The official first day of spring is coming up this week, and California has felt like it’s experiencing a huge growth spurt. With so much rain (thank goodness) and more arts happenings taking place everywhere, the world seems to be charged with excitement, even as we continue to learn to live cautiously with COVID. Spring … Read more
For some, it’s that week. Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day isn’t for everyone. But there are lots of reasons to love it, and these musical events are a very, very good start. There’s also chocolate, and teddy bears, and wine, and ridiculous movies, and just reveling in someone or something you love. Find that focus … Read more
Veterans Day is about service, and in a very specific way. But that service looks very different from person to person, because every experience, every deployment, every war, every locale, every job is a different bundle of things that make each story unique. This year, try to connect with at least one person who has … Read more
Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Those who came before finally have a day of their own, and arts organizations are thankfully putting more consistent commitment into honoring those whose land is now occupied by performing arts centers, offices, churches and wherever you’re doing your stuff. You’ve probably heard people recognize the original inhabitants of the … Read more
Yesterday was Patriot Day, and of course the Jewish High Holidays are coming up later this month. While most of this month’s big holidays are not necessarily intended as fun-loving days off, they are moments to acknowledge what’s meaningful and profound in our lives. I hope you’ll get to take advantage (or at least take … Read more
It’s Labor Day! This is a holiday that is “celebrated”, most often with burgers, hotdogs, sales on patio furniture and beating-the-heat summer fun, but is actually little acknowledged for its true purpose: it was established in the 19th century, to recognize the contributions of workers, and mark an awareness of the simple fact that some … Read more
This is a big holiday weekend, celebrating one of our nation’s biggest holidays. Independence Day is taking a beating this year, however, as our country is wrapped in controversy and conflict. So, I’m approaching it as a sort of “Thankspendence”. Here are a few good things to be grateful for, regardless of your other views: Music and … Read more
In our turbulent political climate, it seems everything lives in conflict — even holidays. But Memorial Day should be different, as it honors those who have given so much. For those of us who come from military families, it is a poignant moment of pride (sending love to my cousin Matt!), great big hugs, and … Read more
It’s Easter week, and every day has significance. Friday also marks the start of Passover, so celebrations and rituals abound. Whether your holiday icon of choice is lily, bunny, afikomen or something else, have a great week full of meaning and fun and tradition. Originally published as part of our member newsletter, 4/12/22
It’s Mardi Gras / Shrove Tuesday / Carnival time, which really means that Ash Wednesday is tomorrow. As musicians, Lent often means picking up an extra service or two, singing very different repertoire than the rest of the year, and for the observant, giving things up. That’s the thing about the first supposedly-post-COVID Lenten season: … Read more
