You’re invited!

I’ve got a big announcement to share: In my spare time, I’ve managed to learn and memorize all 21 Chopin Nocturnes!

Check out the first recording on my YouTube channel. The rest will be published over the next 12 weeks weeks on Thursday mornings. Know in advance that: (1) I’m not a virtuoso, but I don’t suck; (2) the recordings include improvisations that might offend “serious” musicians; (3) there are classical guitar, Irish whistle, and vocals thrown in; and (4) I had more fun with B-roll than adults oughta have.

But wait, there’s more. You’re invited to a live performance combined with conversation about relocalizing food production. Kathy and I and others are hosting a series of house parties/events. The format is a 60-minute concert followed by 60 minutes of food talk. At the two events at our home, Kathy and I will serve “sips and nibbles.” We’re asking for free will donations for Birds & Bees Urban Farm and The Fallon Forum.

Let me know if you’re interested in hosting or sponsoring an event. Continue Reading →

Frédéric Chopin plants a garden

Sporadically over the past few years, I’ve managed to memorize and record all 21 Chopin Nocturnes. Because I can’t help myself, I took some liberty with the recordings, working in improvisations, B-roll, and an occasional song or classical guitar piece.

Serious classical music aficionados might be appalled. I’m ok with that. The recordings aren’t for the concert-hall crowd. They’re for family, friends, and fellow travelers in the struggle for peace, justice, and a sustainable future.

“What do Chopin Nocturnes have to do with peace, justice, and a sustainable future?” you ask.

I’ll let Emma Goldman respond: “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution.”

With that in mind, Kathy and I are hosting a series of house parties to raise funds for Birds & Bees Urban Farm and the Fallon Forum. I’ll perform material from my soon-to-be-released “Chopin Plus” album. Kathy and I will talk about our work to (1) relocalize food production, (2) reclaim the public airwaves for civil dialogue, and (3) address the existential crises humanity faces. There’ll be plenty of time for discussion, of course.
Continue Reading →