November 11th

November 11 is always a special day. For all of us, it is Veterans Day, a time to honor all veteran's. Although some may not know that it is also Armistice Day - the day the armistice was signed for WWI. It was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. However, it officially became a holiday, in the US, in 1938.

As we should, please thank any veteran in your life or that you meet today.

However, this day also holds a much deeper, more personal meaning for me. It is the anniversary of my angel mother's passing in 1994. I can't believe it has been 15 years! It seems like only yesterday I was going over to her house or she was traveling with me in my van to a show.

She was my biggest supporter. She was tough. She was passionate and caring and she was my mom.

On Veterans Day, I am thankful for all veterans who have served and I'm also thankful for my mom. It's Veterans Day and Mom's Day in my world.

-Bill

Sesame Street - Happy Birthday!

I can't believe Sesame Street is celebrating its 40th birthday today! Some how it just makes all of us feel a little older!

While I didn't watch Sesame Street growing up (my wife was a Sesame Street fanatic!), I am a fan of Jim Henson. He was amazing and left us far too early! I'm sure he would be proud to see this milestone.

To Big Bird, Oscar, Bert, Ernie, Grover and the gang...Happy Birthday!

Tony Burgers and Old Music in Alpena

The Trio and I are in Alpena, MI tonight for the Concert 4 a Cause. It is a community concert to raise money for a charity while having fun. We are so blessed to be invited to perform for their concert for Friends Together. It is a charity to provide support for people with cancer.

The concert is being held at the Thunder Bay Recreation Center. Can we say BEAUTIFUL? This is an amazing facility!

We are just getting starting, but are having the most fun. The people here are so nice. We even met friends of couple I know from Delaware. Rita and Edward made the trip out to see us tonight. What a sweet couple! Apparantly, Betty wrote them a letter to tell them to come see us.

Okay, you are probably wondering about the Tony Burgers?? Well, Alpena had a gentleman who owned a burger place in the 40s. His burgers were all the rage. Now, the recreation center continues the tradition by cooking Tony Burgers during their events. I would say it is worth the drive to Alpena just for the burgers. But, you know me...I love good food.

Thanks Alpena for your hospitality and fun. Thanks to Darlene who is just fabulous!

The Latest Dance Craze

Well, I think I just saw it...the next dance craze!  I'm at Amanda and Adrian's reception with the band and I think it happened.

There is the cutest two year old, who can stay with the beat of the song while doing HER dance.  Imagine bouncing from the toes of one foot to other foot.  It is kind of a gallop, a little rocking and a lot of rhythm.  Got it?

I'm sure this ball of energy will be showing us all how to do the dance in the coming years.  In the meantime, start practicing.  With that much energy, we'll have a hard time keeping up!

Bill

From Gahanna to Gettysburg

I can't believe it.  Last night, the band and I had so much fun at the Gahanna concert. 

Now, I've just arrived in Gettysburg with a group.  Before we head to a late lunch, I'm showing them the opening day of the battle...really just setting the stage for what they will see tomorrow morning. 

I can't help but think of my nephew, Gunnar.  He calls this the John-John area because of the statues for John Buford and John Fulton Reynolds.  He is such a smart kid and this really does help people remember the stories.

As soon as we finish up here, we are off to the Dobbin House.  While it was built in 1776, my favorite part of its history...the day my wife and I were married there!

More to come!
Bill

Live from Gahanna

Believe or not, the band and I are performing right now at the Gahanna Creekside Park!  It is cold out tonight and I'm not sure how the fingers can still move.  However, we are having a BLAST! 

I can't believe how many people are out to see us...sitting in the cold.  Bless their hearts! 

Well, I better get back to the show!

Stay warm!
Bill

When a Cloud Covers a Celebration

Recently, I was scheduled to perform with my band at a wedding reception. Unfortunately, a life event intervened just the day before with the passing of a close relative of the couple.

Sometimes, these things happen. If we could control them, we would keep our dearest family members with us forever! We would never need to consider how to address the passing at a celebration.

However, we don’t have that control.

I encountered a similar situation when my mom passed. It was just days before a wedding reception I was contracted to play. I knew I couldn’t let the couple know what had happened. I wanted them to fully enjoy their special day. Much later, they did learn of my personal tragedy. I was grateful they didn’t have any idea on their day.

What’s worse, I think, is when the bride and groom have a family death. They have planned for a year or more for this day. After they make the decision whether to continue with their planned nuptials, they do have several choices on how to mark the passing (or not).

At a recent wedding reception where my band played, this exact situation occurred. I thought the couple showed such grace. The “spouse” acknowledged the family member on behalf of the couple. The couple was also sympathetic that guests weren’t quite ready to jump up and dance.

It was amazing, though. After awhile, everyone was ready to let loose. It was still a great celebration.

While we never want this type of thing to happen, we all do the best we can. Acknowledge what you are able to do and I wish you all the strength and grace you need for your situation!