hold•life•still
Tonight Dan and seven other students were inducted to Medway High School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society. Dan also performed “Come Away, Death” by Roger Quilter from the Shakespeare Songs. Congratulations Dan, music is your passion, I can’t wait to see where it takes you.
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So an early dailypic, today is going to be busy and I am still celebrating yesterday. Stop back ere tomorrow for Labor Day Bash photos but for now more on the New England Songwriters Retreat, and Dan. I have been around musicians/singers for years, in high school, at a record store, friends, wife, photography, though I can not play or sing, music has always been a massive part of my life. To watch that part of my life branch off to Dan is something on an entirely different level. I spent the day yesterday photographing the New England Songwriters Retreat led by Ellis Paul. The event itself is incredible, 70ish songwriters taking classes, sharing music, and just having a blast. Dan joined me, but he was there as a student, as a songwriter. And among these talented women and men, he held his own. Participating in the classes, sharing his music, offering advice, listening… and absorbing it all. One of the youngest there, I did not get to, nor want to stay by his side the whole time. I had a job to do. I would turn a corner and Dan would be laughing and smiling with other musicians, I would step into his class for some photos, and he would be there on stage sharing a song and how he wrote it. At dinner, another songwriter was taking notes as he spoke about his process and what he has learned from Ellis. But that was not the most impressive part, that was when others sought me out to talk to me about Dan. Most conversations were similar, “He is only 17?”, “Old soul,” “Pure talent,” “Just a great kid,” “You must be so proud.” I am proud, every day that much more. To see Dan where he belongs is one of biggest joys in my life. The night ended with a staff concert, and then song circles broke out. Dan, five others and Ellis Paul sitting in a circle, each taking a turn sharing a song. It gets to Dan, and Ellis requests his song Day Dreamer. I know the exact thought going through his head, “Ellis f’n Paul is requesting a song I wrote.” But he remained calm, collected and killed it. And of course, I was the proud Dad in the back recording it.
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The boy headed off to his first day of his last year today. He has come such a long way, but that little kid heading off to Kindergarten is still there, and I hope he always is. The world is a better place with Dan in it. Enjoy Senior year Dan.
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Tonight I got the fmaily in front of the camera for the We Are Medway Project. 0086 Barbie, 0087 Anna and 0088 Danny, For the most part, all lifelong residents of the town, not counting a very brief stint in North Bellingham. It is interesting to talk about what this town means to them, some very different things, especially for the kids, they are 4th generation here. I have my theories on how Medway will play in their futures. Will it be where they are, or where they are from? No matter what, I think it is safe to say, it will be a part of who they are. As for Barbie and I, well out fate is sealed, we are Medway.
Catch up on the project here: We Are Medway
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Dan got a new ride today, his first “new to him” car, the last one was a hand me down from Anna – and is no longer useful as a driving vehicle due to age. The new ride’s name is Keanu, and it will be the gig-mobile, perfect for getting the guitars and sound system to shows.
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Dan played his first gig at Pepperoncini’s in Milford tonight. He sang, I enjoyed a Breakfast Burger (not pictured).
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Dan and his girlfriend Emily looked awesome tonight in their matching Converse sneakers. As far as I am concerned the best way to head to the prom, wish I could wear them to weddings.
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Happy 17th Birthday to Dan. The world is in front of him and it is full of music. Meanwhile Josie was not interested in posing for a photo.
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The weather has not been on their side, but the cast and crew of Medway High School version of Disney’s Little Mermaid finally got to do a full dress rehearsal tonight. Show opens tomorrow and it is so good. These kids worked hard and it shows. Three shows, Friday night, Matinee Saturday afternoon, closing Saturday night. Dan plays, the old man, King Triton, he was born to yell at people. You can get tickets and info here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3326459
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After 25 days home, Anna headed back to school. We saw her a few times last semester, some birthdays, a wedding, holidays, it was not too long between visits. This semester we all think it will be different, her workload, school government responsibilities, activities and she is not coming home for spring break, so it is going to be a long stretch with few sighting until May. So much can change in a few months. The couch we are sitting on won’t be there when she gets back (we are far too excited for this) and the next family portrait might have a new member in it. Have a great semester Senator Rice.
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Dan held his monthly open mic tonight at TC Scoops in Medway. Next one is February 8th, come on by, bring an instrument and join him.
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April 20, 1991 the day I got my license, no clue what I ate for breakfast this morning. I am sure Dan will remember this day, the day he aced the driver’s test. A quick stop at the insurance company and he was driving Anna’s his “new” car to school. Congratulations Dan.
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