Friends. Favorites. Things worth checking out.

---

Friends:

• Roger Chase - One of the greatest musicians (violists) alive.
• Ali Herbst - Cellist, Freelancer, Chamber Partner in Germany.
• Benjamin Smolen - Principal Flute of the Pacific Symphony
• La Catrina String Quartet - Grammy-winning string quartet - and great friends.
• Willy Gonzalez and Micaela Vita - Argentinian Jazz/Traditional Bass, Voice, Percussion Duo.
• Seth Morris - Principal Flute of Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
• Allegra Montanari - Cellist, Quartet Buddy, Blogger, Director of "Sharing Notes" program in Chicago.
• Chas Helge - Cellist, Teacher, Blogger.
• Brendan Hollins - Pianist, Conductor
• Nicole Ziraldo Wilson - Cousin, Blogger, Mother of Child with Down's Syndrome. Insights in to the challenges and joys of her unique son including his bout with cancer.

Favorites:

• Thug Kitchen - One of the most hilarious and fantastic healthy-eating websites ever.
• Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Fantastic and important satirical news.
• The Wine Bottega (Boston) - Probably the best wine shop you'll ever find.
• Bell's Beer (Kalamazoo)- Nectar of the Gods. The greatest beer on the planet.
• Amy Winehouse singing "Love is a Losing Game" solo with only Rhodes. This is real music.

Organizations:

• Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
• West Michigan Symphony
• Defenders of Wildlife
• Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
• Wolf Park
• Mainzer Virtuosi
• Merit School of Music, Chicago