I wasn’t at this performance. I chose to spend time with my family in Connecticut on Thanksgiving. One of my amazing drum subs, Andrew Atkinson, was there to take my place. Even though I wasn’t there physically, it is me on the recording that you are hearing. I had so much fun laying down the…
Read moreGame Night!
We’ve been having a post-thanksgiving game night with our kids for the last few years. It started out when my high school friend Larisa invited me and my family over the day after Thanksgiving. Back then, we just hung out, had some food, talked and our kids, how it sometimes sucks getting old…and we just…
Read moreGrammy Award Nomination For Ain’t Too Proud
I just l found out my show was nominated for a Grammy. It feels great to be a part of something special. Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations Principal Soloists: Saint Aubyn, Derrick Baskin, James Harkness, Jawan M. Jackson, Jeremy Pope & Ephraim Sykes; Producer: Scott M. Riesett (Original Broadway Cast)
Read moreBlink
I went to the Bryant Park Blink Fitness in-between shows today. What a change of pace. It was PACKED. I mean, a line for the treadmills. There was not a single aerobic machine free. It’s was kinda crazy, but expected since it was right after work for these 20 something professionals – all who are…
Read moreMonday’s
Monday’s are special to me. It has been my only day off from work since I left the day-job era of my life and became a full-time professional musician. Monday’s are the only time I have my kids overnight. My parenting time is from 7:15AM-6PM during the weekdays and I also have them during the…
Read moreA Pleasant Surprise
My daughter texted me late in the afternoon last Saturday wondering what I was up to. She took practice ACT/SAT tests that morning and wanted to get out of the house to take a break. I told her I was in-between shows at Ain’t Too Proud and could meet for dinner. We had some quality…
Read moreFREE HUGS!
On my way to work this morning, I saw a man walking towards me with a FREE HUGS t-shirt on. My mind did some calculations and if you know me, I came to the conclusion that I should say something to him. I said, “Hey! Nice t-shirt!” He thanked me and I asked him…
Read moreThe “Joker” Stairs
Tale of two cities. The steps on the left are the “Joker” steps in the Bronx that Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (who isn’t from here nor does she represent the Bronx) and others think tourist should stay away from because it’s for New Yorkers. The steps on the right are the 16th Ave Tiled Steps in San…
Read moreBreaking Car Culture
They “broke car culture” on 14th street. Yea!!! Wooo hoo!!! Wait…Isn’t it already broken when 80% of New Yorkers don’t own a car? The city council of New York banned cars on 14th Street in Manhattan. Now do it on 23rd, 34th, 42nd, 72nd, 86th, 96th, 116th, 125th, 145th, 2nd Ave, Park Ave, Lexington, Madison,…
Read moreShould You Stop Playing $100 Gigs?
Musicians!!! What do you think? I’ll do low paying gigs at this point in my career because I want to have fun with the players, eat a free meal, and drink expensive scotch from the bar. I would rather go back to working at a bank than do what I did 25 years ago. You…
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