praise the lord and pass the pesto
Wednesday morning and already it’s been a busy week.
I finished all the scores for my August 15th gig. I am expecting all of the musicians to come to my house today to rehearse. That will be fun.
I sent out a press release to our local paper, the Holland Sentinel:
“Words and Music Mostly by Steve Jenkins,” is a free concert featuring the compositional works of local street musicians, Steve Jenkins and Jonathon Fegel. It will be given on August 15, 2008, 7 PM at Grace Episcopal Church, 555 S. Washington. Included in this event are unusual settings that range from songs like the satirical “Moneyland” by Jenkins and the whimsical “I’m Okay” from Fegel’s recently released CD. Oboist, “Debbie Coyle,” and flutist, Teresa Hitner, will be assisting on Jenkins composition, “Drunken Waltz” from his “Suite for Five Instruments.” Jordan Van Hemert will be featured as saxophonist on several numbers including the world premiere of “Nothing, nothing, nothing for saxophone, marimba and electric guitar” by Jenkins. In addition to compositions by Fegel and Jenkins, works by the minimalist, John Adams, and the late Frank Zappa will also be performed. Admission is free.”
If anyone knows of anywhere else I could publicize this thing (for free) I would appreciate be pointed in that direction.
I have confused feelings about the audience for my work. First of all, I have done little to no self promotion in my life. So I haven’t really sought an audience. I don’t work in clear usual distributive areas of music and art. I basically hide away and do music. So when I occasionaly come out, it’s interesting to see who shows up and looks like they are listening at least part of the time. This is not a huge number of people. Often I think when locals show for a gig, it’s very much out of personal support. I’m no exception I’m sure. I just don’t know that many people well these days.
On the other hand, I am very excited to perform an evening of my own music without smoke and with minimal competing noise.
I finished off the last loose end of pulling together my parents finances yesterday. This means that we have contacted the numerous institutions where Dad has his money spread around and consolidated it into one bank. This has taken over nine months. Whew. I’m sure glad this is done.
Also I have been cooking. Made blueberry pancakes for Eileen and me yesterday as well as Beer Bread (a quick bread from The Clueless Baker). Also made Whole Wheat bread from fresh flour purchased locally. I used the recipe the lady who sold the flour to me gave me at the farmer’s market. I also have a bag of cornmeal waiting to be used. This stuff is good but expensive of course (5 or 6 dollars for two pounds).
Besides this afternoon rehearsals, I have two church meetings. Staff in the morning, and Worship Commission (or WC as we like to call it) at noon. Having recently completed the book, “Take Our Bread,” by Sara Miles which takes a radical stand on Eucharist as food for everybody, I am bringing food to both of these meetings (after checking with the boss of course).
I have in mind fresh fruit (which I am about to go purchase at the farmer’s market) for the staff and probably little sandwiches for the WC. I have about 30 minutes between meetings during which I am planning to assemble the little sandwiches at church. Oh yeah, I also made pesto yesterday, so I’m thinking of making pesto/cheese sandwiches as well as pbj with fresh homemade raspberry jam.
As I get older I have more and more difficulty imagining much of the silly stuff of religion like afterlife and God, but I do believe in people and eating. So praise the lord and pass the pesto.
















