On a day like today I look outside and wonder why I ever left upstate New York. Then I look at pictures of upstate New York from today and remember exactly why.
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Made it!
Tomorrow night, for the first time since the final day of 2005, I’m involved in a legitimate New Year’s Eve party, possibly against my better judgment. I’m usually home in bed, barely awake to see the ball drop on TV. I’m just now recovering from that episode in 2005. That year I remember going out about 8 p.m. and coming home some time in March.
My public performances are somewhat rare, but this weekend you’ve got the opportunity to see me live and in person in Waterford, Virginia. I’ll be playing at 8 Chains North winery from 2-5 p.m. this Sunday, mostly standards with a few Christmas carols thrown in as well. 8 Chains has just finished some major remodeling and is a great place to spend a Sunday afternoon. So come one, come all, and check out the calendar on this site for some more insider information.
It’s here. The day around which the entire kid year revolves. It’s time for Charlie Brown, Bing Crosby, A Christmas Story on TBS, the yule log channel, hot chocolate, peppermint bark, and a convenient excuse for everyone else to act the way I act the entire year! Merry Christmas, everyone!
When I was a kid I used to call this day Christmas Eve Eve. Since 1997 it has officially been “Festivus,” the holiday for the rest of us. So gather ’round the aluminum pole, everyone, and get ready to air you grievances; feats of strength will test you this fine Festivus Day.
One of the greatest days of the kid year is the last day of school before Christmas vacation. You know you’re not really learning anything and you’ve got the whole vacation in front of you. So bust out Donald Duck in Mathmagic Land and let the season begin!
Just to clarify, when I say “Happy Holidays” I’m not trying to be politically correct. I really do enjoy New Year’s as much as I do Christmas and want to give it equal standing in my December greeting.
Last night I had the pleasure to see a great show at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia. On the bill were singer-comedienne Christine Lavin (one of my favorites), surprise guest and songwwriter extraordinaire Tom Paxton, and a singing trio named Uncle Bonsai. I’m still unaware of the origin of that moniker but the trio by any other name would be just as good.
I like musical acts who do not take themselves too seriously. No subject matter was taboo for this decidedly adult Christmas show (adult in the cerebral sense). Pets, children, relationships, even the solemnity of Christmas itself: it all can be made fun of in music and rhyme. The gang last night did not disappoint, and as a first-time Birchmere concertgoer, I can now appreciate its renowned status.
These folks travel together often and seem to perform everywhere in the U.S. Do yourself a favor and catch their act some time. Just don’t bring your kids.
Three things occur to me today: 1. Bob Barker, even at age 90, still does The Price is Right better than Drew Carey; 2. Nobody cares about Friday the 13th anymore; and 3. Being a musician in the month of December is the greatest job in the world. That is all.