Back in the Saddle again.

My recovery has been going ok and I returned to performances on Monday June 6 by performing at "THE TASTE OF TIMES SQUARE" Celebration.I performed from 5 to 9 pm right at the beginning of the event. The following week I returned to my regular job at "MUSIC UNDER NEW YORK",limiting myself to every other day in short traveling distance. I will be attending and reporting on the MANNES GUITAR SEMINAR both here on my blogg and hopefully for one of the Guitar Periodicals. I'm trying to give a day by day overview and hope I have enough energy to do a fine job. I have covered several seminars in the past and know that it will take all of my guts and energy to write my report in the way that I want to, so let's hope for the best. I would hope that the readers get a chance to attend some of the events because there are great classes and concerts by some great players.Go to the Seminar website for more information (www.mannes.edu/guitar or call 212.580.0210 x4883).There are 3 artists who I highly recommend you run to their concerts: JORGE CABALLERRO,RENE IZQUIERDA & SONIA HERNANDEZ. These 3 kids are really SUPER! JORGE is one of the greats even at his young age. He is in a class by himself! RENE is no slouch either! His name should be better known because he is great. SONIA HERNANDEZ is another young genius. At least a decade ago I actually attended her New York Debut at Weill Recital Hall and interviewed her on tape. I know I have that tape here somewhere! I have to get up to speed on some of the other artists. The professors MICHAEL NEWMAN and LAURA OLTMAN I have known for most of their life! I was at Michaels first public performance when he was 13 held at a Church on 13th Street off of 6th avenue! At that time, he was the most advanced student of the Great ALBERT VALDES-BLAIN ( and so was I for a couple of lessons!). Because of his slight build and massive virtuoso chops, he scared the crap out of the Classical Guitar crowd! I also Attended the 1st Masterclass Given by JACK DUARTE,Guitarst and better known as composer. That year - I believe 1973, at the now defunct GUITAR WORKSHOP in Oyster Bay Long Island, Michael stunned all in attendance with his Masterful performances. His sharp wit was mistaken for some as Smart alec arrogance! I knew better because there was Mike with pad and pencil, taking down every single comment made by both Duarte and I believe Jerry Willard. I even met his sweet wife LAURA OLTMAN when they 1st started dating before getting married! I would direct you to their website to find out more about this great performance and organizing team - WWW.GUITARDUO.COM ! They are both gems of Artistry and humanity as witnessed by me last year when I covered the Guitar Festival of the CLASSICAL GUITAR SOCIETY OF UPSTATE NEW YORK! They were on hand to support three of their sudents who were in a special "HONORS STUDENT RECITAL"! I was seated in my usual front row seat when they came in and uttered "DON! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE"! I repeated the same words to which they replied" We came to support our students"! That loving care made my heart melt.At the end of that concert, we all hung out on main street at a nice Chinese Restaurant and walked their students to the bus stop and hugged them good bye! I love these two extraordinary people and the quality of this Seminar is the highest you can achieve because of these superlative human beings. Their supporting staff is also excellent in each and every way and has always given their all to do one hell of a great job so I hope you can get to some of the concerts or workshops. This years' topic is "HANDS ON" which will concentrate on how to get those hands of yours in top shape for playing out great instrument. Speak to you soon. By the way, if you see any misprints in this post, blame it on my opthamologist. I just came back from a series of Dye Injected eye pictures so my sight is not all there but I wanted to let you know I'm up and around.Hope this isn't rambling too much as I am having fun assembling these random thoughts as I look forward to reporting on more guitar topics. Hope you keep learning out there and I want to thank all of you how have sent wonderfull cards, called and e-mailed me during this recovery period PLUS ABOVE ALL- My great wife has really nutured me in every way especially with her totally outrageously fine culinary expertise! I really hit the jackpot finding this woman to be my mate in life. I can never really repay her for all she has done for me and with me.THANK YOU HONEY!