Let me start this post with a heartfelt HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY to each and every one of you!!

The view from stage preceding the Bay City Fireworks Festival concert

Today, as I write this, it is the Fourth of July.. Independence Day here in the United States!!  I’ve just finished a very demanding week of performances. Now, for the first time in years, I have a couple of months in the summer that are virtually gig-free. I do have a few weddings, and there are a couple of public concerts in the works that may or may not happen, but for the most part, I’ve got a nice long stretch of rest and relaxation coming my way, and I could not be happier!!

The view from stage right before the fireworks. Lots of people having a great time!

This is the first summer since 2002 that I will not be heading to California and the Cabrillo Festival in August. As a result, I have lots more time and resources to spend having fun and recharging for the year ahead, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do!

Of course, I will be continuing my full summer private teaching schedule (don’t worry, students!) and, yes, I’ll still be practicing and working on several upcoming projects.

Have a great summer!!! I’ll be back in a while, refreshed, renewed, and ready to get back out there!!

Flint’s annual Music In The Parks concert series starts off this year with the Flint Symphony Orchestra performing at Crossroads Village.

We’ve got a really fun program planned, with everything from movie music (E.T.) to patriotic tunes to one of my favorites, John Williams’ Summon the Heroes.

Come on out for a fun and relaxing evening, rain or shine!!

This week I’ll be performing with Bay City’s Bijou Orchestra as they kick off the summer concert series at the Pigeon Band Shell in, you guessed it, Pigeon, Michigan.

If you’re hanging out in the upper thumb this Thursday, come on out and have a listen!!

More information is available here.