Sharon and I have a running joke about our uncanny ability to visit places that are smack dab in the middle of national news.  A couple of years ago, as San Diego was calling on neighborhoods to evacuate due to the destructive wild fires, we were just arriving in one of those neighborhoods.

As much as we have traveled, we’ve never been to Newark, Delaware.  Every day this week, Newark, Delaware has been in the U.S. news after a school suspeneded a precious, little first grader who had brought a “boy scout knife” to his school.

Work is progressing on finalizing the newest Praise & Harmony CD entitled, “Only God.”  I’m very excited about the collection of songs on this album and the quality of the recording, due to the hard work of everyone who participated.  We hope to have some release information for you soon.  Meanwhile, you can hear “You’re The Only One” as part of the playlist on Acappella On Line Radio.

I’ll have you know that I gave Cherry Jones her start, having acted with her in a Henry County High School production of the musical, Mame.  Well, the latter part is true; I did, in fact, appear with her in that musical as “Patrick.”  However, I cannot imagine anyone more unsuited to acting than myself.  How did my assignment come about?  All I can tell you is, the director must have really been hurting for singers; reasoning that my singing gift could be a sign that I could learn how to act. The two disciplines are not necessarily parallel as evidenced by the numerous, unsuccessful forays into Hollywood by successful musicians.  I can confidently say that I don’t have the gift of acting.

I recall that assignment as was one of the most challenging experiences ever, bringing me to a full appreciation of the skills required to achieve excellence.  It was obvious, even in the mid-seventies, that Cherry Jones was a class act destined for much greater things.

How many of you have enjoyed your experiences in dramas or musicals? I have spoken with so many people who cherish their high school and college days of choral groups, bands, productions and tours. As life moves on, I assume there are thousands of gifted individuals who wistfully reflect upon the times when they were fully engaged in theatre and various creative endeavors.  Do you have have a gift in drama, art or music?  Do you find opportunities to enjoy and share your gift?

[Paris Post Intelligencer]