Trump just keeps contradicting himself--intentionally--so he can claim that he was right no matter what happens. Also, when it comes to important issues, he claims that he has not made up his mind about what he will do, thinking this keeps his opponents off balance. He does keep some opponents off balance, but mostly he demonstrates that (in spite of having endless information at his disposal) he is unable to make a useful decision. For example, he claims that he has not decided whether he should support Putin or Zelensky. Imagine that. He has had several years observing Russia invade Ukraine and then destroy hospitals, homes, and schools in Ukraine, and Trump cannot decide whether or not that is a good idea. No matter what his value system is, the fact that he claims he has not had enough time to decide suggests blatant incompetence. Finally, Trump has proven to be his worst enemy. He spends much of his time silencing people who disagree with him, and not just liberals. He has surrounded himself with people kissing his butt and telling him that he always is right. Inevitably this approach to managing the country means he cannot help make disastrous decisions because none of the MAGA people will dare tell him that the building is on fire. Of course, he knows too little about history to learn that the war in Europe ended sooner than it could have because there was no one left to tell Hitler that the building was on fire.
The late Mike Renzi was born and died in Rhode Island, but he spent much of his professional life as a pianist, vocalist, arranger, composer, and musical director in Massachusetts and New York. He retained strong roots in Rhode Island, including leading a group several nights a week at the Kings and Queens in North Providence from the early 1960s through early 1970s. Guest artists included Coleman Hawkins, Ernestine Anderson, Ben Webster, Carol Sloane, and other notables. When Mike Renzi died on September 29, 2021 in Newport, Rhode Islanders decided that the man’s life should continue to be celebrated. The result was the establishment of The Mike Renzi Musicianship Award, a scholarship that would be awarded at the University of Rhode Island. Such an ongoing award requires the establishment and continuing support of the fund. Therefore, Jeff Stout, Paul Del Nero, and dozens of other fine musicians showed up to perform at a benefit concert at Sardella’s in Newport just two days after the fourth anniversary of Mike Renzi’s death. People attending the concert bought donation tickets to be there. Because so many Bostonians knew Mike Renzi’s music so well, some of you may want to contribute also. Checks can be made payable to “URI Foundation and Alumni Engagement,” and please put “Renzi #GX04” in the memo line. Mail the check to URI Foundation and Alumni Engagement, PO Box 1700, Kingston, RI 02881. If you prefer using a credit or debit card, use this link: http://bit.ly/uri-renzi
According to a recent The Times (UK) article, learning to play a musical instrument not only sharpens the mind but it may dull one’s sense of pain. Referring to Danish research, the article claims that “years of struggling with tricky pieces may rewrite the brain.” Lead author of the paper, Anna Zamorano of Aarhus University, claims the difference between musicians and non-musicians “may stem from musicians’ habit of pushing through discomfort to master a piece.” In other words, all those wonderful musicians in the Boston area may be among the few people able to survive the Trump disaster. And I stopped playing the alto sax in junior high school…
I went to the No Kings protest in Framingham 10-18 and the whole thing was quite moving. I'm guessing at least 2,000 people showed up on the Framingham Common. But that may be a weak estimation because a lot of people came for about a half hour, did their thing, and then left--while other people showed up (to take their places). When I got into the crowd along Edgell Road and the people cheered and chanted "No Kings," and people in cars driving by honked and waved, it brought tears to my eyes. A powerful show of hope and resistance. In any event, here’s the URL for an online ABC News story about the rallies around the world: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/nationwide-kings-rallies-set-protest-trump/story?id=126611770 I think it is an important document that may be marking the beginning of people taking action seriously.
10/26 - The David Haas Group: A Coalition of the Willing at 7:00 p.m. (PA) – David Haas, leader and pianist, is joined by some of the finest post-Ayler musicians in New England: Kevin Frenette (gtr), Glenn Dickson (cl), Todd Brunel (bcl, tenor sax), Kit Demos (b & synth), and Joe Musacchia (dr). Free admission. Pandemic regulations apply at the Lily Pad...
10/28 – The Bruce Gertz Quartet at 7:30 p.m. (MP) – The top-shelf bassist brings along with him Rick DiMuzio (tenor sax), Sheryl Bailey (Guitar), and Gary Fieldman (Drums). It happens at the Lily Pad where Pandemic regulations apply ($15/students $10)…
11/9 – The birth of The Mandorla Collective at 5 p.m. (S/MP) – Mandorla Music’s Mark Redmond has announced, “Together with musical directors Rick McLaughlin and Jesse Taitt, we are thrilled to announce the launch of The Mandorla Collective. Each year, a select ensemble of top Boston-based musicians will celebrate the music of a figure central to Boston jazz history whose influence continues to reverberate.” The Mandorla Collective’s debut performance will feature a celebration of the music of the late George Russell. The lineup includes Allan Chase (saxophones), Peter Kenagy (trumpet), Randy Pingrey (trombone), Amaury Cabral (guitar), Liz Sinn (piano), Rick McLaughlin (bass), and Brooke Sofferman (drums). The gig takes place at Peabody Hall, Parish of All Saints, 209 Ashmont Street, Dorchester. For more information including ticket prices look up mandorlamusic.net.
Every Monday – Monday night at the Lily Pad returns with Jerry Bergonzi, Phil Grenadier, guest bassist, and Luther Gray. Then The Fringe Duo, John Lockwood and George continuing the fire no doubt inspired by the memory of Bob Gullotti. It begins around 8:30 pm and continues forever ($15 per group; $10 students)…
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