This banner will soon be on display from the upper arches of the
Chautauqua Lake Pops Allegheny Health Network Floating Stage.

July 4th, 2020 .. our Nation's 244th birthday!

The symbolism of the national bird of the United States was so important to the nation's founders that it took six years of debate to reach a decision.  Among the candidates was the Golden Eagle, but that had been used by other nations.  It also was extremely important to the founders that the national bird be uniquely American to symbolize America's strength, courage and freedom.  In 1782, Congress declared the Bald Eagle the national bird of the United States.  The term "bald" refers not to lack of feathers, but to the white feathers on the bird's head as derived from the old English word, piebald, which means marked with white.

Photo taken by Cristine Herbst

The Statue of Liberty is a copper sculpture located on the 12-acre Liberty Island in New York City.  The statue was a gift to the people of the United States from the citizens of France.  The statue is sculpted into a woman wearing a robe and a crown.  Above her head, her right hand holds a torch which symbolizes progress.  In her left arm, the woman holds a tablet which has Roman inscriptions of July 4, 1776 and represents the law. The statue is a representation of the Roman Goddess, Libertas.

The Statue of Liberty incorporates many symbolic features including 25 windows in the crown to represent gemstones found on the earth and the heaven's rays shining over the world.  The seven rays of the statue's crown represent the seven seas and continents of the world.

The Statue of Liberty was designed and built in France.  It was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel, who is also behind the building of the Eiffel Tower.  After the statue's completion, it was exhibited at the Paris World's Fair in 1878.  The statue is seen wearing a flowing robe to give Lady Liberty a peaceful and strong silhouette appearance.

Architect Richard Morris Hunt designed the Statue of Liberty's granite pedestal in 1884, donating his fee to help fund the Statue.  Financing for the pedestal was completed in France July of 1884 and arrived in New York Harbor June of 1885 onboard the French frigate, Isere.

In transit, the Statue of Liberty was reduced to 350 individual pieces of copper and packed in 214 crates.  The ship carrying its precious cargo almost sank in stormy seas during the transport though Lady Liberty made the long journey to America and was reassembled on her new pedestal in just four months' time!

The sculpture was dedicated on October 28, 1886.  Grover Cleveland presided over the dedication ceremony with over 700,000 people in attendance.  A French flag covered Lady Liberty's face until it was time to unveil her to the world!

In May of 1982, President Ronald Reagan appointed Lee Iacocca, Chairman of Chrysler Corporation to head up a private sector effort to restore the Statue of Liberty.  Fundraising began for the $87 million dollar restoration under a public/private partnership between the National Park Service and the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.  To date, it is the most successful public-private partnership in American history.

More than 12 million immigrants were processed to enter the United States through the Ellis Island gateway from 1892 to 1954 with its majestic neighbor, Lady Liberty welcoming them to their new home.  From 1900-1914, during the peak years of operation, 5,000 to 10,000 people passed through .. every day!

You can find out if your family came through Ellis Island by searching the passenger list!  (www.libertyellisfoundation.org)

The Statue of Liberty officially celebrated her 125th birthday on October 28, 2011. It towers 305 feet over New York Harbor and is one of the most instantly recognizable symbols of America.

  The Statue of Liberty stands in Upper New York Harbor and is a universal symbol of  freedom. Originally conceived as an emblem of the friendship between the people of France and the United States and a sign of their mutual desire for liberty. 

                                  Over the years this statue has become much more.


                                                www.statueoflibertymuseum.org



Happy 4th of July!

Be Safe.

Pat Locke
Maestro Muse

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME!

Bemus Point, New York Circa 1940s

Bemus Point, New York .. Light the Lakes

Everyone is familiar with the positive slogan .. if you build it, they will come.  In the case of Bemus Point the community through the years became synonymous with entertainment.  Music could be heard near the water whether it was in the 1940s with a raised stage on land, the 1960s at the popular Surf Club, the Village Casino ballroom or in most recent years when the Pops first appeared on the roof of the Italian Fisherman (IF) then subsequently moving to another stage nearby though this time .. on water!  Diners could sit on the pressured-treated wood deck of the Italian Fisherman overlooking the floating stage and enjoy the music while having a wonderful dinner or dessert with friends and family while watching a beautiful sunset over Bemus bay.  It doesn't get any better than this!

A stage that floats was built and they did come!  Through the years it became a Bemus Point summer landmark.  When you saw the floating stage in Bemus .. you knew another fun summer .. with music .. had officially arrived!

A tried and true formula .. vision + hard work = success.

                           

     

   Chautauqua Lake Pops 2019 in Mayville NY

The Pops evolved through the years which eventually included a name change from the Bemus Bay Pops to the Chautauqua Lake Pops.  Pops attendees witnessed hundreds of beautiful sunsets in Bemus bay and hundreds of musical tribute groups stepping onto a stage that floated. One man's vision has and continues to give us memorable first-class musical entertainment for all to enjoy and to appreciate.

The Bemus Bay Pops location has changed though the 'spirit and the spice' of the Pops and all it brings to our region has never dimmed. The Pops' journey which began 35 years ago in Bemus Point started with an idea of what could be for everyone from across the Chautauqua Lake Region to enjoy and to treasure. Non-believers can and do become believers and supporters.

The Chautauqua Lake Pops concert series entertains residents and non-residents throughout the summer months. It has become a spectacular musical tradition which attracts folks from all ages providing quality family entertainment for years in Bemus Point and now in Mayville along the lake with the historic train depot as its backdrop.

The train depot seen in this drone photo set along Route 394 is on the present site of the Chautauqua Lake Pops known for its unique floating stage with its distinctive white tarp.  The Pennsylvania Railroad Station built in 1925 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.  The steamboat with its trademark red paddlewheel is the beloved Chautauqua Belle.  It operates out of Mayville running between Chautauqua Institution, Bemus Point, the turn-around docks in Jamestown and the vessel's homeport located near the Chautauqua Lake Pops.  These iconic landmarks add to the ambience of a concert location that provides concert-goers with a view of another iconic landmark, the Miller Tower on the beautiful grounds of the Chautauqua Institution.  It doesn't get any better than this! 

Chautauqua Lake Pops Labor Day 2019 Finale with Pops Announcer, Mike Ferguson

Please join us with your support of Bringing the Arts to the People

For information regarding sponsorship, ticket sales and special events

www.chautauqualakepops.com

As creator and writer of the Chautauqua Lake Pops Maestro Muse blog I am honored that Dan Dalpra, Pops Founder and CEO, asked me to bring this blog to the people.  As a believer and supporter of the Pops program since its inception I now enjoy writing stories about the 20 years of the Pops, the 35 years of the Italian Fisherman in Bemus Point NY and the 2019 concert series in Mayville NY.  The Pops brings to the Chautauqua Lake Region the magic of music through a man who had a vision in 1997 .. a vision that became reality through hard work and dedication.

          Thank you, Dan for all you do for all of us!         

In closing, a friend of mine who plays guitar for The Groove based in Erie PA gave me a quote prior to the band's appearance on the floating stage in Bemus June 25, 2016.

                                    "We can't wait to float."                         

Be Safe.  Support the Pops.

Thank You.

Pat Locke
Maestro Muse 

When The Eagles stopped to catch their breath a few decades ago having sold over 100 million records, collected six Grammy’s and enjoyed six #1 albums Hotel California began a pioneering journey through their history-making music that has taken them around the globe and thrilled hundreds of thousands of Eagles fans. 

It’s been a journey they could never have imagined back in 1986, but their dedication, unique musical gifts, and an obsessive commitment to doing this legendary music true justice in performance set them apart from the many Eagles bands that came after them.  Hotel California toured relentlessly from the 80’s straight through to today, setting the standard for world-class tribute productions as they went and sharing stages with the likes of The Doobie Bros., Lynyrd Skynyrd, REO Speedwagon, and many more.  From Japan to Dubai, Toronto to Texas .. Hotel California has boldly taken the tribute band where none had gone before them and changed an industry’s collective mind about how good a “tribute” band could really be!

Today Hotel California continues to tour internationally and their stage show has evolved into one of the most impressive popular productions in North America.  Featuring original members within their strongest lineup to date, the band is enjoying what they do today more than ever - and it sure sounds like it! It won’t take you long to hear why legions of Eagles fans come back to see them time after time and the top venues & festivals have them backing again and again. The easy-going warmth that comes from the band onstage exemplifies the Southern California sound of the 1970’s. The experience of a Hotel California show isn’t just about the band – it’s about celebrating the music, the memories.  The band gets the audiences involved and on their feet! Close your eyes and you’re right back there!

"For any band to continually exceed such high expectations this deep into their career, and remain at the top of their field for as long as Hotel California, it is truly a remarkable accomplishment. That’s why when top talent buyers need the proven, absolute highest quality Eagles show in the world, they book the original Hotel California year after year." 

 Steve Birnstihl, CTA Tributes

Today Hotel California continues to tour internationally and their stage show has evolved into one of the most impressive and popular productions in North America.  Featuring original members within their strongest lineup to date, the band is enjoying what they do today more than ever!  It won't take you long to hear why legions of Eagles fans come back to see them time after time.  The easy-going warmth that comes from the band onstage exemplifies the Southern California sound of the 70s.

Hotel California band members are Andy Lapointe, bass/vocals; Mike Dimoulas, electric guitar/acoustic guitar/double neck guitar and keyboards; Rick Spyder, electric guitar/saxophone/vocals; Kevin O'Donnell, drums/vocals.  Mike is the original member of the group.  He's been in the band since it was formed in 1986 and it would be easier to list the places Mike hasn't played!  Kevin is an incredible Don Henley sound-alike.  Rick's cowboy hat and his down-home country charm are a hit with the Eagles fans. Andy had been with Hotel California since 1987 and has performed literally thousands of shows with the band!  Even after all these years Andy is enjoying HC's touring schedule more than ever!

"The floating stage is unique because we're always surrounded by people on land and on water.  It's one of the best venue in which we perform.  I recommend anyone from out of town to experience it."

Andy Lapointe, bass player/Hotel California

Mississauga, Ontario

www.californiahotel.ca

"To our fans,  We wish you all good health and safety during these difficult times.  Let's continue to stay positive and care for one another.  We look forward to seeing you again soon!"

Hotel California

This tribute band would have appeared on the floating stage .. July 11.

Be Safe.

Pat Locke

Maestro Muse

These musicians appeared on the Bemus Bay Pops floating stage in 2013.  I attended one of their concerts then immediately informed Dan and .. the rest is history!

In their spectacular mult-media show, The Hitmen not only pay the classic hits they helped rocket to the top of the Billboard charts, they also share fascinating insider back stories about their days on the road and in recording studios with music royalty.

From transistor radios, vinyl, eight-track tapes and cassette to the Sony Walkman, CDs, digital downloads and the Apple iPod, The Hitmen have seen and heard it all.  And they have the stories to go with it!  They play music's greatest hits the way you first heard them!

The Hitmen are:  keyboardist and group founder, Lee Shapiro; lead guitarist/vocalist Jimmy Ryan; bassist/vocalist Jeff Ganz; keyboardist, percussionist & vocalist Russ Velazquez and drummer/vocalist, Steve Murphy. 

You may not know their names, but you went to their concerts, heard them on the radio, watched them on TV and bought their records.  They have appeared on over eighty five albums, won multiple gold and platinum recording awards and Emmy awards.

   

These men are the musicians who made and played the soundtrack of your life!  The Hitmen not only played the music, they lived the music!  

Be Safe.

Pat Locke

Maestro Muse

      

DFT Communications Floating Stage Stands Apart in Performing Arts

June 21, 2012

By Eric Wise, Star Staff Writer

Eleven years ago, Dan Dalpra didn't know that would be the last year the Bemus Bay Pops performed their annual concert on the roof of his Bemus Point restaurant, the Italian Fisherman.  That was because one year later, they'd be performing on a one-of-a-kind floating stage.

"The last year, we were starting to get a little worried about the roof," said Dalpra.  "We contacted Pepsi and some other groups to help sponsor the DFT Communications Floating Stage.  Nobody had really heard of one before that, but we figured, "how hard could it be?"

After researching and gaining understanding of what the process would entail, there was no holding Dalpra back.  He and his team found a company in Knoxville Tennessee that could manufacture the stage at a weight capacity of 65,000 lbs. set to safely hold more than 200 people.  

Once the stage itself was taken care of they hunted down a company to design and build the unique top structure. 

"We wanted a similar theme to the Sydney Opera House," said Dalpra.  "We found a company in Colorado who could do it.  The rest is history".

And what a history it has been.  Since that first year the Floating Stage has grown to host some sort of event nearly every night of the week during the summer season.

"We decided to do something more than once a year," said Dalpra.  "So we started events on Sunday afternoons.  We found sponsors to do multiple shows. People brought their own chairs down and the whole thing evolved from there."

Annual shows like Chautauqua Idol and the Light the Lakes event have become a hit with local residents, but don't expect Dalpra to let a sleeping dog lie.

We just keep looking for innovative ways to generate revenue so the stage can become self-supporting," said Dalpra.  "Our yearly budget is about $300,000, but the stage and the Bemus Bay Pops generate around $12-14 million a year for this region."

In the beginning, all the events at the stage were free so we figured out what service people would be willing to pay for", said Dalpra.  "We found out most didn't like lugging their chairs to the stage three hours before a show to hold a spot so we bought lawn chairs and sold tickets for those chairs.  Of course, it's still open to the public to sit in the street or pull up on their boats."

Maintenance on a floating stage with a decade under its belt has been pretty easy going with the most intense jobs being power-washing and cleaning up the area. But as the stage grows older, Dalpra foresees some usual maintenance needs.

"The canvas will likely need some adjustments soon" said Dalpra.  "We'll have to work with the floats underneath and possibly replace them as well as some of the pressure treated wood in the stage.  But overall, it's held up great for ten years in business."

With his eye always on the future, Dalpra has a great vision for what the stage could someday become. 

"We'd love to expand the size of it at some point," said Dalpra.  "As we get more and more acts in, we need to have dressing rooms.  People want to use it for weddings and such, but we need more of a kitchen set up to really do what we'd like. When things with the economy turn around, we'll see more opportunities for growth."

Be Safe.

Pat Locke

Maestro Muse 

GIL-MAR

For many years a place called GIL-MAR was the lakeside local stop in Bemus Point by car or bicycle for a Light Lunch, Sealtest Ice Cream, Pepsi-Cola, newspapers, etc.  Years later it became the site of the Italian Fisherman and the Bemus Bay Pops.  Many sites have changed through the years in Bemus Point though one thing remains the same .. the charm and the quaintness of a lake resort town along the shores of Chautauqua Lake.

Though the Italian Fisherman isn't in Bemus Point anymore you can still purchase those delicious Italian Fisherman Chips at the Chautauqua Lake Pops, Wegman's or online. Get some today to go along with any planned picnic this summer! Delivered right to your door!  Available in 2 great sizes.  Fresh local potatoes become crisp, crunchy gourmet chips, specially seasoned with our Tuscan blend of herbs making them the perfect snack choice.  Experience our passion for great food and feel the love in each crunchy bite!  Sorry, the chips are only shipped within the USA!

italianfishermanchips.com

Email: contact@italianfisherman.com 

This blog entry marks #50.


Be Safe.

Pat Locke

Maestro Muse 

"Elton Rohn is absolutely the best Elton John tribute in North America."

Dan Dalpra, Chautauqua Lake Pops 

"We have had the fortune of playing this series multiple times.  It's a thrill to be able to perform with an orchestra anytime .. but this series does have something special.  The idea of having a floating stage does give it a unique atmosphere.  The players are so good that you find yourself drifting during the songs into another place.  Sometimes the music just takes you away.  A very talented bunch of musicians there.  And the fact that it's so well organized makes it a joy to play it.  From the time we arrive to the time we leave, it's a great gig.  It's the great people we get to work with including a great sound tech team and Dan Dalpra is a real pro heading up the event.  He makes it so easy for us to have an enjoyable time.  And, the audience is so appreciative.  It's a highlight to be able to play this event.  Looking forward to doing it again."

Elton Rohn

This Grand 101.1 FM radio interview was with Canadian host, Vic Folliet who chatted with Elton Rohn about the band and his history in the Canadian recording industry.  Rohn mentions the Pops during the interview.  Enjoy!

"The Elton Rohn tribute band, with whom several of us collaborated at the Bemus Bay Pops under the direction of Lenny Solomon, was absolute perfection.  Many of us have played with other tribute bands, but this one?  These guys were ONE.  Their superb, individual instrumental and vocal musicianship blended in seamless ensemble with the driving, intense creative energy of the Elton John repertoire, and Ron at the piano was just an out of this world replica of the legend, himself.   Their performance was beyond electrifying hands down outstanding. Elton Rohn is the best tribute on the planet. Period."

Ruth Ann Scanzillo, Principal Cello Bemus Bay Pops Orchestra and Erie Chamber Orchestra Erie PA

Songs like Bennie and the Jets, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Don't Let The Sun Go Down, Crocodile Rock and dozens more are always heard at an Elton Rohn concert including the beloved Candle in the Wind written and recorded by Sir Elton John.  The lyrics were about Marilyn Monroe and later rewritten and performed at the beloved Princess Diana's funeral by Sir Elton John.

Rest in Eternal Peace, Miss Monroe

Rest in Eternal Peace, Princess Diana

.. And I would have liked to have known you, but I was just a kid.  Your candle burned out long before Your legend ever did .. 

Elton Rohn Performing Candle In The Wind 

"When the Elton Rohn band rolled into Barrie, Ontario for a concert on the 4th of July a splendid time was guaranteed by all.  An enthusiastic crowd who had been promenading their way through several days of festivities were given a chance to let their hair down and rock with the best Elton John tribute act I have ever seen.  The band members are all seriously talented musicians and Elton Rohn, or just Ron to his friends, is so like the real Elton John you can close your eyes and not tell the difference.  

Philadelphia Freedom got things going and the classics followed in a remarkable sequence of songs that made you remember where you were when they first came out.  The band rocked through a rousing Pinball Wizard with some great guitar playing and some athletic posturing from the star-spangled man at the piano.  

Crazy glasses and piano acrobatics aside, it must be said that Elton Rohn is a master at the ivories!"   

Paul Russell, journalist (Paul is a contributor to the Q107 Classic Rock Series, a record collector and an Elton expert)

"When Elton Rohn's guitarist, Davey Johnstone, tells you that you are the most authentic Elton John tribute act he's ever witnessed, you know you must be doing something right.  The show includes the Elton Rohn Band which is a full seven piece band.  Every note is played live, no sound tracks and there is full part harmony." 

I have seen an Elton Rohn concert on the floating stage in Bemus Point and it was like seeing Captain Fantastic, in person!  Prior to the concert an unexpected encounter happened to me which I will never forget!  It involved meeting a very special person in Bemus!

Before the concert that summer I was looking at the billboards near the walkway to the floating stage that list the 2017 summer entertainment.  A gentleman came by to look at the billboard and I immediately pointed to Elton Rohn's concert date which was that very night!  As I turned toward the gentleman I heard him say .. "I'm that guy".  After quickly collecting my thoughts I said hello and shook the hand of Elton Rohn!  Robin Grandin, a local singer, was standing there at the time so I quickly took this fun photo! Thank you Elton Rohn for coming to Bemus and for your amazing talent and tribute to Sir Elton John.

"Being Elton is absolute fun.  I get a taste of what it must be like to be Elton because whether you're playing a small theatre or a festival when you look out at the people and they're all singing along to the songs, you realize just how popular this guy is.  It's a celebration of his music.  I totally understand exactly what we are.  We're just broadcasting his music to people so they can have a good time."

Elton Rohn

www.eltonrohn.com


Be Safe.

Pat Locke
Maestro Muse

                                           

Pittsburgh's premier red-hot Swing, Latin & Jazz band, Dr Zoot can easily switch gears to play a variety of music styles and hits from the 40s through today.  The band's distinctive sound has the ability to maintain its contemporary feel while reaching back across the years to link with the legendary singers who have come before them.

Band members include Sal Ventura, John Oscar, "Smokin O" Menosky, Craig "Izzy" Arlet, Mark Snyder, Jay Constable and Jason May.  Their influences include Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole. 

The seven-piece ensemble includes horn section (trumpet, trombone and saxophone), keyboards, drums, upright bass and guitar.  Dr. Zoot's song list covers it all from Swing & Jazz, Dance/Pop, Rock & Oldies, R&B/Motown to Latin and music they refer to as Lounge music with songs such as The Lady Is A Tramp, Witchcraft, Fly Me To the Moon and Beyond the Sea which was a big hit for the late Bobby "Mack the Knife" Darin.  

1956 Chrysler in Shell Pink

Some of their great Motown selections are I Can't Help Myself, Ain't To Proud to Beg, My Girl, Shout, Midnight Hour, It's Alright, Shotgun, I Feel Good, Heard It Through The Grapevine, Hold On I'm Comin' and Knock on Wood.

At first, it was just a weekday gig in 1998 at a small swing club in Pittsburgh's South side.  All the musicians had good weekend work in other bands, but the band grew in popularity and soon Dr Zoot was .. packin' em in! 

Eventually, it was time to record!

By the time Dr Zoot's first CD "Ghosts of Swing" was released they were playing the city's largest rooms nearly every night of the week!  It seemed time to take the show on the road.  So, in 2013, Dr Zoot traveled to Bemus Point and appeared on the Bemus Bay Pops floating stage on August 10.

The band continues to thrill their audiences from the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City NJ, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville in Key West to fine clubs and all venues in-between. 

Be safe.

Pat Locke

Maestro Muse

SPIRITS STRONG


Birthdays aren't cancelled  ..                                                               


Hope isn't quarantined  ..


First Words aren't delayed ..


Caring isn't postponed ..


Courage isn't on hold ..


And Love hasn't stopped ..

This was posted earlier on May 23 though I felt it needed to be viewed, once again.


Be safe.  Be kind.

Pat Locke
Maestro Muse

June 3, 2020

Chautauqua Lake Pops Postpones Reopening to 2021

Due to the uncertainty and safety concerns with the ongoing COVID-19 situation, it is with deep regret we have decided to postpone our 2020 floating stage program in Mayville NY.

We are confident that America is beginning to move in the right direction. Our decision will provide another layer of safety and time for everyone to recover from this unprecedented global pandemic.

Current protocols and uncertainty of the CDC, NYS, and Chautauqua County health guidelines, determined that our decision to postpone our summer series is the most responsible choice.

The artists booked for this season are being contacted to move their scheduled performance on the floating stage to similar mirrored dates in 2021. As we move forward, we will honor all of the 2020 advance season pass purchases to our 2021 schedule. Season pass refunds will require all passes returned via mail with written instructions. We hope you will allow us to just transfer your pass to the 2021 season to help us stay afloat. Individual ticket holders we are just moving your tickets to the mirrored date in 2021 no need to exchange them as we move forward for 2021. If a refund is preferred, please contact us via this email for your refund.  dan@chautauqualakepops.com 

Our office is closed for now so no one is available to accept phone calls. 

The goal for 2021 is to produce the best season ever. That is a promise. We, too, will be grateful to return to a time of enjoying our family, friends and community on the shores of Chautauqua Lake. We encourage you to help us keep the Pops afloat with your continued support. Thanks to all of our Sponsors, Season Pass and Ticket Holders for your continued support and loyalty. 

On behalf of our organization and the entire Board of Directors, we thank you for your understanding and support. Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you again soon. Watch for continued updates on our website:   www.chautauqualakepops.com  

God Bless Everyone,

Dan Dalpra

Founder/CEO

Chautauqua Lake Pops

PO Box 9250 . Bemus Point, NY 14712 . Phone: (716)969-3989

Board of Directors: Dan Dalpra/CEO-President, David VanAmburg/VP, 

Paul Stage/Director, Andrew Goodell/Sec, Richard Wight/Director 

Praise on the Lake 2019

This photo was taken last year during one of the weekly prayer services that has been a spiritual element of the Pops scheduled programming for many years.  Sadly, in 2020 we have been confronted with the challenge of COVID-19.  Then, as if that wasn't enough, we have had to face the recent racial tension that started in Minneapolis Minnesota on Monday, May 25 with subsequent protests both peaceful and, sadly, violent spread across the United States of America.  During times like these we all must look inward as we watch disturbing images continually being broadcast from cities across this Nation.

When times get difficult, it can feel as though you're fighting your life every step of the way.  Whether it's navigating personal issues like a relationship ending, losing your job, fighting a disease or a more global issue like the unexpected rise of fear, anger and bigotry in your community.  You feel like there is nothing you do can create a sense of peace or calm.  Your world loses its safe places and becomes a myriad of complexities that seem to require more energy to navigate through both physically and emotionally. 

It's during times like these that you can't help but wonder if there is something outside yourself that you can rely on .. something you can turn to in order to find that peaceful, comforting sanctuary.  This journey usually requires the uneasy task of abandoning reliance on your own ability to figure it all out and cultivating an independence on something that cannot be fully explained or made to fit into life's neat little boxes.

It's a journey of developing your faith .. something that can provide a sense of purpose for you today or any difficult day. The next time you find yourself in a tough spot, here are a few ways to cultivate your faith and not lose hope in today's world and what is happening around you. 

Stay Connected ..  Each person has a way of dealing with difficult times in life.  Some turn towards other people, relying on their support systems to hold them up and get them through the hard times.  Others are more apt to retreat into themselves.  If you fall into that category, its time to stop denying yourself the beauty that comes with sharing vulnerability with other people. 

Practice Patience .. There is beauty to be found in the journey .. in the slow arduous journey.  A flower seed is not designed to bloom in a day; a butterfly does not spread its wings in a cocoon.  Take your cues from nature and take the opportunity to slow down during these times of unrest and take one day at a time.  

Continue Your Practice .. There are many practices to maintain through difficult times.  Many find ways to cope through yoga, meditation or physical exercise though  for many others it is through .. music.  

Root Yourself in Truth .. When you're faced with a challenging time, your mind can work itself sick trying to make sense of it all.  You're bombarded with thoughts of why, why not, and what could be next?  What does it mean when my community no longer accepts differences? This isn't the time to restructure your belief system.  There might be a time to reshape your faith, but in the midst of troubling times trust your intuition and what you already know to be true. Stand firm in the beliefs and values that have served you well over the years. Spend time with those who will fill you with hope and remind you of that truth. 

Serve Others ..  Human suffering is universal and connects you with others in a meaningful way.  Supporting others can help your mind, body and soul recognize that there is a world beyond your own hurt.  You have a unique opportunity to help create a world of healing for others.


We all have our own trials and tribulations though by trying to understand how it feels to walk in another man's shoes we can hopefully make this a better world even when all we see around us is hate and bigotry, more so now than ever before in our Nation's history.


During the 2019 season the Pops brought to the floating stage, a Queen tribute band.  Queen recorded a song entitled The Show Must Go On.  In 2021, we have faith that the Pops show will be able to .. go on.  Other songs about overcoming obstacles are Roar and Firework by Katy Perry, Stronger by Kelly Clarkson, Hero by Mariah Carey, When You Believe by Whitney Houston duet with Mariah Carey, Rise Up by Andrea Day, Stop Believing by Journey, Up by Shania Twain, I'm Still Standing by Elton John and Let It Be by The Beatles.  Let It Be is about finding oneself in times of trouble and darkness, spirituality, words of wisdom, finding answers, having light and shining even in darkness and .. sometimes you can't change the world, you can only change your reaction to it.

Music is always there .. you can rely on it.  Music never lets you down.  It's a source of hope that never dims or diminishes.  It's a constant spring of beats, sounds and living. Music holds all sorts of powers .. some of them seem even more important in the harshness of the troubled times we face, today.  Music is, of course, a great source of escape and distraction. It allows us to get away from things.  It can guide our attention from our preoccupations and toward something else, letting us, if only for a short while, settle or set-aside our worries.  Music doesn't stop us thinking, instead it allows us to reflect about other places, other things, other times, other experiences.  It even transports us to other moments.

Music can't help solve things, but music can help us to cope.

Let It Be was the 12th and final studio album by The Beatles.  


Be safe.  Be kind.

Pat Locke
Maestro Muse