of course.

California Symphony was wonderful. Quick rehearsal where we went through a Mess O' Music and then a concert two hours later. Copland/Rodeo...Carmen Suites 1 & 2, Gypsy Overture, Star Wars Throne Room and End Title, ET Flying Theme, West Side Story...Man, my arm was killing me! A large number of the members of the Orchestra had recorded and toured with John Williams and when they played his music, it was AMAZING! I just sat back and enjoyed the ride,

Next up...Elgin Symphony with Rich Ridenour, Big Band gig with me and Brian Anthony doing Sinatra Songbook in beautiful Tahlequah, Ok. followed by Bernstein and Sondheim concert w/Santa Rosa Symphony.

Still too cold here in the East. We have got to get out of here and move to a place where the Sun likes to shine and warm is in the air.

Back for more soon.
Best,
MB