It's been a busy couple of weeks of music! Since I embarked on this new journey of music as a career (for the second time in my life) it has been a slow process of building activities, and I believe the momentum is now building. Of course Amy and I are about to depart for India in January so that will put a hold on Toronto activities for a couple of months. Nevertheless it has been a very busy and rewarding time here. Music Night at Darchei Noam on Dec. 5 was a great success, with 170 people showing up, to my utter amazement and appreciation! And the music was special with my regular "posse" and some added congregational members adding their musical touches. So that was the first gig. On Dec. 9 I had the honour of serenading the dinosaurs at a corporate gig for Annie DiMilo (singer) at the ROM. Then on Dec. 12 Paul Gellman Band rocked at the Axis. That plus coaching my students has made the time very productive. So perhaps this is a sign of things to come! I am letting you and everyone know that I am available to help in all kinds of musical projects, either as bandleader, musical director, sideman (sideperson sounds lame), accompanist, arranger, producer, session man, coach, teacher, whatever!!! Well almost whatever...

The truth is, while I won't likely get rich doing it, I gain many riches from the work, doing something I love, and spreading the knowledge and experience to others. So this is a great thing!

Other than that, I am focused on preparing for the Voyage to India, doing research, planning, visas, inoculations, etc. We are getting excited, and trust this will be a great adventure! I have dreamed of visiting India since I was a teenager, and both Amy and I are looking forward to a different world, exploring history, nature, yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic practice, music and who knows what else!

Happy Channukah, happy holidays, happy times!