I have had a lot of fun doing these with various groups of people. Sometimes they might all be pianists, where we perform for one another and discuss all the musical topics that come up. At other times, however, I have led groups of people with a wide range of musical skill (and lack thereof!), playing a wide variety of musical instruments, as well as singers and people who do not play an instrument at all. As long as there is enthusiasm and the desire to participate in making some music, we can all have a lot of fun. I play games, introduce interesting factoids, and lead the group in some improvisations, which frequently lead to some amazing musical moments, and almost always lead to some good laughs and interesting sonic experiences. We play rhythm games, memory games and jam together with percussion instruments. It’s challenging, but never competitive or judgmental.

Groups can be formed for a single session of a couple of hours, or for ongoing weekly meetings where we can make some real progress in musicianship. We can put a group together anywhere. I’d be glad to come to you.

So get creative, talk it over with your music-loving friends and think about what you might like to do. Then get in touch and let’s make it happen.

Last fall we embarked on a pilgrimage of sorts. As I have mentioned before, I have 100 percent Irish blood flowing through me. I was born and raised in Dorchester Massachusetts, (part of Boston) but all my ancestors on both sides were Irish. Our neighbors were Irish. The nuns and the priests were Irish. My Great Aunt taught the Irish language secretly behind the hedgerows in Ireland when it was still dangerously illegal to do so, and the street I lived on in Dorchester is named Druid Street. You get the idea.

Despite this very green pedigree, I had never had much interest in Ireland. I had pride in my background, but not too much curiosity about the past. It wasn’t until a few years ago, when I recorded the My Irish Soul CD, that I decided to investigate my Irish roots a little. One thing lead to another, and shortly after that CD came out, I received a call from a travel agency, asking if I would be interested in making a tour of Ireland as the “celebrity host” of a tour group.

(story continued on next page)

Cliffs of Moher photo credit: Danielito · www.observare.it