That day in 1977 at South Mountain Arena feels like many lifetimes ago.  I’m sure we’ve all been through the ups and downs.  When Michael asked me to share memories of my life since high school for an LHS spotlight article I was a little hesitant since so many years have passed.  Also, I have never been a big writer but when he suggested to me to make it about music in my life it sounded like fun.  Music has always been a huge part of my life, even if not as a vocation.  I started playing percussion at a very early age and the drum set when I was 11.  As a five-year-old I would make up songs on our neighbor’s piano which I’ve never stopped doing.  I’ve been singing since I could talk and love the opportunity to harmonize any chance I get. 

Touching on the usual personal data, I’m married, have one daughter and still live in New Jersey.  We love to travel as much as possible and also enjoy the benefits of living close to NYC where we can visit with our daughter, see Broadway shows and concerts, great restaurants, etc.  I’ve been working in the real estate business for almost 40 years, first in New Jersey and then NYC for the past 30 years.  A fun fact – my office has been next door to Carnegie Hall for the last 25 years. Coincidence?

My musical journey has included singing in school choruses and musicals (I was part of Oliver at LHS) to accompanying various musicians on harmonies and percussion (I’ve included a picture of me playing bongos on NBC TV from our sophomore year at LHS).  I was asked to accompany a cantor from NYC, Sherwood Goffin, who already had released 2 fabulous albums, for a month of shows at NBC Studios-Rockefeller Center, so much fun.  I started playing the drum set in various groups, accompanying singers, the cantor included, jamming with various friends and classmates and even a small project one year at LHS touring the Livingston elementary schools with You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown starring Jay Greenspan, of course, as Charlie.

This love of music continued through college playing in various rock bands, constantly hosting and attending jam sessions and also playing in the pit for musicals (Pippin was my favorite).  I conducted a very cool project for the play Arsenic & Old Lace when the director asked me to create music to be played in the theater as people entered and awaited the start of the play.  I juxtaposed the Itsy-Bitsy Spider against the base line from the theme song from the Alfred Hitchcock show (representing the sinister-innocent sisters) using a full orchestra and chorus on the recording – that was so much fun.

Once I started my career in real estate, I went through a period of about 10 years where my drum set sat in storage or in my basement, silent.  One day a friend, another drummer, suggested I join him at an open jam held at a nearby club.  It was one of the best blues/rock open jams around.  OMG! The love was reactivated.  I ran out and purchased a Roland electronic drum set so that I could play with headphones anytime and not disturb my family, even while they were sleeping.  I haven’t stopped playing since.

Over the years I’ve worked on original projects and cover material with numerous bands performing in NYC (Irving Plaza, Cutting Room, Red Lion, etc.) and multiple clubs and restaurants in New Jersey and Rockland County, New York.  In 2017 a musician friend (also in the real estate business) asked me if I was going to be a part of The Real Estate Rockers in Relief show that year (a night of many bands, all involved to some degree in the real estate business, raising donations for Nechama, a disaster relief organization helping people rebuild their homes after catastrophes in the US).  I had read about the show in the past but didn’t know anyone involved, nor did I have a band at the time.  I was introduced to the organizer who invited me to sit in with his band for a set.  I did and it was a blast.

So, when the 2018 show came around and the organizer reached out and asked me if I’d like to do it again, I said “yes, but give me a minute”.  I decided to put my own band together, “The Adventure”, for that show and play classic rock.  I’ve always felt that vocals are the most important part of a band’s success.  Since entertaining the donors is the main goal, I loaded my band with great singers allowing us to play songs others might not try and really give everyone a fun show.  Every year since 2018 (except 2020 and 2021 due to COVID) I’ve been blessed to have amazing musicians/friends/humans perform with me at Irving Plaza and be a part of raising over $150,000 each year while having the time of our lives acting like rock stars in front of over 800 attendees.  I’m truly looking forward to the next show this fall and so I’ve already started working on the set list.  May “The Adventure” continue…  Please reach out if you’d like to attend.  A small effort on my part to hopefully make a difference in the lives of those truly in need.

For the last 3 years I’ve been playing in “Full Disclosure”, a 80s & 90s rock group, gigging in NJ and Rockland County NY every month or so.  A great group of musicians/friends with the same love of music and entertaining.  They invited me to join them during COVID with the pitch that they had some gigs lined up for playing OUTSIDE.  During COVID, that was gold.  We haven’t stopped since and I am so glad to be able to continually balance my work-life with my passion for music. 

I wish the best to all and hope that each one of you has had the opportunity to live your life with passion.  My passion for music was re-energized that evening long ago at an open jam.  Rock on!!!

For more information on The Real Estate Rockers in Relief event please reach out for me, meanwhile please check out this Youtube Video: The Adventure 2023 HIghlight Made with Clipchamp

The next gig for “Full Disclosure” will be Saturday, February 22^nd at The Twin Door Tavern in Maywood, New Jersey.