Joe performs "Spontaneous Joy" at the Washington Grace Church of the Nazarene, Sunday 1/23/11

This Sunday evening, January 23, 2011, I will be presenting my solo piano improvisation concert: "Spontaneous Joy" at the Washington Grace Church of the Nazarene - presented in conjunction with the Community of Hope Church of the Nazarene. This is a concert (entirely) of musical improvisation that will include hymns and Christian song, as well as classical themes, jazz and popular standards, music from my improvisation CD: “Stories Without Words” and entertaining examples of improv, including the “A.D.D. Improvisation”. This is much the same presentation, in substance, that I would give in a theater or performing arts center. What will be different will be the inclusion of hymns and spirituals, and an open presentation of my own understanding of, and trust in God as the center and source. At least that's my purpose.  
This concert will (hopefully) appeal to people who enjoy the arts, are spiritually sensitive, open minded, enjoy jazz and/or classical music. If you are in the vicinity of Washington, DC this Sunday evening at 6pm, why not join us?

Joe's 2011 YouTube channel now open

Yes, again! Every year I think I have to re-explain this, but once you start poking around my YouTube postings (beginning in 2007), it should make sense. The new joeholtsnotes2011 channel will document this year in performance, both in and out of public view. Occasional highlight postings will continue to appear on my original joeholtsnotes channel. If you have a YouTube account, you can subscribe to both them and not miss anything (or much). New this year are promo videos for select events. Hope you enjoy the postings!

Free "Stories Without Words" CD offer thru 1/31/11

You read that right. Anyone who "likes" my Stories Without Words Facebook page (currently or newly) can request a free Stories Without Words CD (or a CD of your choice, if you have already purchased Stories ...)! All that's needed is an e-mail to joeholt@joeholtsnotes.com requesting the CD, with your shipping address. Do you like this? You really should.

Debut Concert for the Tri-State Jazz Society, in February

On Sunday February 27th, 2011, at 2pm, I am scheduled to perform a solo concert at the Porch Club, in Riverton NJ, for the Tri-State Jazz Society's new piano concert series. The concert is titled: "Stride Piano - A Continuing Legacy of Spontaneous Joy", and will explore an evolution of solo jazz performance from vintage stride, through the subsequent generations of solo pianists influenced by this approach. looking forward to a really fun afternoon!

100th performance for Philadelphia Protestant Home (IL) residents

In 1994, I began working at the Philadelphia Protestant Home, at the request of the new administrator, who I had worked with/for previously. Before long, I was making regular visits to the Health Center (nursing) and Assisted Living units in the capacity of music therapist, as well as performing as an entertainer for the Independent Living residents at semi-monthly intervals. Some years later, the schedule was pared back (the commuting distance was always an issue) to , eventually, only the retirement (IL) residents. To this day, the every other month schedule continues, and sometime this year (I'm not certain exactly when, perhaps it was last night), I'll perform my 100th concert for the residents (and guests and visitors). Believe it or not, there are some residents who have been with me for all 100 shows (and they still come)! As you can imagine, it's a very "warm and fuzzy" relationship, and one (actually many) for which I'm grateful. The above video is from the first time I brought the camera, soon after I began documenting for YouTube in 2007. Looking forward to the next 100 shows!