The Renwick Gallery in Washington DC is currently hosting an exhibit about the Burning Man Festival. Although I’ve heard of Burning Man for years, I never really understood it. It’s a great exhibit that teaches and explains, but, more importantly, gives viewers the chance to see examples of the creative collaborations that result from the …
I have been listening to two wonderful podcasts about songwriting. They are both geared to pop music, but I find the insights and interviews fascinating. The first is Switched on Pop. Charlie Harding and Nate Sloan have a dialogue in which they dissect the writing and production of current hits. It’s kind of like textual …
I was talking with my friend Sandy Byer about aging and legacy, a topic that seems to come up more often these days. We were talking specifically about folk music. For many years Sandy was a singer, songwriter, and storyteller, and I have always found her material as well as her thoughts in the areas …
Sometimes, and actually, fairly often, things just slip out of kids’ mouths. Great lines, observations, insights, and inspirations. Thanks to the teachers who notice and share. Here’s one straight from the mouth of a four year old. And it’s for all of us, though. It reminds me of Walter Isaacson’s new book about Leonardo Da …
A song for the early days of school to build community.
A week spent on the Mississippi. Ospreys, eagles, tugboats and trains all finding their way along the edges of the river. It’s a gift to read during these days. Between distractions of screens and to do lists and the challenge of too much material available, it seems like a luxury to focus on books or …
Here’s an old song, but a song I have always loved. I wrote it for a Thanksgiving celebration many years ago, but somehow the simple story is speaking to me right now. She said, “I had a pretty rough start. My mom and my dad poked holes in my heart. They raised me on …
Jack Pearson was a wonderful singer, musician, songwriter and storyteller. And an all around kind, joyful, generous, funny, and deep human being. Jack died of infection and cancer after a short stay in the hospital. His son Peter wrote amazing blog pieces on his father’s progress and ultimately his death. Jack and I knew each …
Music in language, play and Reggio. Brigid Finuncane writes a wonderful blog on a variety of topics in music and learning. Always inspiring. Explorations of music, art, creativity by Deirdre Recter. Very interesting work. Joanie Calem is a very fine musician and educator. Her blog explores many important issues. last of all, an excellent collection …
Here’s a very singable song that was appreciated by many at the CMN gathering in Los Gatos. Fun, upbeat, and easy to get going on. And who doesn’t love the moon? Tom Pease and I wrote this song, and kindergarten students at Cormier, Tanner, and Riverview schools helped with verses. Joanie Calem added some verses …