Journal Christmas Party, Burgermaster, Shelton, Thursday December 22

I was early for this one to get set up and warmed up, because it started at 7:00 a.m. I have worked for the Shelton-Mason County Journal for over 12 years now, and I truly am grateful that Henry hired me all those years ago, God rest his soul. I'm sure most companies have parties and traditions similar to ours, but the Journal is a family business, and they treat us like family. So I played a few songs as people came in to the banquet room at Burgermaster, then put my cello on its stand and enjoyed Christmas breakfast with my co-workers, and played a few more songs as they left after exchanging gifts and having a good time together.

Later, by request, I played a few songs in the lobby of the Journal as people came in to buy the issue with the Children's Christmas drawings. Why? Just because I wanted to. Thank you Charlie, Julie, Stephen, Fern, Harvey, Diane, Roger, Sean, Rebecca, Mary, Steve, Jeff, Koleen, Colleen, Donna, Kathy, Nick, Kelly, Clint, Margot, Jan, and everyone else at the paper--just for being who you are, and doing what you do.

'07 Update: This year was the same as the past couple of years, except I Will Adams from the Journal's composing department joined me on guitar. As a retired professional performer and guitar teacher, Will is really fun to work with. The Journal has just happened to be the place of employment for a number of musicians over the years, including Stephen (keys, vocals), Roger (drums, vox., gtr., deceased), Harvey (saxophone), Jan (violin), and Charlie (record players...) Happy Holidays everybody!

Cameo Boutique, Union WA, Sunday December 18

I would like to thank Pam for hiring me to play at her wonderful shop, Cameo Boutique, for a couple of hours last Sunday. The small stage there is perfect for an acoustic soloist, and the surroundings are beautiful. Her open house and sale, including my performance, were well-promoted, and her shop was quite busy during the early hours of the afternoon, just before I arrived. Though people continued to stop in between 4:00 and 6:00 as I played, the traffic had slowed considerably for several reasons including an "ice storm" in the weather forcast and other events nearby including a large private party across the street from Noon-9:00, and an event at Hunter Farms down the street, starting at 5:30 pm. Even so, I had a chance to spend some time with Cameo's employees, and we enjoyed each other's company and some wonderful gourmet offerings, including pretzels with several mustard dipping sauces (I liked the dill best). She also had homemade divinity and brownies, with hot spiced cider to wash it all down. We decided that if we do this again (which I hope we do), it should start earlier, maybe from 1:00 to 3:00.

Thank you again, Pam, Stella and everyone. I really did have a good time and I hope you did too.

Wedding of JoAnna McComb & Jonathan Williams, Sat. Dec. 17, Shelton Baptist Church

I played selections from my Christmas program, with an emphasis on sacred music and carols, as people were ushered in to the wedding. A sound guy put a microphone on me, so the wedding guests could hear me everywhere. If I do say so myself, I played quite well on this day. Every condition seemed perfect, relaxed, and well-prepared. Though I did not have time to stay for the wedding itself, I would like to thank Bill, Leslie and JoAnna McComb, and all who came by to compliment my playing.

Friends of the Hoodsport Library, December 13

I would like to thank the Hoodsport Friends of the Timberland Library, and especially Joan Lines, for having me play my Christmas cello program for their group. Using the flexibility of hours I enjoy with my day job as an ad guy at the Shelton-Mason County Journal, an hour on a Tuesday afternoon proved to be workable, though I didn't allow enough travel time to the Hoodsport Library, and nearly made myself late, but made it just in time.

I played several songs from my Christmas program, and with some encouragement I played one of the Nutcracker pieces I had recently added. It is a challenging number, and though I didn't play it perfectly, the group really seemed to enjoy this, and a couple of other works in progress I played. I felt comfortable playing for the Friends, and answered a number of questions about myself, my cello, and my compositions. At the request of the group, I premiered my newest piece, "Forgotten Heart," which was well-received. When the program ended, I felt great, and wished I could have stayed longer.

As everyone filed out after the program, we talked more as I put my cello away, and took some pictures. I loaded up a plate of cookies and headed back to Shelton with plenty of afternoon to go, and a happy feeling in my gut that I don't think had anything to do with the cookies--just the kindness of this wonderful group. Thank you everyone.

Alpine Way Open House, Sun. Dec. 11

I played at the SCU for about 75 residents, staff and families while they enjoyed lunch. The group were an outstanding, appreciative audience. After I finished up my performance at about 12:50 or so, I went through the buffet for the salmon lunch, which was outstanding (Alpine Way has a gourmet chef and terrific kitchen staff). The nice folks I spoke with at the table in the back part of the room, whom I was not able to even see while I played, told me they had been able to hear me quite clearly, and really enjoyed the music. Having considered and rejected the idea of bringing my amplifier, I was glad to hear that one "unplugged" cello playing Christmas music could be heard so well, even that far back from where I had sat. Thank you everyone.

Old Town Hobby First Friday '05

Last night, I performed my Christmas program at Old Town Hobby. Mostly, I stuck with the program listed in the previous entry, though I have made arrangements for myself for Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride," versions of "The Little Drummer Boy," and "Feliz Navidad," "Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy," and I also worked up "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer" completely by ear Thursday night, and put it to paper for Friday. By request, I also played Cole Porter's "Too Darn Hot" and an old favorite march, "The American Patrol." Thank you Richard, Judy and Alexander for having me come and play.

Penny and I will be buying all of our holiday gifts from Old Town Hobby this year. For anybody reading this, I highly recommend Old Town Hobby, it's a wonderful shop in downtown Shelton and has a bit of something for everyone on our list. Richard can do special orders, and thoughtfully stocks his shop with unique items you just won't find at the big box stores. He has lots of puzzles, games, model kits, Corgi collectible diecast, D&D books, lots of art supplies, Woodland Scenics miniatures terrain, dice, rockets and even the newest Magic: The Gathering cards. And did I mention the personal service is the best you will find anywhere? It is.

This morning, my daughter (she's 4) was watching Arthur on PBS, and who--but my hero of cello heros--should appear, but the one and only Yo Yo Ma! It was his voice, and certainly his cello playing that I heard, and the credits showed that yes, Yo Yo Ma played himself, and guest starred with a famous saxophonist (sorry, I forgot the sax player's name). The cartoon version of Yo Yo Ma showed him with the ears of a rabbit, which I think is appropriate because he certainly must listen well. He had glasses, and the cartoon face actually looked a fair amount like him. In the story, there was a disagreement about whether classical or jazz music was superior. As he has done before, Yo Yo Ma demonstrated the point that different styles of music are like different kinds of foods: a variety is best. And any type of music can be played on any instrument. I could not agree more, that's exactly what I do! Yo Yo Ma, you are my hero!
I looked back at my daughter and smiled. She slept through the whole thing.