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!!

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.

FSO Brass

On June 18th, the Flint Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet will perform a recital as part of the Flint Institute of Music’s Chamber Music Series. we have a big program planned, with great brass quintet music by Ewazen, Bozza, Dahl, Debussy and more!

Come out and hear us for an evening of great music! Tckets are free!!

Dr. Bradley Bloom conducts the Choir from First Presbyterian Church & singers from the Flint Symphony Festival Chorus, with soprano & alto soloists, on May 14th, 7:30 PM in the recently renovated sanctuary, with its stellar acoustics & magnificent brand new organ.   Included will be music of Johannes Brahms, Charles-Marie Widor (his famous Toccata from the 5th Organ Symphony, with text added for singers in an arrangement by Sir David Willcocks), and the Requiem by James Nissen, Ann Arbor-based composer, which utilizes all the instruments, organ, & THREE synthesizers!   All are welcome – open seating.

First Presbyterian Church
1669 West Maple Road
Birmingham, MI  48009

Plenty of parking available directly behind the church.  This concert will certainly be worth the effort required to attend!

Also on the program will be the Reinecke Concerto in D major for Flute and Orchestra, featuring 2009 Byrd Competition winner Conor Nelsen.

More Information is available at the FSO website (click here).

I just found the schedule of re-broadcasts for the FSO Holiday Pops concert this past weekend. Straight from the ABC-12 website:

Holiday Pops air times:

ABC12 LIVE Dec 19 at  7p.m., Taped airings: ABC12: Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 25 at noon.

PBS:

WNMU Marquette Thurs 12/24 10pm

WGVU Grand Rapids/Kzoo Thurs 12/25 2 p.m. and 10 p.m.

WTVS Detroit Thurs 12/24 10 p.m.

WCMU Mt Pleasant/Alpena/Traverse City Fri 12/25 9 p.m.

WFUM Flint Fri 12/25 9 p.m.

WKAR E Lansing Thur 12/24 10 p.m.

WDCQ Bay City Tues 12/22 8 p.m. and Fri 12/25 9 p.m.

This performance will take place at First Presbyterian Church in beautiful downtown Northville. From the FPC website (where more information and directions are available):

Handel’s most popular and enduring work is his oratorio based on the life of Jesus Christ, “Messiah”. The Northville Concert Chorale presents this magnificent choral work each December to a full house. The chorus is accompanied by organ, harpsichord, and the Michigan Sinfonietta Orchestra of Ann Arbor. Professional soloists sing the solo roles.

From the FIM website:

Enjoy the magic of the holidays with this timeless story told in dance and music with Nutcracker’s sparkling sets and beautiful costumes.

Featuring New York City’s Collage Dance Collective and Flint School of Performing Arts  dancers while the Flint Symphony performs the unforgettable score to this charming holiday performance.