Welcome!
The other night, I came home to
discover a large Christmas decoration (faux
lamppost adorned for the holidays), lit up on
my front porch (a surprise from my family, who
knew I would like it). Needless to say, it made me
happy, and I lingered outside awhile enjoying the
moment. That's how it happens, it seems.
Encouragements, acts of love and kindness, a warm
welcome, placed in our path (and not by
accident). Not just these, however, but
the anticipated celebrations, and even the routine
events welcome us to new experiences and
opportunities. This is kind of how this time in
life (for me) feels, as I am reminded continually
of providence, hope, and love. And now, the
Christmas and Holiday season - welcoming us, as we
welcome it. Speaking of welcome, a special
greeting to first time recipients of this
newsletter (many of you from the "Shore Jazz"
event mentioned in the Journal piece). Hope you
enjoy reading through what's happening, and that
we can keep in touch. And - that you have a
Merry
Christmas! |
| Solo Concerts, Special Events |
|
THURSDAY 12/17/09: 2pm
Joe
performs in concert at the Downs Cultural Center,
Wilmington, DE
Joe returns to the
Downs Center for a solo performance of improvised
holiday favorites. Downs center performances are
open to the public, with no admission charge.
Reservations are requested. (302)-575-0250 x2244
SUNDAY 12/20/09: 10am -
special event
Christmas Carol Sing-in
at Crossroads Alliance Church, Dover,
DE
Joe accompanies the congregation and
neighboring community in this annual event.
Several solo piano features included. 350 North
Governors Avenue, Dover DE (on the campus of
Westminster Village).
SATURDAY 1/23/10:
evening
Joe performs in concert at Central
Baptist Church, Millville NJ
Joe
presents improvisations on hymns, classical
themes, popular song, and demonstrations of
musical spontaneity, including his "A.D.D.
Improvisation".
SATURDAY
2/10/10: evening
Joe performs in concert at
Seacrest Presbyterian Church, Delray Beach
Fla.
Joe presents improvisations on
hymns, classical themes, popular song, and
demonstrations of musical spontaneity, including
his "A.D.D. Improvisation".
SUNDAY 2/21/10:
evening
Joe performs in concert at the Lake
Fort Worth Church of the Nazarene,
Fla.
Joe performs a Sunday concert of
familiar hymns and songs, and piano
improvisation.
SUNDAY 2/28/10: 6pm
Joe
performs in concert at the Denton (MD) Church of
the Nazarene
Joe performs a Sunday
concert of familiar hymns and songs, and piano
improvisation.
SATURDAY
3/6/10: 8pm
Joe performs in concert at the Prince
Theatre, Chestertown MD
Joe
presents improvisations on jazz standards,
classical themes, popular song, and demonstrations
of musical spontaneity, including his "A.D.D.
Improvisation". Joe will also perform music from
his groundbreaking CD: "Stories Without
Words" "The joy when he plays is boundless and
infectious" - Jazz vocalist Felicia
Carter Come, and share in the
experience see the
schedule
(more info on the above
dates, and additional bookings, will be reflected
in the coming
days) |
| Other
Opportunities (Joe as sideman) |
Joe performs with (as a "sideman"):
The Mike Allen Trio at the Globe, Berlin,
MD
featuring John Ewart
Friday 12/18/09 - 7-10pm
Bassist Dave Ross at the Inn at 202
Dover, Easton, MD
an elegant New Year's Eve
Thursday 12/31/09 - 9pm-1am
The Holly Lane Trio at the Globe
swinging in the New Year
Saturday 1/2/10 - 7-10pm
"Shore Jazz" at the Denton Public Library
with Mike, John, and Holly
Friday 1/22/10 - evening
Beth McDonald at the Avalon Theatre, Easton,
MD
singer/songwriter Beth performs "From the
Heart"
Saturday 2/6/09 -
8pm
see the
schedule
|
| News |
New CD release by Danny
Tobias: "Cheerful Little
Earful".
Danny Tobias - trumpet,
cornet
Gary Cattley - Bass
Joe - Piano
to order: $16 check or m/o to
Dan Tobias 38 Fenwood Ave
Mercerville NJ 08619
Mainstay concert CD release
planned
Joe's solo performance on 10/15/09 has been
"preserved" for CD release in 2010. More details
to come.
Sellout at the
Milton
Shore Jazz performed to an
enthusiastic full house in their debut
performance of "American Jazz - Inspired By
Legends" on Saturday 11/28/09. A return
engagement is planned for the
spring.
Joe's winter mini-tour
Concerts are planned for southern Florida in
February (see listing above), with additional
performance stops along the route. More info to
come.
A return to the Prince
Theatre
Joe's new concert concept: "Spontaneous Joy"
debuts at the Prince Theatre, Chestertown, MD on
3/6/10, at 8pm.
|
| Audio/Video |
Joe on You
Tube: Selected concerts and events are recorded,
and individual selections posted on YouTube as a
"video diary". Joe's "video hub" channel
contains performance highlights from 2006 though
the present. Joe's current channel (2009) contains
complete archives (playlists) of videos from this
year's recorded events. Choose your "channel" by
clicking the link below.
watch now
Joe Holt's Notes on the
Radio:
Now in it's 4th year, Joe's
weekly (half hour) program is your ticket
to exclusive performances, "behind the
scenes" audio, and the latest
news. listen now
Joe on CD:
Joe's label; "Joe Holt's
Notes" has now grown to 7 titles (not counting the
many recordings of others artists on which he
appears). These CDs continue to document the
creative path, and are available
online. order now
(order by 12/21 for
Priority Mail delivery by
Christmas)
| |
| |
| From the Journal |
 |
In the green room at
the Milton Theatre just before hit on Saturday
night. Pictured from left to right, Dave Schiff,
Mike McShane, John Ewart (Holly Lane not pictured
- just her purse). This was a wonderful (and
intense) evening and experience, on many levels.
The time was right for this to happen. I have been
with "Shore Jazz" (Mike, Holly, and John) for
about 3 years, during which time personal,
professional, and artistic rapport has grown. I've
known Dave (always enjoying the opportunities to
gig together) for many years, and with his recent
move to lower Delaware, he has enthusiastically
jumped on board. Due to an unusual circumstance at
the theatre, we put this concert on the schedule
with less than a month's lead time. Not cool,
generally, unless you have performers with a long
history of connection to the "neighborhood"
(excluding me - I'm a "commuter"), and the drive
and commitment of Mike McShane, who made the
highly improbable (under the circumstances)
happen: a sellout house. We gave a strong
performance (with some exceptional moments), and
the audience returned the love. New opportunities
are now on the horizon for the group, both at and
beyond the Milton. I'm happy to be a part of it.
|
| From The Mailbag/ Comment Box
|
Hi Joe! Life is great: now I am
in my work place listening to you play, the window
is open the sun is shining, what else do I
need?
I love this guy!! He has become a
great friend, and never ceases to amaze me with
his versatility. I felt like I had struck a gold
mine the first time I heard him. Right up my
alley!
You are the Robin Williams of the
(piano) keyboard.
I love the expression on your
face when it goes somewhere unexpected and you
seem to say to yourself "now how did that theme
creep in there" and then you go with it and
explore it even further.
Awesome Joe,
as always! You are a true
inspiration. |
| Merry Christmas!
and a blessed holiday
season! |
| |
