Train station in Hoboken. Amen.
Love. Fall in love and stay in love. Write only what you love, and love what you write. The key word is love. You have to get up in the morning and write something you love, something to live for.
“
| — | Ray Bradbury (via christinamorelli) |
Dance Innovations “Artistic Interludes” Performance
I am honored to be performing as part of the “Artistic Interludes” production with Dance Innovations, who have choreographed pieces to my songs! Other highlights of the program include Michael Crawford- principal with American Repertory Ballet, and the students of the Newark School of the Arts. Would love to see you at this very special event.
May 1st, 2011 3PM
Westminster Arts Center at Bloomfield College
449 Franklin Street, Bloomfield, NJ
Tickets: $15.00
Call 973-635-1205 for reservations
I Love New York # 29: Faith is not always lost in the madness.
There is a woman in her 70’s who walks around Thompkins Square park, somewhat dirty and unkempt, but probably not homeless, carrying her belongings in what looks like at least a 6 month old plastic shopping bag. She shuffles along at about six inches per step; I assume it takes her at least 10 minutes to walk one block. But in spite of all the mess of people rushing by her with lattes, the crazy folk screaming obscenities, the young and drunk doing more or less the same, she never neglects to wish you, as you pass her, “God bless you now!”
I love New York #28: It’s still a small town.
I left my phone at Odessa (the Ukranian diner on Ave. A) one night. Thankfully, I called the next afternoon and was informed that they did indeed still have my phone. I was estatic just at the prospect of getting it back, even if it were slightly abused, having been shoved around in a junk drawer with some forgotten half open ketchup packets. But by the time I got there, not only was my phone still shiny and clean, but the manager had taken the time to charge it for me, and even picked up the phone when my dad called to reassure him I’d be getting my phone back. It turns out not all New Yorkers are self-absorbed.
We can’t give up on art.
“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, “O me! O life!… of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless… of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?” Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play *goes on* and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?” (Dead Poets Society)
On songwriting…
When it’s honest enough that the thought of singing it for people you know makes you just a bit uncomfortable, that’s a good start.
I love new York # 27- No business plan too small.
A man in his early thirties walks around the perimeter of Tompkins Sqare park holding up an open Marlboro box asking passers-by and outdoor diners, “Want to buy a cigarette?” Nobody bites. He’s got dreadlocks but is wearing a clean button down shirt, and looks like he trimmed his stylish scruff this morning. I guess everyone needs a few extra dollars these days, and they’re working it shamelessly…
