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Music filled my home growing up, because my father was always playing the piano. He played pieces we loved...I always begged him to play “The Entertainer,” by Scott Joplin, and he spent time composing. He wrote music for my mom’s plays, for musicals, for my siblings, and me or as accompaniments to his favorite poems. My dad has been composing for more than 50 years, so when he said he wanted a concert for his 80^th birthday, we said absolutely! And this was to be a family affair--the three stars of the show were my dad –the composer and birthday man, my sister - the mezzo-soprano, and my mom – the producer/presenter.

My sister spent the afternoons rehearsing at the piano with my dad. Although she and I did sneak away one day and to do a little shopping

My mom started her days with a morning swim (here she is fresh from the pool), and spent the evenings rehearsing with my sister and the other singers.

The concert was amazing. My sister was the mezzo-soprano in the quartet (which included a soprano, tenor, and baritone). I always say that every time my sister opens her mouth to sing angels fly out (at least that’s how I feel about it).  She and the others performed 23 of my father’s songs (wow!!!).

It was so extraordinary to hear my dad’s music from the 60’s to the present. We heard his folk songs, operas and oratorios, musical theater pieces, and song cycles.

Here we are celebrating post concert.

It was a once in a lifetime evening, and my dad was soooo happy! Happy to hear his music, and happy to be joined by friends and family from near and far.

For giggles, we decided to recreate an older picture. Here we are several years ago.

And here we are today.

Still laughing, celebrating (an 80^th birthday!!!!), and supporting one another. Making wishes come true. Yup, that’s us