CAL

My Favorite Things 

Picture of jazz singer Dianne Reeves
Dianne Reeves + David Peaston = 🔥🔥🔥

This video of Dianne Reeves and David Peaston absolutely shredding the tune 'Stormy Monday' always reminds me of why music is so powerful. Obviously, Dianne and David are in total control of their voices, but they and the band demonstrate how the whole is greater than the sum of its parts: the singers interact and respond to the other's improvisations, the band reacts physically to them, and there's a good old-fashioned 80's sax solo. Having a bad day? Watch this.

Picture of the book Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis
What I'm Reading

For whatever reason, I've had a really hard time finishing books this year, but this one is keeping my attention. Always liked the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and especially Anthony Kiedis. I don't think anyone should have a childhood like his; it's amazing he came out on top.

Picture of poster for Game of Thrones
What I'm Watching

I didn't have HBO when this was released originally, but I'm thrilling to it now. Goes down really easy after a hard day at work.

Picture of musician PJ Morton
What I'm Excited About

I just went to PJ Morton's show at the Wiltern in LA and it was BONKERS! I mean, the music was SO GOOD, the musicians were AMAZING, and the audience was there for it. Lots of dancing and feeling good. I would absolutely see him perform again, the same show. Do yourself a favor and GO!

Picture of Carmen Lemoine as a flutist
My Other Life

Before I became a software engineer, I spent the past twenty years as a professional flutist (I still am one!). My first recital as a university professor was in spring 2017, when I performed this piece by Eugénie Rocherolle. It's by far my most popular video on YouTube, with over 9K views!

Movie Poster of Auntie Mame starring Rosalind Russell
My Favorite Movie

Growing up with a single working mom who went to night school meant my siblings and I were left alone quite a bit. My sister and I particularly loved watching the old movies on AMC (when it was really was about classic movies, harumph). I guess we were strange children and I'm a little amazed we turned out as well as we did. Anyway, Auntie Mame with Rosalind Russell taught me how to dream big and be fabulous. I've tried to live up to her rallying cry: 'Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!'