|
JOSHUA ENGEL NEWS ARCHIVE:
July 6, 2005 The universe works in crazy ways. Some days are so busy that I need a moment to breathe. Others I am scrambling for something productive to do. I always want things to be just the way I want them but I don't always know what that is. Perhaps it has something to do with being born on the Taurus/Gemini cusp? The Magic Stuff continues to perform every Sunday Night at the Poor Alex Theatre for Sunday Night Live with the Sketchersons. Sean Cullen and Colin Mochrie are scheduled to host the next two weeks for the Fringe Festival. Over the years I have been developing methods of teaching music. Whether through children's theatre, music direction at summer camp, songleading for baby groups, or performing, I have always tried to inspire others to follow their creative bliss. My passions for teaching and exploring Jewish history and culture through music are finally coming together. I will be teaching music beginning in the fall at the Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School and Leo Baeck (Holy Blossom) Day School. All this happens at the right time. My wife and I are expecting a baby next month. We will be bringing a new life into the world - our greatest creative collaboration yet. I look forward to the next update. June 1, 2005 It's been a very busy time for me as of late. Work, work, work. I hit a milestone last week when I turned the big three oh. But, I have to say, life is good. I can't complain. I am teaching quite a lot these days. Not only the regular guitar and mandolin lessons that I've been teaching for years, but I've been focusing on music for children. I begin teaching my own classes for Rainbow Songs this month and I have also started developing a program for youngsters who want to begin playing instruments. So far, I am getting very positive feedback. In other news, I will be playing guitar alongside the world famous Israeli singer/songwriter Matti Caspy at the beginning of this month. So much happening. Summer is near. Enjoy the sunshine. March 8, 2005 I am currently throwing myself into several new projects. First, Tararam, the klezmer trio, is working hard at preparing new material. We will be performing at the Beit Rayim on March 26, 2005. We will be joined by Shalom and Daniel Bard on clarinet and violin. I am also now teaching music for babies and their caregivers. There has been quite a lot of support in getting me involved in this particular field. Thank you to Rainbow Songs and Music and Giggles with Nomi for helping to put me on this path. Children are like little sponges when it comes to learning and it is a privilege to be responsible for introducing them to music. Speaking of children...I'm going to be a father! Dori and I are expecting our first child in August. We are very excited trying to prepare our home and our lives for our new arrival in August. February 16, 2005 We just got back from a three week road trip down the Eastern U.S. Passed through New York State, Pennsylvania, W.Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. On the way up we hit Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland and Buffalo before returning home. We soaked up the sun, excericised our guts in American restaurants. And basically, celebrated life. I think I ate too much. Now, that I am home there is so much to do. Work, Practise, write, record, create new works, teach, perform and survive. Explore new projects and ideas. Grow the old ones. Spend time with loved ones. Basically, be the dream. In my dream, I like to help out others. I like to feel needed and appreciated. Right now, we are bringing our new house to life: updating electricity, painting, carpentry, decorating, cleaning and maintenance. It's good to be busy. Sometimes, I find myself searching for meaning out of life. People pass through life and try to define themselves or leave their mark on the world. They'll write a song, make a painting, take a photo, produce a film, build a house, whatever. More and more we are being bombarded with advertising, marketing campaigns, and crass commercialism. Buy the hip new toys. Be the envy of the Jones's. I find that e-mail and TV and all that other stuff we do just keeps us right where they want us. That's my rant, Josh Another year has come and gone. It's hard to believe how quickly the days fly by right now. As I ponder the past year, I am thankful for so many things. But the more I think about it, it's really all about the people: You, my loved ones, friends, collegues, fans, fellow artists, musicians, songwriters, whomever you may be. Everyone is unique and important in so many different ways. This year I was fortunate to travel the world. During the course of the year I shared music, conversation, many laughs and tears with so many wonderful people. I got to see so many breathtaking sights: so many wonders, both natural and human-made. It's really an amazing world out there. If you ever have a chance to go and explore, I highly recommend that you do. This year has been about taking risks, diving in, and living to the fullest. I have to say it has been amazing. I have had the pleasure of performing for the first time in New Zealand, Australia, and England. So what's next? Well, I'm settling back into life in Toronto. I'm putting a few things together right now and I plan to be back out there with a new recording and some new projects in the new year. I'd like to sign off by wishing everyone a very happy holiday season and a happy new year. In Peace, Josh |