...... where we've been, where we're headed

Thank you all. My “Shake You Down” Video is about to reach 50 MILLION PLAYS

MILESTONE

First off I’d like to say Thank You. The support I receive from you now and throughout the years…. all of you…… from every generation is wonderfully overwhelming. That my “Shake You Down” Video is about to (or by the time I post this, has) reached 50 MILLION PLAYS is such a great milestone for me. I truly appreciate all the love and support. So thank you thank you thank you…. (and here’s to reaching 60 Million!)

SUSTAINABILITY

I always feel good around nature don’t you? It’s one of the ways I can count on to be uplifted. Sometimes you just need to leave the city energy for a minute… and go to a park.. hike on a trail… look at the water… or be in the woods…. It really is a beautiful world when you look at it this way.

With all that has been going on in the world; its especially important to take care of our spirit. It’s also important to take care of our planet. My family and I have been particularly interested in learning more and more about how to make good choices regarding both our health and the planet. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could truly have a sustainable future for everybody? I pray for this.

In the weeks to come, I thought I might share a bit about what I’ve learned. After all– I can only write music if I am feeling positive enough to be inspired… Similarly… people can only enjoy music if they are feeling like they have enough… In my mind, if folks are more or less healthy and happy, that puts them in a state of mind to enjoy things like music… art… or dance… etc…. And so… because this is a part of who I am, I would like to tell you about some of the things going on around the world regarding sustainability…. how we’ve progressed… and what we need to do.

My request of you all is simply that if inspired to do so… that you share any links I may provide so that others become informed as well. Feel free to ask questions too and if I don’t know the answer… I will try and find out.

About the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.

This United Nations Agenda was adopted in 2015 by all countries (developed and developing) and is basically a blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet now and into the future. I think we need to focus on issues like this more than ever. They have studied the topic around the world and have come up with seventeen sustainable development goals or “SDGs” Their first is to end poverty in all its forms everywhere.

I don’t know about where you are, but here in California we have homeless crisis. This especially effects people of color. Not all homeless people are drug users or suffer from mental illness (although there needs to be effective programs to help these people). Many are regular folks that got upside down on a mortgage or lost their jobs. And many (as I have spoken to some); are still going to work… some have children.

What can we do about the homeless crisis? One of the main things we can do is to contact our local representative’s and lets them know that we are a concerned citizen.

Got canned goods and other non-perishables stacked in your kitchen? Throw them in a box and donate them.

We all have at least a few items of clothes we’re not wearing. If you’ve got too much stuff hidden away in drawers, or are looking for a way to maximize closet space, clear out the excess and donate it.

I love the community garden idea that I see and read about popping up all over the country. I’m a member of one. Spaces that used to be vacant are turning into gardens for the neighborhood to use and tend and bring fresh grown produce to inner city dwellers.

There’s camaraderie, information exchange… you get to know your neighbors…… all kinds of good things happen…. And well… there’s that nature thing again that makes you feel good…

Check out this YouTube video… Very inspiring.

And here’s a link to my friend Steward W. Bosley Jr’s “Urban Growers Community Farm”

BACK TO THE MUSIC

I’m planning to release a new single shortly…. “Searchin’ 4 the 1″…. rhythmic….. ethnic…. fun…… we had a good time doing it.

Smooth Jazz anyone?

As my uber fans already know, I try and put out music that makes you feel something… it doesn’t matter the genre…. I look at music as something that comes from a deep place that tells “me” what “it” wants to be not the other way around…

On that note; I’m also planning a release of some smooth jazz this year that I’m really excited about. Be on the lookout.