Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Upcoming Performance

When I started this blog last year, I intended it to be an account of my travels and performances. Sort of an open diary for my family and friends. In the past year, I think I have done a pretty good job at posting my whereabouts. However, I seem to leave out important information; the music I am performing, when and where the concerts are, and so on. I usually just post non-performance related things, like; "I'm in Somewhereville, look at the funny building."

I have wondered whether or not to start a separate blog, one in conjunction with my website I am trying to get going. For now, I'll keep it like this and if there is ever a time when I need to expand, I will!

So... that leads me to announce what I have coming up:



Yes! It's Gilbert & Sullivan with the University Community Chorus. Dr. Schauer was kind enough to ask me back to join the chorus and a fine group of student soloist to partake in this joyous occasion. "Trial by Jury" was Gilbert and Sullivan's first full collaboration, and started them off on their merry way as a librettist/composer duo. (if you haven't seen Topsy-Turvy and like G&S even a little bit, you must see this movie). I play the part of the Judge in this concert version and end up with the girl in the end!

I wish you could all be there to see me!

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Windy

Well, my heart goes out to all of the people in Southern California, especially my friends Todd, Nishi, Tim and Karen. I spent some down time reading about the fires, hope you and your friends make it through okay!

On a lighter, but not completely unrelated, note; here are two silly videos from my trip to Wilcox. You can't hear a damn word either Kathryn or I say, but you can see you beautiful it was there, and see how windy it was.


I explain of the varieties of pumpkins:


Kat's Southern Arizona inspired version of Oklahoma:

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Hard Day on the Farm

There comes a time in a man's life when he must brave the elements. When he must roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty, enjoy the dirt under his nails, the sun on the back of his neck... yes; a man must break a sweat to find find nourishment. Or go to Trader Joe's, whatever is easier, really.

Today I wanted to investigate where the food actually comes from, and have a bit of fun picking my own! Kat and I drove to Wilcox (about 90 miles) today to visit Apple Annie's Orchard and Produce Farm (which are actually located in two different places!). Despite the windy weather (dust!) and the crowds, it was a great day. I came away with a big bag full of apples (about 4 pounds of mostly Fuji and Granny Smith), one awesome pumpkin, and bag full of tasty looking fresh veggies.... so many photos!!!














Some more photos here.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Done!

Wow,
Done with Lucia in Pheonix! It was a great weekend. Click here to see photos of costumes. I'll bother you once more with opera videos:

This is a video of the baritone who sang Enrico in our production, great guy and incredible baritone:

Weston Hurt sing "Cruda funestra smania"

Friday, October 12, 2007

AZ Opera in Phoenix!

Well, the weekend is here, and I'm enjoying my working vacation! I'm up in Phoenix singing in the chorus for Arizona Opera's production of Lucia di Lammermoor. We have four performances this weekend (Thursday through Sunday) and the opera puts us up in the Wyndham in Downtown Phoenix. It's not too shabby, and it's a pretty exciting place to be, with the Diamondbacks in the NLCS and the happening downtown PHX nightlife... (it was impossible to find food last night after the performance!).

If you are interested, here are some clips of the opera from youtube:
First Act by the Fountain:

The Mad Scene


And a couple of photos: (I promise to post more!)
Adam enjoying our bus ride with only 1 near death experience (thanks to our attentive driver Dan!)

Jay, how did he get the good wig?

Christopher and I