Remembering Joel Markowitz

Today is the anniversary of Joel Markowitz's birth, he would have turned 61. He passed away on November 7, 2017. I should have wrote something about him passing sometime closer to his death. Suppose it is easier to write about the deaths of celebrities than the deaths of friends.

  Joel was my editor when I wrote for the Maryland Theatre Guide and then later when I moved over to his start up DC Metro Theater Arts. I first met Joel in June or July of 2011. My first assignment was reviewing "Rock of Ages" at the National Theatre in Washington. I wrote 30 articles with the Maryland Theatre Guide from July of 2011 to March of 2012. Needless to say during that time Joel and I developed a friendship.  My writing was growing. Certainly Joel was a big help to that. When he said he was branching off on a new start up I was going with him. I had no issue with Maryland Theatre Guide but my loyalty was with him.

The move to the new outlet also embraced my passion for music. Joel was open to suggestions and I don't recall him ever saying no. We did have are differences from time to time and we hammered them out. I opened up my time with the new venture covering Smokey Robinson at the Kennedy Center and Experience Hendrix at the Strathmore. 95 articles, a mix of reviews, previews and interviews were written by me from March of 2013 to May of 2014. Probably my writing peak. Nothing I have written since has matched the work I did with Joel. He created a wonderful platform that continues. Writing on the web finding something that continues is so rare! That in itself is a testament to my friend Joel Markowitz.

I moved away from the area in September of  2013 the key reason our writing relationship ended. I dreaded telling him I was moving. Being wise and understanding he knew the move was best for me and my family. He was very supportive and a great friend. He always asked about the family as well I still supported his site. We remained friends chatting on facebook or over the phone.

He always encouraged me to take my daughter to the shows. If it was a kid's show  or a circus he would always tell me to ask her what she thought of the show and write her thoughts and share her perspectives on shows. Of course I dragged my daughter out to grown up concerts too. Now my daughter is a performer with a love of dance and music. She has even taken some acting lessons. Sure my wife and I support her love for the arts. However, I think Joel deserves some of the credit for encouraging me to take her to see the arts! The arts is what Joel loved and was passionate about!

Joel was excited he had lost some stubborn weight. His spirits were high. Then he was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2017. Five years after he started DC Metro Theater Arts. Joel fought ALS but passed away last November. I wasn't expecting him to pass so soon. It caught me by surprise and unfortunately I couldn't go to his funeral. Obviously I have a lot of respect for the man Joel Markowitz was. The performing arts world of Washington, Baltimore and beyond lost a great advocate.

You can read his tribute at DC Metro Theater Arts here. You can read his obituary here from the Washington Post. Joel may you rest in peace! I am thinking about you on your birthday!

Support the Arts for Great Performances Now and in the Future

My son had his Holiday Concert last night with his his high school orchestra. The concert was held at a local church known for having some of the biggest Christian concerts and entertainment performed at their venue. In other words a venue with great sound!

The show highlighted the choirs and orchestra of the high school. The seats were filled. The Super Attendant of Schools showed up for the concert. It is no secret school systems across the country are cutting costs in this economy. Arts and music is one area that is often hit hard by these cuts.

If the large crowd from the local community and the many standing ovations meant anything at all, they  meant that these school programs are important to the community! They are also important to the students as the learn to develop their talents, they learn the discipline required to learn a musical instrument, they learn dedication, and they also develop self esteem. Studies have also shown music helps students to become smarter.

I was awed by how well these students sounded! I was proud by the show of community support. Of course I am concerned if arts and music will continue to be available in schools.

I urge you to attend your local schools concerts, dramas, and other events! Show the schools what is important. Help them financially. They could be your kids, your neighbors and friends. Encourage the next generation!

The Government, Music as a Medicine, and Schools

This post has nothing to do with the government shutdown. The shutdown will either happen or not happen. The shutdown will also pass in the short term. What this post is about is the medical benefits of music, how music could disappear and how the government is involved. What has inspired me to write this blog was the Mickey Hart visit with the Congressional Neuroscience Caucus along with Dr. Adam Gazzaley. 

I first became aware of Mickey Hart by his percussion and drumming for the Grateful Dead. I gained even more respect for Mickey Hart by reading his book Drumming at the Edge of Magic: A Journey into the Spirit of Percussion. I am not familiar with Dr. Gazzaley but I am sure he has some great credentials. Below is a bit about Mickey from last year. It is a bit far out, about the cosmos, vibrations and the healing powers.

So obviously the government is aware of the healing powers of music. However schools are constantly taking music (and other arts) out of the curriculum. I wonder if this trend continues if we will lose music and it's healing powers. It is almost like finding a miracle cure in an endangered species. We need the possibilities, we need the medical advancements, and we need the music.

I'll leave you with one final video..