I have seen Mr. Greene a few times over the years but never really got to talk with him. I always wanted to talk with him just being a man of faith in this music and playing on such a high level. This man is such an inspiration to me after what he has been through. He is a true testament to me of faith and only God getting you through each day. I had a million questions but decided not to ask most of them rather choosing to observe how he testifies through his daily life. Much love to you on this day at the school dedication. I'm sure it will be an emotional day. If you want to continue to support the Greene family here's how:
http://www.jimmygreene.com/message

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Having a great time with Ms. Vanessa Rubin!

Sad to learn, vocalist Barbara Morrison has passed. Had the honor of sharing the stage with her once. Super nice person!

Been a fun start to March! Got to see Wynton, Marcus, and J@LC in Detroit but what it made it extra special was Diego Rivera got to play with them. Then the temps were finally high enough to take my first walk of the year. Then got to hear Chad Eby with Byron Center. Worked with West Ottawa in person, then went and judged district 10 jazz festival and got to see Libby, Lij, and Josiah. Got to work with Robin Connell and Dr. James Sawyer. Finished out by seeing my friend Mr. Aaron Diehl with the Detroit Symphony. 

Stefon was such an amazing musician and showed show much creativity each and every night. He is a passionate man and thinks outside the box. I learned much from him and he was more than gracious with his time and patience. I now have another brother in my ever growing family! It was also good to see two friends on this trip. My past co worker Mr. Ben Frick in Canton and Mr. John Hill dear college friend who has been through a lot this year at his school and we were happy to hopefully bring some joy through music to them all! This tour was a lot of work but was a great tour! 

February went fast! Top picture is of a virtual workshop with trombonist Scott Whitfield. Then it was great to see the sun, a rainbow, and a very cold river! I made some vegetable soup to warm up! It was fun being back at CMU to adjudicate the festival. Many cancelled because of snow but I got to work with my friend Lisa in Warner this year. Then I had a great time with my quintet up in Big Rapids. Thanks Ed for having us! Then my friend Kevin Jones asked me to do a jazz in the classroom for black history month that was big fun! That was followed by getting to play with the Truth in Jazz Orchestra in Muskegon and it was fun to play with them again and see so many friends! Of course had to add a picture of Mia! That was followed by a Professors of Jazz concert in our new hall Murray! That was followed by a Jazz Camp we did at Northview and was so fun to have so many friends there and get to be the drum instructor for the weekend. That was followed by the announcement for the 5th time my Byron family made the Essentially Ellington Festival in NYC at J@LC! Which then was capped off by seeing one of my favorite saxophonists, Mr. Branford Marsalis!  Whew!