Q: Is there anything new you’d like to share?
A: I just started working on a new series of self-portraits, "Drinking Wine in Various Parts of my House." I hope I have enough pinot for this.
Q: What’s your first recommendation?
A: My first selection is a book written by bassist Victor Wooten, titled "The Music Lesson."
Q: How did you discover it?
A: It was a gift, given to me by my good friend Rich Reuter.
Q: What about the book resonates with you?
A: It's fiction and a bit of a trip. I nerd out over woo-woo stuff in general, so this book was right up my alley.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add about this selection?
A: I think, with most people cooped up in our homes right now, a fantastic voyage is just the ticket.
Q: What’s recommendation two?
A: My next selection is "Fantastic Voyage," an album by Dayton funk band Lakeside.
Q: How did you discover it?
A: I'm not really sure, perhaps by osmosis? Funk is just in the ether here!
Q: What about this album resonates with you?
A: Funk in general always puts me in a good mood and has me in my living room working on my dance moves and my bass grooves. And since Lakeside was formed here, "Fantastic Voyage" is one of several albums that gets me thinking about life in Dayton in the late '60s and early '70s.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add about this selection?
A: Dayton is the Land of Funk and I encourage everyone to #listenlocal by digging around on Google and tuning into our local radio stations. Discover all the amazing high-vibe music our region has produced! And not only funk, we've got punk rock from the late '70s, alternative rock from the '90s and some amazing Americana and bluegrass being produced right now.
Q: What’s your third recommendation?
A: It's a live-streamed guided meditation provided by Heartfulness Dayton via Facebook at www.facebook.com/heartulnessdayton.
Q: How did you discover it?
A: My good friend Libby Ballengee invited me to come meditate with her and meditation guide Uma Mullapudi. Best decision I've ever made.
Q: What about this selection that resonates with you?
A: Meditation is a practice that gives us permission to slow down and unfocus. And when we can do that, the result is that we are of better use to ourselves and everyone around us. Times like this call on us to be at our best, and this is one way to get there.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add about this selection?
A: Check this great organization out. More information about Heartfulness Meditation can be found at www.daytonheartfulness.org.
Q: Anything you’d like to add?
A: I'll close with these thoughts: if readers notice a common theme of friendship in my selections, it's no accident. Our friends care about us and they have a pretty good idea of what will benefit us. Let's remember that even in times of isolation, we are still connected to our loved ones. Let's be good friends to each other and reach out with a text, a phone call or a FaceTime or Google Group Hangout. As my best friend, Emma Lee Woodruff, wrote in one of my favorite songs of hers, "We Are Not Alone."
About the Author