Well, it's newsletter time again. And how do we know it's newsletter time? Because I say it is, that's how.
I promise that this newsletter will be sent out at irregular, unpredictable intervals.
I'm Noah Budin and I approved this newsletter.
It has been a while since my last newsletter, but, at least I do stay true to my motto above. To those of you new subscribers - welcome! Both of you.
On January 25, 26 and 27 I was in Milwaukee, WI. This was unlike any other gig I've ever done. (I'm reprinting this next section from the last newsletter to refresh your memory or get you up to date.) I have no words to adequately describe it, so, with her permission, I'm sharing parts of the email that Marge Eiseman sent out inviting people to the event. Baki was her son. He was twelve.
My friends,
Attached is an invitation to come be part of community
as we acknowledge that three years have passed since
that awful day that Baki died.
Someone just asked me if I was "over it" -- and that
was just the strangest thought. At best, I can say we
have adjusted. I think the fact that we get up every
day and go through our lives, still trying to be kind
and creative and caring about each other is enough.
So, we're plowing forward, but as our tradition
teaches us, we notice the markers along the way.
Please find time that weekend to join us -- if you
can, bring your family for the pot-luck dinner and
concert on Friday night. Maybe Saturday night will be
more your speed -- whatever, just drop by to say hi.
One of Baki's favorite Jewish CDs was "Halleluyah Land"
by Noah Budin. It is our pleasure to share Noah with our
community during this weekend.
I'm sure you'll enjoy Noah Budin's music -- he's
fantastic! I think he reaches a spiritual level
without being preachy. Check his website,
noahbudin.com for a quick listen.
Thank you, Marge, for the kind words, and for organizing all of the gigs, but also for the privilege to have been a part of this, and for allowing me the opportunity to perform a mitzvah of the highest order, as it is to honor those who have gone before us.
This really is what I mean when I say, "...this is not my sole means of income, but my soul means of income."
The concerts were incredible! The mood was all at once uplifting and sorrowful, joyful and poignant. The middle school kids at the Milwaukee Jewish Day School were receptive and responsive on Friday afternoon, the Friday night concert after the service at the synagogue was awesome, the Saturday night house concert was absolutely amazing, and the Sunday religious school concert was terrific. OK, I'm running out of adjectives, but everything was as I said.
And I have to send out a huge, big, gigantic, enormous (get your own Thesaurus) THANK YOU to Idy and Bill Goodman who hosted me in their beautiful and comfortable house, and hosted the house concert. Their hospitality went above and beyond - they are true menschen! (That's one of those Yiddish words that lacks a good translation, so we'll just call it "really nice people of the highest caliber.")
Compounding my already phenomenal (found another adjective) weekend was the appearance of two of my best friends and former Four Guys Standing Around Singing band-mates from Chicago, Rick Vamos and Darren Stephens (his real name). They drove up for the Friday night concert and we spent most of Saturday together gallivanting around Milwaukee. Milwaukee is a great town for gallivanting. I have pictures below.
"Brooklyn Boy" opens this week! Preview night is Thursday, Feb. 21 and it runs for three weekends. It's a JCC production at CCC East - for more information about time, place cost, etc., go here http://www.clevejcc.org/
This is a straight play (that is, not a musical). It's a bittersweet comedy, or what you might call a dramedy these days, in the style of Niel Simon or Herb Gardner, and I get to do something on stage that I don't get to do very often: really ACT. I have a nice supporting role and I'm really enjoying the process. It's directed by one of the area's most capable and respected actors, teachers and directors, Brian Zoldessy. The cast is phenomenal and includes two Equity actors. There's not a weak link in this show, and as I've been saying since the first rehearsal, I am honored and humbled to be working with such a talented and fine group of people.
Hey, check it out!
There's a new page on the website. If you want to see where I've been (and who wouldn't?) check out the Calendar Archive page.
By the way, if you see I'm going to be in your area and would like to schedule a House Concert, drop me a line and we'll see what we can work out!
To contact Noah about scheduling an event:
216-403-0384
or
216-360-0381
or
Email Noah at noah@noahbudin.com
Here are some pictures from Milwaukee...
This is me singing at the House Concert. I'm the one with the really cool shirt.
This is me with Marge Eisman at the House Concert
This is me with Darren and Rick (and Darren's friend Cathy) at Beans and Barley in Milwaukee.
Send this email to everyone in your address book and tell them to sign up now. Pretty please?
Ways to Get Noah's Music!
My music is now available for sale, as whole CDs and/or individual song digital downloads at these fine sites:
If a friend forwarded this email to you, and you would like to receive your own copy, click here and enter your email address in the subscription area on the right side of the page
To contact Noah, just email him at noah@noahbudin.com