We have a lot of musicals in the office this month- one for Desert Stages here in Scottsdale, another for Children’s Musical Theaterworks in Fresno, Cali., mastering The Wizard of Oz and Little Shop of Horrors albums for Stage Stars, and David’s orchestrating an original Gerry Cullity musical for Desert Stages- all due in the next two weeks. I also fit in some karaoke arrangements of patriotic songs for Spiritrax, just in time for July 4th events, and they’ve been selling well.
In the composing department, I’m finishing a 5-minute comedy for SCC senior Chris Redish, entitled “Got Milk?” I’ve also been offered the next episode of the web comedy series Stand-Up Guy by local producer Carol Benwell, so that’s next in line. And Ryan and Jeremy (of At Best Derivative-fame) are starting pre-production for their next movie, a historical Western about Arizona lawman Commodore Perry Owens. I’m super-excited to do another feature- but I’m also glad I have another year or so before it takes over my life. Speaking of, the DVD of ABD has finally been released- it’s at the Friar’s Lantern store.
The Bad Cactus Brass Band has had a promising first month. We’ve recorded a solid demo, which is up at badcactusbrassband.com, and band photos and gigs are in the works. Our first show is on July 8, opening for the Sugarthieves at the Sail Inn.
I’ve also been practicing trombone every morning before work. Besides Bad Cactus, I’ve played this month with Renee Patrick, the Sugarthieves, the Jazz Alliance, and David Bernstein, as well as at the jam sessions at Pita Jungle and 98 South in Chandler.