Day 2 began with breakfast with my friends Lynn and Renee Asper. Then made my way down to Miami. On the way saw some panther crossings signs, I didn't see any, but wanted to, then I stopped for gas but couldn't pull into the first pumps because there were chickens in the way. Why are there chickens at the shell station in Miami? LOL Then I had lunch with one of my first drum heroes Mike Harvey who gave me my first drum set. Then had coffee with my friend Eric Law from MSU who is a great saxophonist. Then made it to my Airbnb in Miami Beach right on the ocean. (wrong side for the sunset however)

First pictures what I was leaving in MI. Snow, cold, and grey. Then I think the night pictures are around the Atlanta area. Flew into Tampa, drove down to Naples and saw my good friend Mike Hamann's mom and we had a great time and visit. So I'm sitting eating dinner and I look 2 tables over and see my college band directors wife and daughter. What are the chances. So had to take some pictures and unfortunately it was a cloudy day but still loved seeing the ocean! I've already seen so much MSU stuff down here! LOL 

Had a good time at this concert in Holland. Had some friends in the audience, got to play with my college roommate, and everyone in the band is very nice. The soundcheck was rough because I had no monitor or "ears" but once they got it figured out, it was probably the best concert ever for me to hear myself at a gig. I could make my own mix through an app. Pretty slick! 

Well, little did I know these would be the last 2 photos I'd take with Mia.2nd one helping me do my taxes! LOL  Mia passed away suddenly on the 14th of March. She was my best bud and helped my Mom, Talia, and me get through some tough seasons. God really used her. I've heard mixed options on animals going to heaven or not but I'd like to think Talia and my Mom had a welcome home party for her saying job well done! Much love to you Mia. Thanks for everything! 

It was great to see my MSU family in Ann Arbor. Diego played a concert featuring numbers from his newest CD. We were also celebrating my friend Maria's birthday. After we went over and heard an amazing jazz trio that I will be going back down to see at some point! 

Finally got back to GR Noir to hear some friends play. 

I can't believe I've been working with Byron for 19 years! I had the honor of being the guest artist for their collage concert this year. It was fun reflecting with Marc about the past both former students and accomplishments and dreams realized. A special moment for me was getting to play with former student Austin Hunt's Middle School band. Another special moment was getting to play with both Marc and Megan and now Isaac on a Wynton Marsalis song. It was also fun to play both drums and trumpet. It was a truly special night to spend with my Byron family and community. Thank you so much! 

This was the first time I've been back to WMU Jazz Festival in a long time. It was so good to see all the groups I have relationships with  and also nephew Elijah and Elliot Mason! 

It was so fun to watch Brother Rick be featured with the GR Symphony! This was a tremendous honor and he knocked it out of the park. So happy for him! Congrats!