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Archive for July, 2026

“In Retrospect” Trumpet Show at Edmonds Landing by Cogir—My 5th Performance There

Posted by glennled on July 17, 2026

*My setup with four horns and three mutes*

It’s not often that I perform on a Monday afternoon, but I got to do so at Edmonds Landing by Cogir on 13 July. The staff were so helpful and hospitable! The audience was so attentive!

We went on a musical journey into the past, as I played 21 songs that were written during the 84-year period, 1892-1976. I call this one-hour trumpet show “In Retrospect.” This was my fifth performance at Edmonds Landing.

Naturally, every song has a story or a message, so first I tell the audience what each song is about. If it was used in a movie that we all probably once saw, I’ll usually mention that. Sometimes I read a few lines of the lyrics, sometimes I sing them. Two songs—“When I’m 64” and “St. James Infirmary”— I play the entire song and then sing it. I use four horns: trumpet, pocket trumpet, cornet, and flugelhorn.

Edmonds Landing offers independent and assisted living services. Please see https://cogirusa.com/communities/edmonds-landing. Photos below are courtesy of Edmonds Landing by Cogir. Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Posted in Shows at Retirement Homes | Tagged: cornet, Edmonds Landing by Cogir, flugelhorn, lyrics, pocket trumpet, songs, trumpet | 2 Comments »

Acoustic Alchemy Returns to Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley in Seattle

Posted by glennled on July 14, 2026

*Acoustic Alchemy at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, 5 July 2026*

My wife and I returned to Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley in Seattle to see and hear Acoustic Alchemy on Sunday night, 5 July, and it turned out that they were returning also, having played there many times for many years. The band was formed in England in 1981. I used to hear them on the soft jazz radio station while driving around the Greater Seattle area, doing residential real estate while I worked at John L. Scott on Mercer Island for 20 years.

Why that band, why that night? It was my wonderful birthday gift from my wonderful grandson, Isaiah, and his wonderful wife, Sequoia—“Happy Birthday to Me!”. All four of us had dinner at Jazz Alley! The band had been on tour for a month, and this was their last venue.

The band of five has no brass players—two guitars, bass, keyboard, and percussion. But in their discography, I see that in their 1990 album, Reference Point, they incorporated Randy Brecker as a guest artist (trumpet and flugelhorn). That album featured a cover of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five,” and the album was nominated for a Grammy Award in the New Age category for their track, “Caravan of Dreams.” One year later, they released Back on the Case, featuring Ludwig Gotz on trombone. Then again, in their 2007 album, This Way, they included a guest appearance by Rick Braun on flugelhorn. Also, in their 2001 album, AArt, Fayyaz Virji, trombonist, was featured. This album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

So, that’s another reason I like them—they’re outstanding, versatile, and experimental. They explore multiple genres and welcome other artists (not only brass but also piano, saxophone, harmonica, and vocal).

Please click on any photo to enlarge it.

Posted in Professional Concerts | Tagged: Acoustic Alchemy, band, brass, Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, flugelhorn, Grammy Award, guitar, jazz, trombone, trumpet | 2 Comments »

Most Enthusiastic Audience Ever!–Celebrated 250th Anniversary of American Independence at Quail Park Retirement Community, Lynnwood

Posted by glennled on July 9, 2026

When I glissed up to the high Bb at the end of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and thus, to end my one-hour trumpet show, the audience went nuts, clapping, shouting, hooting and howling! It was my fourth performance at Quail Park Retirement Community in Lynnwood, and this time, the show was “I Stand for the Flag.” I was in my summer VFW Post 1040 Honor Guard uniform for the celebration of America’s 250th Independence Anniversary on the 4th of July. Hooray for our side!

In the past 8.5 years, I’ve performed at 43 different retirement communities in the Greater Seattle area, and I’ve never had a more enthusiastic, loud, proud, appreciative audience! That includes the staff, too, led by Dwi Parkinson, Life Engagement Director. They were exceptional on this grand holiday!

For this show, I always use all my horns—Getzen trumpet, Getzen bugle, Jupiter pocket trumpet, Super Olds cornet, and ACB (Austin Custom Brass) flugelhorn. The show consists of 24 patriotic marches, songs, and bugle calls.

Quail Park is quite large and includes both cottages and the main building (with two entrances) in a private setting. There is easy access to Alderwood Mall, downtown Lynnwood, I-5, I-405, and Everett. Its services include independent living, assisted living, enhanced assisted living, and memory care. Please see “Quail Park of Lynnwood Assisted Living Facilities, WA | Quail Park.

Please click on any photo to enlarge it.

Posted in Shows at Retirement Homes | Tagged: Austin Custom Brass (ACB), Getzen, Jupiter, Quail Park of Lynnwood, Super Olds, The Star-Spangled Banner, VFW Post 1040 Honor Guard | 2 Comments »

First Performance at Regency Newcastle: “I Stand for the Flag” Celebrates 250th American Independence Anniversary

Posted by glennled on July 5, 2026

*Veterans photo, courtesy of Regency Newcastle, Washington*

What an honor it was to perform “I Stand for the Flag” at Regency Newcastle on 3 July in celebration of America’s 250th Independence Anniversary! It was the first time I presented one of my 7 one-hour trumpet shows at this lovely facility. But it almost didn’t happen.

I arrived one hour early, dressed in my official summer uniform as VFW Post 1040 Bugler. But they were not expecting me! That’s never happened before. After some discussion, however, they accepted the fact that I had booked this date and time way back in January. So, we decided, the show must go on!

There was something else, too, that made this performance very unique and special. My good friend, Laurence Stusser, who lives nearby, came to listen. He ended up helping me by passing out the lyrics to the final six songs that close the show:

“The Navy Hymn” (“Eternal Father, Strong to Save”)
“This is My Country”
“America the Beautiful”
“God Bless America”
“You’re a Grand Old Flag”
“The Star-Spangled Banner”

He saw that I use five horns: Getzen trumpet, Jupiter pocket trumpet, Super Olds cornet, Getzen bugle, and ACB (Austin Custom Brass) flugelhorn. Beyond that, he gave me a gift for my Manhasset music stand and helped me re-load all my gear into my car. Laurence is an excellent trumpeter who is a member of about five bands—very busy man! He collects vintage horns.

Regency Newcastle offers independent living, assisted living, and respite care. Please click on any photo to enlarge it.