On Saturday, May 11, I performed my song "20 Beautiful Children" during a performance of the Taylor Community Chorus.  If you would like to donate to Newtown charities in exchange for an MP3 download of this song, visit shinyheadmusic.com/20bc.html

On Sunday, April 21st, 2013, the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church 8:14 Band performed music from the musical and movie "Les Miserables."  The Rev. Phil Reed used Victor Hugo's story to illustrate a man who is redeemed and the ripples that affect everyone around him.  Here, the six songs we performed throughout the service are shown.  

The 8:14 Band is: 

Jason Cassell, Drums
Dave Martin, Guitar
Godfrey Porter, Bass
Doug Scott, Piano

The singing ensemble is listed with their solos: 

Tracey Alford, "I Dreamed A Dream" and "Finale"
Derek Bolton, "Bring Him Home"
Michele Lepidi, "On My Own"
Dave Martin, "Finale"
Mia Martin, "Castle On A Cloud"
Lara Semetko, "Bring Him Home"

The 8:14 band will accompany worship again at GIPC on Sunday, May 19th.

The Taylor Public School's blog "Talking Taylor Schools" is featuring the video of West Middle School students and their teacher (me!) performing "20 Beautiful Children."  Follow the link above to see the article and comment on the blog. 

On Sunday, March 10th, members of the Robert J. West Middle School Chorus performed the song "20 Beautiful Children" with the Southern Great Lakes Symphony and its' composer and arranger, Dave Martin. 

The song was written for the victims and heroes of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Conneticut.  It imagines questions asked by children about the events of December 14.  The song concludes "Can't we just take away the bullets?  Can't we just stop making the guns? For those 20 beautiful children, if not for those 20 beautiful children, then who?"

Donate to select Newtown charities and get a free download of an MP3 of "20 Beautiful Children" by visiting shinyheadmusic.com. 

On Friday, March 22nd, I played an acoustic performance at Tongue's Cafe in Wyandotte.  Here are a few videos of my favorite performances from that show.  

Today at Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church, the 8:14 Band performed songs from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Jesus Christ Superstar.  Here are a couple of songs from the service. 

Jason Cassell: Drums
Mike Karoub: Cello
Dave Martin: Guitar and Vocals
Godfrey Porter: Bass
Doug Scott: Piano
Lara Semetko: Vocals

One year ago, I won the Downriver Idol competition with the Southern Great Lakes Symphony, singing "Maria" from West Side Story with the orchestra.  On Sunday, March 10, I will reprise that song and premiere the symphonic arrangement of "20 Beautiful Children."  Members of the Robert J. West Middle School Chorus will perform "20 Beautiful Children's" solos and chorus parts, and they are excited to perform with the orchestra.  

The concert will be held at Flat Rock Community Auditorium at 3pm, and tickets are $25 for adults and free for students under 18. Purchase them at the door or at SGLS.org.