Happy New Year to All! I have just one simple thought for the new year...

When I think about what is important in all of my relationships old and new and how I might make all of those relationships stronger this year.  The word that pops into my mind is truth.  A simple value that each of us welcome.  Lets demand it of ourselves, our friends and neighbors and especially our representatives in Washington this year.  Let's be truth seekers!

God bless you and Happy New Year!

Mark

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! My family and I had a great Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year.

I remember saying I would tell you about the recent concert trips and so I'll continue with my trip to Garner NC.  Garner is a small town out side of Raleigh, NC.  A lovely community full of kind forward thinking people.  Why do I say that?  Well, while other areas seems to be cutting back on funding for the arts Garner is carving out a niche for themselves as an arts presenter.  This year Garner is starting a concert series where artists can come and share their experiences and talents.  I was the opening act for their 2010-2011 season. 

We had a blast!  I normally take my MD with me where ever I perform.  However, on this trip I decided to take the suggestion of my good friend, Tim Stevens, and use a wonderful accompanist right there in the town of Garner, Mr. McCrae Hardy.  I had previously had the pleasure to work with McCrae when he was the musical director for the NC Theatre.  Though we had never worked together in this capacity the show was a huge success!  I would recommend this venue and this accompanist to any performer.

Talk to you soon!

God Bless you!

Mark

Some concerts are just special... as a performer, you intend for all of your performances to be special...some just stand out...

The past two weekends are such performances.  The weekend of 12/3,4,5 started off with and for some our favorite people.  Friday 12/3 was the annual fundraiser for our favorite charity, The Irish and American Physically Challenged Youth Team, where Christy and I performed with legendary Irish song writer/entertainer Phil Coulter and his wife Geraldine Brannigan and Ron and Barbara Sharpe and their lovely daughter Sam. 

The evening is always very special because the people in the room are special.  They are there for one reason.  That reason is to show their love and care for the children supported by the charity.  If God has put it on your heart this year to give some of your extra blessings to charitable organizations, this is the charity for you.  The money given goes 100% to direct care for the kids.  You can donate at: http://www.pcirishteam.org/.  What a  great evening!

God Bless you!

Mark

Hey everyone...I hope everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit. I find that the more I am in the Christmas spirit the better I feel...

After all what is "the Christmas spirit" all about.  It's about giving isn't it?  It's about Love.  Most of all, for me, it is about the birth of Christ.  But, getting back to the spirit of Christmas, perhaps we might think about expanding the Christmas spirit to the rest of the year.  What if we all make a conscious choice to do more giving during the rest of the year instead of just at the special times.  Just a thought.

I have had some wonderful concert experiences this month.  Over the next few days I will share those experiences with you and let you know what on the horizon.. Be well!

God Bless You.

Mark