Let it Snow, Caroling in the Heights on 19th Street

Well, it's been a week since (what just may be) our annual snowfall here in Houston. Personally, I enjoyed the day and took some time off to walk around in the snow while it lasted. A good friend and I even got together that evening to play Christmas carols and some other tunes on 19th Street in the Heights for their annual "Holiday on 19th" celebration. We a blast playing for strangers in the holiday spirit and attracted quite a crowd of singers and dancers. Unfortunately, the overall turnout was a bit down from its usual commotion. I guess people didn't want to risk it out there on the roadways. Oh well, better safe than sorry, I suppose...

I hope everyone had a great time nevertheless, and a wonderful holiday season. Merry Christmas!

11/17/2009: UH Jazz Orchestra & Jazz Ensemble

Still looking for some Tuesday evening entertainment? Might I suggest the final UH Jazz Ensemble/Orchestra concert of the semester? It's going to be a really good show, with some added surprises. Show begins at 7:30pm, for directions and ticket info, click here. Below is the full program. I hope to see a full house tonight! Jazz Ensemble

Lightnin', Bill Holman Celebración, Sammy Nestico Not to be Forgotten, arr. Bob Curnow Straight Ahead, George Stone

Jazz Orchestra Groovin’ Hard, Don Menza The Best is Yet to Come, arr. Quincy Jones Kickin’ and Screamin’, Chuck Owen Tell Your Story, Bob Florence The Art of Darkness, James Miley Plain Brown Wrapper, Bill Holman

11/15 & 11/17/2009: University of Houston Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble

What are you doing this weekend? Well, I'll tell you what you're doing this Sunday evening! At 7:30pm, the University of Houston Jazz Orchestra will be backing Billy Stritch at Miller Outdoor Theater. The repertoire consists of all the tunes made famous by Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Nat 'King' Cole, etc... Best of all, it's FREE and open to the public!!! Come out and bring the family (or a date, or the dog, or all of the above) for a great evening of classic big band music. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SjOcq87geg]

And if THAT isn't enough for you, both the University of Houston Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble will be presenting their final concert of the semester on Tuesday, November 17. The concert begins at 7:30pm in the Moores Opera House.  Click here for ticket information and directions.

Trolls, critics and doubters

I know that I should update with an original post, but I would suggest you hang onto this handy tip from Seth Godin in the meantime.

Lots of things about work are hard. Dealing with trolls is one of them. Trolls are critics who gain perverse pleasure in relentlessly tearing you and your ideas down. Here's the thing(s):

1. trolls will always be trolling 2. critics rarely create 3. they live in a tiny echo chamber, ignored by everyone except the trolled and the other trolls 4. professionals (that's you) get paid to ignore them. It's part of your job.

"Can't please everyone," isn't just an aphorism, it's the secret of being remarkable.

Amen!  Original post is here.

10/7/2009: University of Houston Jazz Orchestra & Jazz Ensemble

Come one, come all to the first concert of the season for the jazz department at the University of Houston Moores School of Music!  it looks to be a great night of jazz, featuring both old and new works for big band and REAL ARTISTIC RISK-TAKING!!!  Also, we'll be featuring a guest artist for the evening, Houston's very own Thomas Hultén, trombonist extraordinaire. This Wednesday at 7:30pm, we'll be showing off our latest ensembles for the school's concert season.  The concert will take place in the Moores Opera House, doors open at 7pm.  Click here for ticket information and driving directions.

Here's what to expect:

Jazz Ensemble Stolen Moments, Oliver Nelson A Time for Love, arr. Hank Levy The Second Code, Bob Meyer

Jazz Orchestra The Refrigerator, Phil Kelly Come Fly with Me, transcribed by Jon Harpin Oleo, arr. Mike Crotty Here’s That Rainy Day, arr. Dee Barton It’s a Wonderful World, arr. Thomas Hultén Pilska Polska, Thomas Hultén Another One of Those Things, arr. John Mahoney