Q: In what ways do you share your musical gifts at St. John’s?
A: I play and sing in the 9am Service Ensemble, and occasionally at Open Mic nights.
Q: What music do you listen to?
A: Almost everything! Classical, jazz and blues, 80’s (and some 90’s) pop and rock, and folk, especially protest songs.
Q: Do you have a favourite musical artist, song or compositions?
A: John Denver is always my go-to. I particularly like his lesser-known songs, like “The Flower That Shattered The Stone.” Also Bruce Springsteen – I consider his CD “Wrecking Ball” one of the great protest CDs of our time. U2, Bon Jovi, Roxette, Josh Groban, and Huey Lewis and the News also get their share of time in my CD player.
Q: Is there any particular music or musician that has influenced you?
A: John Denver again! When I started playing guitar, I remember consciously
trying to imitate his playing style. And his use of nature imagery has impacted my songwriting- I don’t think I’m as good as he was, but the influence is there.
Q: What musical endeavours do you pursue outside of St. John’s?
A: Songwriting, when the spirit moves me.
Q: If you could meet any musical person, past or present, who would it be?
A: Ooh, that’s tough! I think I’d have to say Josh Groban- he’s so astonishingly talented.
Q: What is something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: How much I love the outdoors. I was raised in west Bloomington, right near Hyland Lake Park, and about three-quarters of our backyard was woods. I was always out there as a kid, and I’ve been on 4 canoe trips to the BWCA. My favorite place in the world is the North Shore of Lake Superior.
