I had a good Easter week. I reflected on my time in Israel to see in person where Jesus lived and fulfilled his mission to be the sacrificial lamb which was prophesied years before and of course, His glorious resurrection. It was nice to also watch the final episodes of season 5 of the chosen which mainly was focused on the last supper. After visiting Israel, I've wanted to observe the Jewish holidays. It is the basis for my faith as a Christian. Jesus as stated before is the passover lamb. Most people's thoughts on the Last Supper stem from DiVinci's Last Supper painting but there were a few issues with the painting in regards to actual tradition. It was surreal like so many places I visited, to be in the room believed to be where the Last Supper took place. 
Matthew 26: 26-30
Mat 26:26 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then He broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is My body.”
Mat 26:27 And He took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it,
Mat 26:28 for this is My blood, which confirms the covenant between God and His people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.
Mat 26:29 Mark My words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom.”
Mat 26:30 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.

Mark 14: 32-36
Gethsemane 
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The next part I was probably most looking forward to. The most important event in history, Christ dying and being resurrected. To be where it all happened would be unreal. However, it was a little anti climatic for me because of the tourist climate and a church being built on top of Calvary, it was almost impossible to picture it for me. So while still being thankful to witness it, It was not as emotional of an experience as I thought it would be. 

The next part while maybe not being as historically accurate, it provided a much more "real" experience for me and I was happy to be able to go here also. Jesus did defeat death and the tomb was empty and He is risen to this day until His return! Thank you Jesus!

Honored to be the guest at Calvin University tomorrow! 

After a nice 6 hour drive from the U.P. I headed down to KZoo to see the great Christian McBride. As many times as I've heard him, I still stand amazed. The highlight of the evening was the volume of the concert. Never above a mf. Everyone played so articulate. It was a great evening. Marcus Gilmore  was terrific! Fun to have dinner with "kids" and so great to see a man I have so much respect for Mr. John Varineau.

Had a nice drive to the U.P. for this gig. I was astonished at the tree damage from last weeks ice storm. Thousands of trees snapper or toppled. Saw 5 bald eagles. Hwy 2 is really beautiful. Great gig and band! 

Another attempt to document God's creative beauty in nature. 

Truly one of my favorite pianist, and I have many, is the jazz master Mr. Kenny Barron. There is something about his melodic swinging approach and incredible touch on the piano that is so appealing to me. He is the ultimate gentleman and I will take every opportunity to witness his genius that I can. It was nice to see all my friends at UofM also. I've also included some other pictures over the years with Mr. Barron! 

I'm so blessed to have so many high school friends that I still stay in contact with. One of those dear friends is Ken Laberteaux. Ken and I have traveled together in our early days, but now I try and see him when I come to Ann Arbor. His parents are one of many that I call Mom and Dad and have so many cherished memories with the Laberteaux family. I love that we do life together and Ken and Maria have been such a support to me over the years. It was nice to again break bread together! 

I had breakfast with Luke on Thursday. Luke is a very special young man that you better be on the watch for. His musicality is only surpassed by his soulful personality. I first met Luke when he was a student at Oxford. His band director who is a dear friend John Hill kept telling me about this kid. It has been so fun to watch his development and he is truly a world class musician ready to play with all the greats including Mr. Christian McBride who is #1 on the list! 2 weeks after Talia passed, my group was playing at the EL Jazz Festival. I had asked Luke to be in the group. I was greeted with a hug and a card. I will never forget the love and compassion Luke showed me acting much more as an adult than a student. I was honored to have Luke also join me on my tribute project to Talia. Very thankful that God crossed my path with this beautiful individual! These are some photos that I could find over the years. 

I had so much fun going to see my two nephews sing for their concert. 

Recitals were always a special time for me. They are deeply personal, a documentation of growth, and of course always swingin'! Judah had invited me to come so I was happy to attend. It was an interesting day with tornadoes in the area but all was well. It's always about the relationships with me so it was so good to see so many friends. Amazing job by both Judah and Luke and all that participated. Will write a bit more on Luke in a future blog!

For as many stories as I have with me and birds, I still do enjoy watching them. Bald Eagles which were always bucket list items for me, kind of like the Northern Lights, have been plentiful in the past year. I'll never get tired of watching them. These are 3 different Eagle locations. One in Georgetown Twp., one in Lansing, and one video below at Kirk Park. I've also included a livestream I love to watch out in CA. God is amazing! 

It was so great to go out with my Pops to see my Pops! It's been a minute since Pops Froncek has done a gig so my Dad and I went to support and I sat in on drums and trumpet. It was great to see so many in my GR Jazz Community who I love and this jazz society which will always hold a special spot in my heart for their award they bestowed on me in 2014. I have written blogs on Pops and Mom Froncek before but I owe so much to him including my first professional gig in HS. Their love and support over the years is in the beyond category so thought I'd include some pictures from the past. A good time was had by all.