Music changed the way I travel. Travel changed the way I make music.
In January 2017, while I was still touring with Ringling, I went to Cuba to study Afro-Cuban percussion. I expected a great music trip. I did not expect it to change the direction of my life.
That experience eventually became Havana Music Tours, and later Musical Getaways. I still build trips the way a musician tends to think: start with the people and the music, not a checklist of attractions.
Musical Getaways
Today I direct Musical Getaways, creating small-group and private trips built around local musicians, festivals, venues, studios, food, neighborhoods and the people who actually live the culture we are there to learn about.
Havana Music Tours
Cuba changed the way I hear rhythm and think about the relationship between music and everyday life. Havana Music Tours grew from the musicians and friends I met while studying and traveling there, and it became the starting point for almost everything I later built in music travel.
Learn more about Havana Music Tours →
The CreatiVRole Project
I also founded and help direct The CreatiVRole Project. The nonprofit grew out of many of those same relationships and has supported musicians, teachers, families and communities through instruments, creative supplies, music education, humanitarian assistance and recovery projects.
I like the idea that a relationship does not have to end because a tour or project is over. Some of the most meaningful work has happened later.
Learn about The CreatiVRole Project →
Work with me
If you are working on a music-centered trip, festival, cultural project or collaboration and think there is a reason for us to talk, get in touch.