MINERVA - Songs of Irishtown, Olmstedville, Leonardsville and Minerva. That's the name of the brand new CD released on Minerva Day, July 2nd at the Minerva Historical Society's museum in Olmstedville, New York. It's a collection of traditional and original songs celebrating the people of the town, the 50th anniversary of the society and the 20th anniversary of Sleeping Giant Records. To see the lyrics & complete liner notes on this album click here

My family moved back to my mother's homestead on Trout Brook Road when I was twelve years old. I've always been grateful to my folks for that move and grateful to my hometown for what it's done for me. It's where I got an education, both in school and in the woods, where I developed as a musician and where I've made lifelong friends. I couldn't think of a better way to thank and to honor the people of the town, past, present and future, than with this group of songs. Proceeds from the album go to the historical society in support of their high school scholarship fund.

It's been my pleasure to work with many young people in a number of schools in the past month or so. Some were nearby like Queensbury and Ballston Spa, and others were further north like Lake Placid, Peru, Moriah, Raquette Lake, Indian Lake and my alma mater, Minerva Central School. Whether the topic was the Adirondacks or songwriting, whether the students were elementary, middle or high school, one thing remained the same: the pure joy of making music. Music is a powerful force, or as Beethoven expressed it, a spirit that flows through us all. I hope that you'll make music an important part of your life and the lives of the young folks around you.

Some July Haiku

Peace by the river
Wilderness conversation
You hear yourself think

There's magic about
When the shadow is dancing
But the tree is not

Downhill from the woods
Comes the cool breath of evening
At mountain sundown

The moon is too full
Birds and crickets are singing
Confused or in love