A letter to all

Where I was, where I am and The Third Man

Dear everyone….

Yesterday after a long and tedious travel day, filled with delays, long custom lines and baggage problems we arrived in Geneva. It is an unfortunate but necessary aspect of touring that we still have the privilege to endure. I say so because every wearisome detail, no matter how draining, brings to mind the people who are uprooted time and again because of war, occupation and famine. When I think the strife of others I feel somewhat ashamed to be put off by banal travel annoyances.

So I am looking out at sailboats on a lake, a few hours off until we go to the Paleo Festival grounds for our concert. We have a shorter, 75 minute set, the centerpiece remembering Kurt Cobain. Tomorrow we go to Vienna for our last concert before heading back home.I love Vienna, the site of Mozart, Beethoven and the Third Man.

I found an old Polaroid of the ferris wheel I took in Vienna in 2004. The same one that Orson Wells and Joseph Cotton sparred on in a memorable scene in The Third Man. It still stands, just as it did when Carol Reed shot the remarkable film.

The Ferris wheel Orsen Wells and Joseph Cotton sparred on in The Third Man

On Sunday the Quartet played at Sommerset House in London. I could not help feeling grateful for the opportunity to perform for such a loving, enthusiastic crowd. Going back to the hotel we saw the full buck moon. I have to say, even with so much turmoil in the world I can’t suppress a continuing optimistic streak. I also know that no matter what transpires I will do my work.

I want to say a special hello and thank you to my Subscribers and Founding Members. We have a lot of catching up to do. But I never forget. I am sending all good wishes. There is much to think about these days, but it is also important to take care of ourselves, best we can.

In London at Sommerset House.

Waiting for the people

Todays View in Geneva