Teaching American songs to an ESL @ International Center UVA

This was one of the most fun projects I have ever worked on! I taught some traditional American songs to a group of ESL (English second language) at  the International Center at UVA. I included all genres from blues, bluegrass, gospel, country, ballads, cowboy, children's, lullaby, jazz. It was quite a challenge to find songs that would also be simple enough for them to practice their english language skills. They were a delightful group and I so enjoyed it. I made a powerpoint presentation with the lyrics on it and they sang along! Here are a couple of the pictures from the event.

check out their smiling faces in this one:

 I believe I was singing, "This Little Light of Mine" in this one.....

Third Street Coffeehouse

What a sweet little place  this is. It is an coffeehouse in Roanoke, VA in the bottom of a church. It is celebrating its 25th anniversary next month. I fell in love with folk music back in the 70s from going to places like this. I am really enjoying this traveling singer lifestyle!

Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar

Last night was a lot of fun being part of a local singer/songwriter night at the Twisted Branch. It's such a unique place. When my neice was visiting one year (when she was about 9 or so), I took her there and she thought the place looked like where Professor Trelawney (Harry Potter). I'd say it's a good description of the place. Here's a photo from it but it doesn't do it much justice:

my other instruments..

The guitar is my main instrument but look how much fun I am having with my Galax dulcimer below? 

I also love to drum and that is what I began with as a musician 40 years ago! I was a drummer in high school band. Here I am getting ready to play my doumbek with Peter and already loving it...

These photos were taken by Candy Schoner at my concert at Cville Coffee  Sat. March 10, 2012 

Poetry & music debut

Last night I played a gig a the C'ville Coffee and had my friend Jean come and read some of her poetry and Haiku along with my songs. We had such a good time doing that, we plan to do more. This was just one highlight of the evening. My friend Peter also played his cello on my songs. We also did some fiddle tunes with me playing my Galax dulcimer. It was such a good time and I looking forward to the next event.

From one blog to another..

Today I was reviewed in an interesting blog in the UK called 27 Leggies.  I have been submitting my CD to blogs for review and so it is great to see others responding. I know these folks get lots and lots of submissions, so I am real lucky to be featured here: (scroll down a bit to find my review)
http://27leggies.blogspot.com/2012/02/reviewshine-round-up.html

I am pleased he chose "Innermission No. 50" to be featured because this song was a complete fluke that it ended up on my CD.   It is of me improvising my Native American flute with Jeff Romano playing guitar.  It is the result of an experiment and gift I gave to myself for my 50th birthday.  What could I do to mark the occasion of turning 50?  A friend and I talked about skydiving, but we chickened out when a few deaths were reported from bad falls that year. So, instead, I booked the studio and here is what we did:

http://www.box.com/s/cpmovni158gj8rcyps74

Choose the Sky

Today at the hospital I went up to the unit with the mothers and babies. I was sent to a young woman's room who is expecting a child in 9 more days.  I was told she had a very hard weekend and she would appreciate music.

I rarely sing at the hospital as I mainly play instrumental music but as I was tuning my guitar, I got the feeling that she may appreciate some of my own songs. Sometimes I feel that sharing my own songs is a way to share from a more vulnerable place in myself.... a way to empathize with the patients I see.

I sang for her my song, "Choose the Sky" which is a song that I've been told has been very helpful and comforting to others.  A song which talks about the sky is always there for us.

As I sang the song, she began to cry and I sensed that her tears really needed to flow. The song touched her in a deep place. I have had others tell me it made them cry too. I never would have imagined that reaction but here is a link to the song.. so you can hear it for yourself.

http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_8101632

The photo above is the original photo I took in AZ that inspired the song.