This is very much a theme of my sabbatical and has been present for me over the past week. When I find myself in moments that lack clarity, when I am in need of focus, or even as my head is a bit stuffy and hazy at the moment with this cold that has returned, finding the right music for the moment is always something that I need in my life.
I was moved this week watching performances at the NAMM convention. Particular memories that stand out are an extremely young guitarist in the Gibson room who was rocking the stage like a pro, the Langley Ukulele Ensemble, who spread their love and joy through their music, and the ever innovative and musical life force that is Bobby McFerrin. His sheer genius mesmerizes me. On Saturday night, I had the opportunity to attend the Canvas Acoustic Guitar Festival in Irvine. This festival, organized by local guitarist Donovan Raitt, has been happening for the past several years and features top fingerstyle and acoustic guitar players from all around the world each year during NAMM. I was absolutely entranced by their performances and I need to listen to more music of this style! On Sunday, I attended a shorter chamber orchestra performance of the Pacific Symphony at Soka, featuring two Mozart concertos, one for flute and one for violin
I chose to celebrate Shabbat at home this past Friday, when my cold was getting me down, but I’m looking forward to visiting Temple Bat Yahm, Central Synagogue (NYC), and Cong. B’nai Tzedek in the weeks to come. I am really enjoying visiting a different congregation each week.
I am spending a couple days up in LA this week taking in more healing music and theater, as well as excited to continue forward in work I’m doing with CASA later this week.
Wishing everyone a good week ahead …