Summer dump! This summer was unforgettable. I played in DC, France, Hawaii, and Vegas. I saw Beyoncé with people I love (which changed my life). I made new friends, saw old ones, and experienced beautiful things in different parts of the world. Been a wild summer; can’t wait to see how the year ends #lasvegasmusician #clarinet #backunmusical #singer #lasvegas #honolulu #lacroixvalmer #washingtondc

This Sunday at @sambalatte in Boca Park. Say hi and catch @kaynejguitar @benb0.5 and me on a lovely Sunday morning. #lasvegas #lesvegasmusic #lasvegasclarinet #lasvegasjazz #clarinet #jazzclarinet #backunmusical #クラリネット #jazzsinger

Some action shots of my time sitting in with @ifbrass in Hawaii Got to play and sing with this group and it was so much fun. Good to see old friends and make new ones. #lasvegasmusician #honolululivemusic #honolulubrassband #honolulu #oahumusic

Visited MCBH Kaneohe Bay while in Hawaii. Spent most of my time here over a decade ago on all my leave trips; it looks the same. Same planes, same shitty barracks and same shitty Shit Creek. I loved it lol #hawaii #islandstyle

Hawaii will always be a place that’s so special to me. This sunset was so beautiful, met some strangers and just had my feet in the water and sand. Can’t wait to knock out more on my Hawaii checklist this week 😬 #hawaiianstyle #paradise #sunset #waimea #waimeabay

So frickin PUMPED to be sitting in with this group here in Hawaii! I’ll be singing and playing this Saturday in Honolulu! Pull up lol 🍍 This also brings me one step closer to reaching my goal of performing in every state in the US 😌 #lasvegasmusician #hawaiianmusiclive #lasvegassinger #clarinet #iplaybackun #backunmusical #lasvegasmusic #クラリネット #clarinetista

Poké 🤤 and a lil trail I traversed 😌 I could eat fish and rice every day and, here in Hawaii, I have. I’ve missed this place so much. #hawaii #poké #trails #adventure

First time running in Hawaii in about 12 years. Not excited to have red shoes again but I was excited to take in some of these views. Got so lost and ended up running more than I intended. #hawaiirunners #hawaiianstyle

Château De Chausse winery tour 🤤 Humans were really on to something when they turned grapes into a drink that makes you drunk. Good job, team! I’m so trash; most of the wine in my life has come from a box. To have an in depth tour of a winery and to run through the vineyard beforehand was so cool! This white wine was my favorite white wine I’ve ever had. Also, every night, we were supplied with a never-ending supply of rosé and red wine for dinner from this winery as well. I definitely have a new appreciation for this craft and for wine! #lasvegasmusician #châteaudechausse #lacroixvalmer_tourisme #winery #winetour

Finally home 💜 Ready to pass out 🫩 Will post France photos later #lasvegas #lasvegasmusicians #lasvegassphere

Took a boat tour to St. Tropez yesterday. Felt very poor seeing all the super yachts. #lasvegasmusicians #sttropezmonamour❤️ #friends #lacroixvalmer_tourisme #lacroixvalmer

Made it to La Croix Valmer this week and travelled to St. Tropez today! France is incredible and beautiful and everyone is hot. I can’t wait to play for the festival and I’m regretting not learning more French lol It was VERY St. Tropez!! (RIP Jiggly) #lasvegasmusician #clarinet #backunmusical #lacroixvalmer #sttropezmonamour❤️ #clarinetists #verysttropez

Finally able to say something about my experience performing in the International Pride Orchestra. The high has worn off a bit but I’m still filled with so much joy. The current administration took away the opportunity to perform at a dream venue of mine; The Kennedy Center. Despite that, the orchestra was granted another opportunity to perform at The Music Center at Strathmore. Looking at the current state of the world, it’s quite grim with conflict and death looming everywhere. It’s hard to be an artist and creative and not acknowledge what’s going on. Though my own struggles are nothing compared to what some people’s realities are, I still face prejudices and tough times. I also carry the struggles of friends and loved ones actively experiencing the adverse effects of unjust political policies and ignorance. This was, by far, the most rewarding musical experience I’ve ever had. I feel like I’ve made so many friends who I’ll see for the rest of my life in this small musical world. Everyone I met was a phenomenal player and wonderful person. There were so many things we didn’t have to say or explain and we could be ourselves fully. We were in an environment that we collectively celebrated something that, in other spaces, would be something that ::might:: be tolerated. We reflected on the state of the world, talked about progress, and what happens after the show ends. We laughed, we (I definitely) cried, we made great music, and we stood up and made a statement in the face of a group of people actively trying to silence and deny us. I’ll never forget this experience and what it meant to me. Every orchestral experience after this will never live up to this one. I’ll be chasing this high forever and I’ll strive to say something as powerful as what we said that night. Thank you to everyone who made this happen, who participated, who helped me get to DC, who let me talk their ear off, and who made me and my family feel welcome. I love you all.