scheduled performance dates:
Personal music ministry appearances are pending replacement of musical instruments and sheet music, and accomplishment of storm-related salvage and cleanup.
Still participating, schedule permitting, in group ministry with Contemporaries of St. Dominic Parish, now that the church has reopened.
past performances:
St. Dominic Church: Each month, on the last Friday at 5:30 p.m., until the Friday before Katrina in August 2005, I was privileged to serve as cantor and song leader for the monthly "Masses for the Sick" at St. Dominic Church on Harrison Avenue in New Orleans.
St. Anthony of Padua Church: For three + years prior to Katrina, I have been pririleged to serve as cantor and song leader for most monthly baptisms presided over by Rev. Ian Bordenave, O.P., the Pastor of St. Anthony. Father Ian acted as advisor and participated in the creation of our "Following Christ" music video, along with his Parochial Vicar, Rev. Jaime Diaz, O.P.
Ireland Radio, Wexford Town: On Saturday, July 2, 2005, Frank Flanagan featured my Dad's song "America, God's Country" on his "Sounding Out" program at South East Radio Wexford 95.6, a weekly Religious and Social Affairs program on behalf of The Christian Media Trust, which comprises the Main Christian Churches in County Wexford. The show had an American focus because of the upcoming July 4th holiday, and included an interview with George Hamilton IV about his work of spreading the Good News through his music, and his commentary on the evolution of Christian music as an introduction to "America, God's Country.". I heard the show, thanks to a copy which Frank sent to me, and it was quite amazing to realize the extent of this particular outreach. I for one am thrilled, and I can only imagine how happy my Dad would be to know that his song got as far as Ireland. Subsequent to the July 4th programming, Frank told me he would be using tracks from "Amazing Graces" and hoped to arrange a radio telephone interview later in the year (perhaps in September or October). Due to Katrina's intervention, this plan was not accomplished during 2005.
LA Legislature, State Senate Session, Baton Rouge, LA: I am grateful and honored to have been invited to sing our National Anthem at the opening of the June 16, 2005 daily session of the LA State Senate. Singing the "Star Spangled Banner" in their magnificent chamber was a deeply moving experience, and a memory that I will always cherish. My thanks to Senator Anne Duplessis for her gracious invitation and caring support for the citizens of Louisiana.
St. Dominic Church: On Sunday, June 12, 2005, Juan and I -- and guitarist Michael Waguespack -- sang for the 10:30 a.m. mass, in the absence of the Contemporaries, who took the Sunday off. Hearing the congregation sing each song and the parts of the mass with such gusto made us feel special indeed. We three are long-time members of the Contemporaries.
Public Service Recognition Week: Juan and I participated in the ceremonial opening of Public Service Recognition Week, on May 4, 2005 at Lakeside Mall in Metairie, performing several songs from "Amazing Graces." It was fun, as a Federal service retiree, to promote retirement as a new way of life and to visit with old friends. One huge coincidence: The Marine Band opened with a jazz version of "Amazing Grace," and Juan and I opened our entertainment segment with our "Amazing Grace," sung to the tune of "House of the Rising Sun." Thanks to the friends who planned their day around our music, and also to other attendees who expressed their love for the joy of our Christian presentation.
Faith Church: On Sunday, April 10, 2005, Juan and I sang for the Communion Service at Faith Church in New Orleans East. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank their congregation for the warm welcome received, and we also wish to thank Pastor Michael Green for including "Amazing Graces" in the music offered for sale at the Faith Church bookstore.
Divine Mercy Event at St. Joseph's Church, Tulane Ave., New Orleans: Thank you for purchasing our new devotional single "Jesus, I Trust In You," a fundraiser for Divine Mercy. You can still order your copy at www.cdbaby.com/beryl3. Your donation will be included in the purchase price.
LA Music Factory: On Saturday, March 19, 2005, Juan and I performed songs from "Amazing Graces" at Louisiana Music Factory, 210 Decatur Street, from 3:00-4:00 p.m., as part of their ongoing "free-Saturday-concert" series. We were so happy to see so many of you there, and thank you once again for your encouragement and support.
CD Release Party at O'Flaherty's: Special thanks to family, friends and well-wishers who came together on January 15, 2005 to celebrate the release of "Amazing Graces." Juan and I hope that you had as much fun as we did hosting the impromptu "jam session" in the Main Concert Room at O'Flaherty's Irish Pub in the French Quarter. Some of the children from St. Louis Cathedral Elementary School, who were "back-up" singers on three of the "Amazing Graces" tracks, joined in the fun and were the "stars" of the show.
CD Signing at Breath of Life: Thank you for coming to my CD signing at Breath of Life on December 16th.