Music was probably buzzing around somewhere in that little head. I distinctly remember the day that photo was taken. My Grandmother Grace was making spaghetti in a huge pot over a camp fire. Who does that!? She was amazing. Anyways, it was a glorious day on Lake Winnepesaukee in New Hampshire. There was clean water, pine scented air, my big family and of course music.
When I think about Trump's plan to cut funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities ENTIRELY ( this is the first time any president has ever proposed such a measure) I am beyond angry. I think of the lucky little girl I was and how rich my life has been because of Art and Music. It makes me ill to think about today's young and budding artists having a much harder time than I did getting that part of their spirits fed. It is unthinkable. It's unfair. Art and music should not be extraneous luxuries. They are essential.
I never met my grandfathers. They were both gone before I was born but they were both artists. My paternal grandfather was a shoe maker but he played violin with a passion. He passed that love of the instrument on down to my father who made his life playing jazz violin.
My maternal grandfather was an actor, acrobat and comedian in Vaudeville.
This is my uncle Don with Grandpa Thomas dressed for the act "Bouncing Fools"
"Monroe and Grant" were on the bill with a young Frank Sinatra, The Marx Brothers, Bob Hope, Abbott and Costello...very cool stories live on about his life on the road!
Mom followed in her fathers foot steps and became a fine singer and doubled for Diana Durbin in Miss Durbin's films out in Hollywood.
That's mom on the far left...she was adorable!
For a while she toured all over the U.S. in acts with the Hollywood doubles and sang her heart out! That's her on the far left of photo.
So I never thought that art and music were a peripheral aspect of life...it was a necessary and constant part of life.
Today I find so much joy in teaching music to young interested talent. I see how it excites and enriches each student I work with...young and old alike. I'm still wrapped in music every single day.
See the similarity?
This was my father in 1989. He had fabulous white hair that flew wildly when he played.
So...back to our current president?
Here's my message to you D.J.T.
"Donald..cutting funding for the arts is unthinkable. I think we need to cut funding your trips to Mara Lago, no?
One trip to Mara Lago costs taxpayers $3.6 million, and I see that you go there quite a bit sir."
OK I will stop preaching. But on the subject of Art and Money, the music festival that I am the associate director of "Lulufest Austin" (which will take place on June 3rd) needs more funding. No surprise there, right?
I will be having a fund raising concert this Sunday April 23rd at Casa Karen 3:00 PM and I hope you can make it! If you'd like to attend please email suzistern@gmail.com for details like directions and time and suggested donations.
I will be joyfully singing with the amazing Peggy Stern (no relation) on my 9 foot concert grand, Sam Pankey on Bass, Michael Longoria on drums and Joey Colarusso on sax. It will be a great afternoon of Salsa, jazz, tango and more!
more info on the June festival coming up at: Lulu-fest.com check out the line up which is stellar, and the workshops offered all day!
