returning thanks for your house concert generosity...

A massive thank you to everyone who came out to our maiden voyage as the full Famous Before We're Dead band. There were 30+ people, we live streamed the gig and friends in Brooklyn, Canada, California, and Europe took the time to watch - and donate - and the Famous Brothers rocked the house gently with songs of challenge, love, hope and compassion.

A few really wonderful things happened at this house concert at our home:

+ First, we have been able to raise over $700 for RAICES to date. Those who didn't know about the important work RAICES does fighting for migrant children and families separated by the Trump regime's cruelty at our southern border got a chance to join the movement for radical love. To learn more, please go to: https://actionnetwork.org/groups/raices-refugee-and-immigrant-center-for-education-and-legal-services .

+ Second, the Famous Brothers got the chance to kick it up a few notches and play for a listening audience. Bars and open mics have their place, and we're grateful for any and all gigs, but there is something sacred when people with big hearts and creative minds come together to authentically experience our music. It doesn't happen enough in our over worked culture. Nor do we take enough time to be together in the beauty of nature with gentleness and openness. Ours was a 90 minute musical meditation on slowing down, celebrating all that is good and true, and honoring the love at the core of creation. NOTE: If you're so inclined take a listen to the gig on the link below.

+ And third, the band had a chance to play together in a deep and fun way. Enjoying the music is crucial to the musicians. We work hard at this craft but only in pursuit of advancing beauty. So when the groove falls into place, when each member is listening well and playing from the heart, something magical takes place on the bandstand. Wynton Marsailis talks about this experience in a sacramental way: mistakes as well as successes are shared when playing together profoundly because the band seeks to carry one another in love through the music. Nobody is dissed when something goes south, nor is the flow stopped. Rather, the whole encounter becomes a way for our deepest values to be lived out in real time in pursuit of compassion and beauty. 

There were mistakes - I made more than my share, for sure - and I suspect the other Famous Brothers did, too. Accepting them with grace is part of what evokes blessings in a band. And celebrating when it all goes right is ecstatic. I am so very grateful for the whole thing and look forward to moving on to the next performance. Thank you Famous Brothers. Thank you guests. Thank you Di for helping me share hospitality. Thank you to all who donated to RAICES. And thank you You Tube for helping us share the love beyond our backyard.