First - a police officer saved my life the other night. I wanted to start my blog by thanking him. He has a three-year old son with autism. I told him about Turtle Dance Music. Hopefully he visits the website and sees this. If that police officer is reading this blog I just want to let him know that I am grateful for the work that he does and I wanted to thank him again.
Second - I visited Dawnwood Middle School yesterday in Long Island and performed for their "Best Buddies" program. Amazing group of middle schoolers. Typically developing students helping out students with special needs. I was blown away. They were so mature for their age. One of the teens performs music regularly at a children's hospital - and he's only in middle school! Outstanding. After the show, I got to sit and talk with students in the lunch room. One of the students on the spectrum, Sammy, started singing these incredible renditions of "Dream On" by Aerosmith and "Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer." The whole room was teeming with excitement and amazement listening to Sammy sing. I would work with that group of kids again in a heartbeat. Every town and city should have something like that program and kudos to places like Dawnwood Middle School that do. Absolutely amazing.
Finally, New Orleans, Louisiana. I just got back. I performed for 250 kids last Friday at their camp program. The kids were wonderful. The staff was excellent. Here are some photos below. I have so much to say about N.O.L.A. but I will tell you about it when I speak with you next time in person.