December, 2005 To my dear family and friends... Happy Holidays! Need a pick-me-up to get into the holiday spirit? Been a while since you've heard some good live music? Hoping for a few moments of peace amid the shopping frenzy? Well, you've come to the right place. I'll be performing twice this month with my fellow musicians from Columbia and Rockville and I invite you to take a respite from your hectic holiday schedule to relax and enjoy our offerings. Both concerts are free, open to the public, and will feature non-holiday music as well as seasonal tunes. Here are the details: Columbia Concert Band - Sunday, Dec. 11 - 3:00 to 4:00 This is a high-quality community band under the superb direction of Mike Blackman. This formal concert is at River Hill High School in Clarksville. Click on this PDF or visit the Columbia Band for more information. I think you'll be really glad you went and for those who know me as a trumpet player, you'll probably get a laugh or three from seeing me play congas and other assorted percussion instruments! (One intermission.) Fugitive Brass Quintet - Sunday, Dec. 18 - 3:00 to 5:00 This is a good group as well. We are simply five guys who love playing brass music, but we usually get much better when we have an audience, so get your holly-jolly butt out to Nordstrom's (anchor store in Bethesda's Montgomery Mall). It's a nice way to spend a little family time, or alone time...or at least take a breather before hunting down that palm pilot for Uncle Bart! (Two small intermissions.) So what are you waiting for? Drop the wrapping paper! Polish the menorah later! Fire up the turbo-sleigh and come give yourself a chance to smile, relax, and support some local performing artists. I look forward to seeing familiar faces at both of these gigs. Thanks! Carpe Diem, Len