Let It Be

I saw Maureen McGovern in concert in Rochester, NY last week. Apparently, she is a big name with the Baby Boomer generation, due to her movie soundtrack hits and success in Broadway productions such as Pirates of Penzance, The Sound of Music, and Little Women. During her musical review, she connected pivotal events in the U.S. and moving episodes from her own life to songs -- singing covers of tunes by Pete Seager, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan. Of course, she also sang her own hit songs, such as:



What amazed me was not only how well she performed (she's 61) and how perfect her tuning was during a cappella renditions of pop song extractions - but how well she connected to her audience. When she broke into Let it Be after describing the assassination of JFK, the whole crowd held its breath. She reminded me of how much we connect important times in our lives to music, from an argument, to a first kiss, to a tragedy. She also reminded me of how therapeutic music can be during a challenging time in one's life.

Here's the review from Rochester's Democrat & Chronicle: Maureen McGovern Carries It On With Grace.

And, just for inspiration:

Drumming our way into Fall

Today was the Drum Circle Event at the Interactive Resource Center for "OneCity OneBook"! I wasn't sure what to expect, but I hoped it would be a fun, informal lunch hour that brought some much needed joy to a few people.

What I experienced was so much more than that. While I watched the men and women drumming on pails and buckets, laughing, and moving to the beats, I was reminded of a few very important things:

1. Improvised music and rhythm is FUN. No stressing over notes, accuracy, entrances...just plain old impulse and movement.

2. Adults are scared of kid-like things. When they let go of their inhibitions and join in, they remember what it's like to be a child again. It feels free.

3. Community service is good for the soul. Sharing an experience with others in need really puts things into perspective.

I hope these happy thoughts bring a smile to your face as you kick off your Fall season. Do something nice for someone today!