Hi everyone! It’s been a whirlwind of the end of year! I went to Cuba from December 3- 11 to play a concert with Bobby Carcassés at the Museo de Bellas Artes for his 80th birthday celebration. It was quite a concert with at least six bands including a lovely young woman who danced and sang to a couple of ragas. My intention to go to Cuba was to be pretty much under the radar, see some friends and hang out a bit. The concert I did ended up being televised on national TV so… so much for being under the radar! Then when I returned I produced a record for Rie Agaki, a Japanese flute player, with Larry Harlow. That was an interesting week of seeing old friends and making great music! The holidays followed; Christmas, New Year’s and now here we are! I’m getting ready to do a showcase at the Chamber Music America conference on January 19th with my band; Bill O’ Connell, Harvie S, and Jason Tiemann. Then on January 24th I’ll be doing a show with the Dave Valentin Tribute band at the Zinc Bar with Bill, Lincoln Goines and Robby Ameen. So, I hope to see some of you at the shows and I want to wish you all a very happy new year with peace and health all year long!