The King of Pop

What a tragic end to a tragic life. Brilliant in so many respects, Michael Jackson left us at the age of 50 years yesterday...sad, broke, the butt of jokes. Embroiled in legal battles, struggling to keep his finances afloat, reclusive, on the fringe of society...

If you listen to Jackson's music -- Thriller, Billy Jean, Man in the Mirror, Beat It -- you can't help but know this is a great talent. When you listen to his music AND watch him perform, you know you're witnessing one of the greatest performers of all time. But Michael got more and more bizarre, altering his appearance, increasingly eccentric, and eerily "unhuman". As the song goes..."What's behind the facade?"

I feel sorry for Michael. His celebrity lasted almost his entire lifetime, devoid of any normalcy. Like so many before him with great talent and celebrity -- Mozart, Monroe, Cobain, Garland, Presley -- fame and fortune become too much to handle. The dark side of the music business is dark indeed and a public persona as big as Michael's is a difficult thing to sustain when you're simply human.

None of us can imagine living a life like his. Rather than being judgmental, I'm just going to admire the man for his contribution to the arts, to the evolution of popular music, and for persevering despite near impossible odds. While his death is sadly predictable, it is no less tragic.

Why We Sing

It goes without saying that life would be easier, less hectic and a bit more relaxed without the demands of running a choir program for 100+ adults. Someone once said "if not me, then who?" That's sort of how I feel about it too...but there's more...

Over the years, I've heard so many remarkable stories of how being part of the choir has changed people's lives. I often stand back in awe of the investment of time and energy that individuals put into it...rehearsals, extra practices, voice lessons, workshops, retreats. None of that would happen if it weren't for the intrinsic value that we get out of our investment.

I do love getting e-mails and cards from ARCS members (I do get some hate-mail as well from time-to-time!) Here's one that really says what I'm trying to say:

"As you know I have had many medical challenges in my life and what you may not know is that I have always had a strong belief that I do indeed have “Angels Watching Over Me”. It is a great honour for me to be a part of this wonderful group you have created and at this particular time in my life, it has been a god send.

People do indeed come into our lives for a reason and to have you in mine has truly been a blessing in so many ways – you have taught me to reach and grow and expect nothing but the best."

How great is that? I'm the lucky one.

The Divine & The Devious

Well, that's a wrap! Thanks to the tremendous effort on the part of a cast of over 100, we did it! I'm thrilled to tell you that "The Divine & The Devious" was a great success. I'm still receiving e-mails from those in the audience and it seems that we struck a chord with those who attended.

Congratulations to all the performers, backstage crew and artistic and production teams...you are brilliant, talented and FABULOUS!

Here are some snippets:

"Hi Brian: many thanks for the tickets for Sunday's show. Katheryne and I thoroughly enjoyed it - it had a very good flow -and you can tell that your members really love to sing! It is interesting to see the development of people that have been in the group for a number of years e.g. Hon - he is quite the performer! Also Lewis - loves to be in the solo spotlight! So very good work - your group goes from strength to strength."

Malcolm and Katheryne

Dear Brian,

We attended the matinee concert this past Sunday - our daughter (Jennifer) is an alto in the Up2Something chorus.

What a terrific show it was, in all respects. We know, from Jen, how much hard work went into it (particularly from you), and wanted to let you know that it definitely paid dividends. Thoroughly entertaining and inspiring from start to finish.
Look out Broadway!

Dear Brian,

My friends, who attend a lot of local theatre, said our show was better than most of the stage west productions they've seen :) I take that as quite the compliment, as I've always really enjoyed stage west. They were then hurt I hadn't invited them to the talent show, and would come back to future shows for sure.