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.
Well, I'm back from DC. This was first and foremost a family vacation, but I managed to work in a little music.
On Sunday, July 20, I took part in a monthly gathering of an Interfaith Peace Witness group in Lafayette Park across from the White House and at the gates of the White House itself. There were readings, prayers and a reading of the names of the young men and women we've lost over this last month in Iraq. We walked across the street (singing "If I Had a Hammer") and laid stones on the fence in front of the White House for so many symbolic reasons, one of which is a passage from the book of Luke which says, "Even the stones will cry out for justice." I likened it to the Jewish tradition placing stones on a grave-site. Then, we sand "Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream," said another prayer and walked peacefully away. 
Tourists from all over the country and the world paused to watch and take photos and shoot video. Our hope is that they were reminded, even just a little bit, of what's emanating from that seat of power in the names of peace and freedom, and of all of the lives lost. I hope they remember to keep the brave young men and women who serve this country in their hearts and prayers, and send prayers of comfort and healing to those families who have someone close to them overseas, and to those who have lost loved ones. 
I was humbled and awed to be standing there singing songs of protest and peace. I felt a certain American pride at being able to do that; to be able to express my opinions right there on the White House lawn without fear of retribution (well, the police did ask us to leave, but they were gentle). I felt empowered. America is a remarkable country.
On Tuesday night last week, I performed a coffeehouse concert at Clarendon Presbyterian Church where David Ensign is the pastor. The turn out was great, about 40 people (at a small church, on a Tuesday night, in the middle of the summer, for a Jewish performer!) and the response was overwhelming. We all had such a good time and I sold quite a bit of product. There were some Jews in the audience as well, including local Arlington rabbi Lia Bass and some of her family, and a woman from a synagogue in Alaska. I was hoping for a clever name like Beth Frozen Tundra. Its name is Beth Sholom, however its web address is http://www.frozenchosen.org/. That makes up for it. I'd love to do some work out there. Preferably not in December. But if anyone knows of a congregation in Hawaii looking to book a concert...
(Reprinted from last newsletter. See new photos below.)
Austin, Texas! Back in May/Early June I was a headliner at the 1st Annual Austin Jewish Music Festival. That was good. But the best part was hanging out with my friend and colleague Robbi Sherwin who organized the entire two day event, and with Scott Leader and Steve Brodsky, who together with Robbi make up the group Sababa. The other best part was playing music with them and the other talented musicians (including Robbi's son Sam) off and on stage. These phenomenal musicians backed me up for my set, and I jammed with them during theirs. The experience was a musical highlight for me in my Jewish Music career.
The schedule is a little lighter over the summer. There's still Rock My Soul Shabbat every month, and a couple of smaller local gigs here and there. As always, the calendar is included in the next section of this newsletter. You can also go to http://www.noahbudin.com// to get info.
We're still looking at some new product ideas. Let me know your interest...
Alaska, anyone?
Photos from "Jewsapalooza," the Austin Jewish Music Festival. I got to sing and play with some terrific musicians including the band Sababa.
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:
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To contact Noah, just email him at noah@noahbudin.com