Getting Your Career in Music Started: A Guide

Thanks to YouTube, music streaming platforms, and social media, a career in music is becoming an increasingly popular – and doable – choice for lots of people. However, getting yourself noticed by the right people as a professional musician is never an easy process, whether you play an instrument or sing. However, the good news for aspiring professional musicians is that the internet has made it easier than ever for you to connect with the right people and make sure that your music reaches a wider audience. If your ultimate career goal is to be successful when it comes to your music, it’s important to start out by taking the time to get a better understanding of the modern music industry and how to be successful in it. To get your music noticed by the right people and improve your chance of getting the deals that will shape your music career, there are several things to do.

Be Proactive

Your music is never going to get noticed if you don’t put it out there. You need to be proactive and jump at any chance to play your music for others whenever you can. Take as many opportunities as you can get; now isn’t a time to be picky when it comes to performing or even playing your music to your friends and family as you simply never know where it could lead.

Take Gig Opportunities

When you’re at the start of your career in music, chances are that the gig opportunities you are going to get aren’t going to be anything massive. However, smaller gigs and shows, along with the supporting artist section at the beginning of a gig from a bigger artist, are often frequented by music professionals and record labels who are looking out for the best new talent with the biggest potential, so taking that small gig at a pub near you might be more significant than it first seems.

Record Professionally

Investing in a professional recording space to make your music can make all the difference to your final sound and make it easier for you to get your music noticed by uploading it to streaming sites and giving it to people to play. Professionally recorded music is always going to sound much better than music you’ve recorded using your equipment at home, and the best part is that you can find recording studios that you can hire for just the amount of time you need them. Pirate.com offers recording studios around the world, and their website has a wealth of information on how to start making music that you might find useful. If you want to know how to start making music and be successful, they can help you every step of the way.

Upload Your Music to Spotify

Today, most people listen to music through streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. To get your music heard, it’s important to upload it to these apps which, thankfully, is fairly easy to do and usually free. Spotify is the most popular music streaming app out there, so it’s an important first choice if you are wondering which streaming app you should head to first to get your music online and out there. Many decision-makers in the music industry will listen to Spotify playlists regularly to find new and upcoming artists, so uploading your music here could be the pivotal step that changes your career.

Work with Bloggers

While blogging might not be as popular as it was in the past, there are several music blogs and sites out there that can help you take your career in music to the next level. Many music blogs have gotten big over the years and are a great place for people who want to find new music and artists to listen to, so getting yourself featured on one of these sites can be an ideal way to boost your musical career. However, bear in mind that this will take some work on your part; you’ll need to be proactive when it comes to reaching out these bloggers and building relationships with them – don’t expect them to come to you.

Get Your Music on the Radio

Every day, thousands of people listen to local radio stations while commuting to and from work, while working, or as background noise while at home. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that getting your music featured on the radio can be an ideal way to get a boost for your music career. The best part is that many smaller local radio stations are not hugely fussy about the music that they play, and many are actively looking for new and upcoming artists from the local area that they can support. Put a demo CD together and send it to your local radio station to see if they would be interested in including some of your music on their shows. Some radio stations today even have shows that are dedicated to playing music from new artists, which are worth looking into.

Attend Music Events

Attending music and other industry events is another great way to get yourself out there – not only just your music, but also yourself as a professional and a performer. At industry events, you will often be able to network with artists, other music professionals, and fans, making this a great opportunity to meet influential people from the industry and potentially even meet somebody who might be able to help you take your career to the next level. Be proactive when it comes to networking and building your professional network, just like you would in another professional career where who you know can be just as, if not more important than what you know.

A career in music might seem like a dream, but with the right amount of work and dedication, you can turn this into your reality. If you’ve always wanted to be a professional artist and are good at what you do, keep the above tips in mind to get your hard work noticed.

Photo by Lechon Kirb on Unsplash

This Is Christmas at The Venetian-Great Family Show

Shelley Stepanek

I had the great opportunity to see the new “This is Christmas” show last night at The Palazzo Theatre inside The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas. Fantastic for the whole family, with all well-known numbers and tunes that all ages can remember singing and listening to. Guests were fascinated by the great cast and great stage sets as they listened to Christmas classics, familiar tunes and original songs, including an only-in-Vegas number, “Christmas in Las Vegas.”

Created and produced by Pat Caddick for PC Entertainment Group, and directed by Blair Farrington, “This is Christmas”, both well-known everywhere in Las Vegas have brought together an all-star stellar cast from Broadway and “American Idol,” including: Broadway star and “American Idol” Diana DeGarmo, award-winning dance duo Alejandro Domingo and Sarah Le Clear, “American Idol” Lou Gazzara, award-winning Broadway star Randal Keith, Las Vegas headliner Jaclyn McSpadden, British singer and entertainer Ben Stone, “American Idol” Jasmine Trias, “American Idol” Laura Suzanne Wright, and Broadway star and “American Idol” Ace Young.

Accompanying the show’s vocalist is a live band, with conductor Keith Paraska on piano, Carlos Mata on saxophone and keys, Jose “Pepe” Jiménez on drums, Bob Benora on percussion, Jake Langley on guitar, Dave Richardson on keys, Bill Zappia on keys, and Jeff Zinn on bass.

Tickets start at $69.95, plus applicable fees, and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com, VenetianLasVegas.com, any box office at The Venetian Resort or by calling 702.414.9000 or 866.641.7469.

And while you are in the Palazzo Theater, be sure to stroll around all the hundreds of beautiful shops, see the Grand Canal on the 2nd floor, and check out the terrific and well-known restaurants.

Dates and show times are as follows:

Dec. 9 – 12: 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 – 18: 7 p.m.

Dec. 19: 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Dec. 22 – 24: 7 p.m.

Dec. 25: 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Dec. 26: 3 p.m.

Here’s a little bit about each of the performers:

Diana DeGarmo (Performer/Broadway Star/”American Idol”): Singer, songwriter and full-out entertainer from Broadway stage to big screen, Diana DeGarmo has conquered it all. She shot to fame on “American Idol,” which opened doors to performing in numerous shows on Broadway and off-Broadway, National and International Tours, a recurring role on “The Young & The Restless,” movies, and much more. Diana and real life husband, Ace Young, starred in the acclaimed 2021 streaming production of “First Date.” She has recently released her second album, “Gemini” to rave reviews. Diana comes to us fresh from portraying her dream role of the iconic Patsy Cline on stage.

Alejandro Domingo (Dancer/Choreographer): Alejandro Domingo is an actor, dancer and choreographer born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His Las Vegas performances include Donn Arden’s Jubilee, Cirque du Soleil’s One Night for One Drop, Zombie Burlesque, Vegas! The Show (Dance captain) and Donny & Marie. Most recently he was a featured ballroom dancer and Dance Captain in Baz! Star Crossed Love at The Venetian Resort. He also works as a choreographer for Norwegian Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International, where he met his beautiful wife Sarah Le Clear.

Lou Gazzara (Performer/”American Idol”): Singer and actor Lou Gazzara started his entertainment career as one of the youngest contestants on the hit television series “American Idol” Season 2. From there he went on to join the silver screen with James Brolin and Annalynn McCord in the 2007 film “Bad Girl Island.” Lou is also a Broadway World Best Performance Nominee three years in a row. His acclaimed performances have taken him around the world.

Randal Keith (Performer/Broadway Star): Randal Keith is best known for nearly 3,000 performances, starring as Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables” on Broadway. He was awarded an Ovation award for Best Actor in a Musical for the same performance. He has also starred in “The Phantom of the Opera,” playing The Phantom in the First National Tour for six years as well as three years in Las Vegas (The Venetian Theater). He opened the Las Vegas production of “Spamalot” as Sir Bedevere and eventually took over the role of King Arthur. In addition, he has starred in Showstoppers (Wynn Hotel) and could be seen in the starring role of Zidler in BAZ, Star-Crossed Love (The Palazzo Theater).

Sarah Le Clear (Dancer/Choreographer): Sarah Le Clear is an actor, dancer, and choreographer from California, where she was a dancer for the Golden State Warriors. She won Season 3 of the “Ultimate Coyote Ugly Search,” which aired on CMT. Sarah traveled the world with Royal Caribbean Cruise lines as a dancer/aerial artist, choreographer, and director. Her Las Vegas credits include Vegas! The Show (Dance Captain/Lead Dancer), featured Ballroom Couple in BAZ! Star Crossed Love, and the Donny and Marie Show (Dancer/Swing). She currently resides in Las Vegas with her husband and dance partner, Alejandro Domingo.

Jaclyn McSpadden (Performer/Las Vegas Headliner): Up and rising star Jaclyn McSpadden has performed with Lady Gaga, country star Brett Eldredge and Broadway’s Shoshana Bean, as well as opening for Celine Dion, Barry Manilow, Jay Leno and many others. Now a Las Vegas resident, she sings with Gaga bandleader Brian Newman. Jaclyn’s talents led her to star in Postmodern Jukebox (the Mirage Hotel) as well as play the role of Juliet in the smash-hit musical BAZ (The Venetian Resort).

Ben Stone (Singer/Entertainer): British singer and entertainer Ben Stone has appeared at Royal Albert Hall in London, with command performances for the British Royal family. He has performed at multiple West End theatres in London including Her Majesty’s Theatre and The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. He has made many appearances at the world famous London Palladium, celebrating its 100th anniversary. He currently makes his home in Las Vegas with the love of his life, Jasmine Trias.

Jasmine Trias (Performer/”American Idol”): Hawaiian-born Jasmine Trias rose to fame as a Top 3 Finalist on Season 3 of the hit TV show “American Idol.” Her album, released by Universal Records, soared straight to No.1, boasting Platinum Record status. She was the first “American Idol” to headline in Las Vegas. The lovely Jasmine is also the featured celebrity guest artist on the premiere episode of the new season of “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings,” streaming on Disney+.

Laura Suzanne Wright (Performer/”American Idol”): A Las Vegas favorite, the talented Laura Wright was a semi-finalist on “American Idol” Season 5 at the young age of 16. She has performed with Barry Manilow, Arnel Pineda of Journey, as well as the bands Heart and Guns n Roses. Laura has also starred in the musicals “Grease,” “Hairspray,” and “9 to 5” on international stages.

Ace Young (Performer/Broadway/”American Idol”): Ace is a man of many talents with the credits to back them up. He has wowed millions on TV shows like “American Idol” and “Half & Half,” and starred on Broadway (“Hair,” “Grease”) as well as touring regionally (“Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat,” ”Rock of Ages”). His GRAMMY-nominated song, “It’s Not Over,” gave way to his own BMI Pop Award. His newest chapter has him wearing many hats as producer, writer, and artist for his newest acoustic album, “Up All Night.” He is married to the lovely Diana DeGarmo.

Patrick Caddick (Creator/Producer): Pat Caddick of PC Entertainment Group Inc. has been an integral part of the fabric of LA and Las Vegas entertainment for over 30 years as a player (piano), writer, arranger, orchestrator, producer, and director. A graduate of Berklee College of Music (and winner of their Outstanding Achievement Award), he has worked with such artists as Barbra Streisand, Melissa Etheridge, Kevin Costner, Maurice White & Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind and Fire, Bobby Kimball, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Lukather of Toto, The Pointer Sisters, Tower of Power, Alan Parsons, Sheena Easton, Brian McKnight, Celine Dion, Siegfried and Roy, and many more. He has scored for major motion picture and television while serving as a faculty member at the University of Southern California for 16 years. While at USC he created a songwriting program that produced a new generation of songwriters, film composers, and GRAMMY winners.

Blair Farrington (Director): Award-winning director-producer Blair Farrington has dedicated his life to creating theatrical wonderment for audiences from Las Vegas to New York to Tokyo. His ability to overcome daunting challenges in his personal and professional life – from beating cancer twice to inspiring the Las Vegas entertainment industry in recovering from catastrophic events – serves as a daily reminder that anything is possible. Through it all, Blair is best known for his creative vision, graceful leadership, and always delivering professionally. Born in New York City, and formerly a professional dancer, Blair founded Farrington Productions with his wife and life-partner Eunice in 1985. Blair has produced, directed and designed for Disney, Las Vegas headliners including Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani and Celine Dion’s Leaving Las Vegas & World Tour video, as well as The Show in the Sky, a THEA Award winning Best Live Show attraction, and the award-winning Gondola attraction at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.

Catering for Christmas in Las Vegas

Shelley Stepanek

Planning on being in Las Vegas for Christmas or New Year’s? Still nervous being with a big crowd or going to one of the big casinos? Why not have your meal catered by a great company in Las Vegas. Yes, I have given them a shout out once before but I am so impressed with their food and delivery service, I want to recommend them again. And if you are a local, why not have your whole dinner catered?

Call Diamond Events if you have a party of eight or more. And yes, if it is only six or seven you can still place an order, just pay for eight and have a few leftovers.

For Christmas they are offering the meal featured above.

Sissy at 702 625-0789 can set you up. Avoid the hassle of a noisy restaurant and eat in your room or at a friend’s home.

Executive Chef- Maurice – 702-210-9715 Sissy – Sales 702 625-0789

www.diamondevents.com

They can cater breakfast, lunch, or dinner year round including Mexican, Asian or Italian or do casual meals, including Black Angus Burgers, Fried Chicken and waffles, a baked potato bar with toppings to list a few. I couldn’t be happier and highly recommend them.

Call in plenty of time to order. And don’t forget them for any time you are in Las Vegas or even for a small convention. Really the best service and food around! Delivery or you can pick up.

**includes plates, utensils and toppings**

Minimum of 8 people plus delivery fee for $25 if you order by the 23rd.

Diamonds Events & Productions 3185 S. Highland Dr. Suite 1 Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

Sissy@diamondevents.com or sales@diamondevents.com

Order Number 702-793-1461

“KA” Last Cirque to Open and What a Show!

Shelley Stepanek

KA cast members battle during a pop-up performance in the hotel lobby celebrating the return of KA by Cirque Du Soleil at MGM Grand Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021.

Cirque du Soleil graciously confirmed our scoop, its “Ka” show returned to MGM Grand on Nov. 24, 2021.

“Ka” is the last of Cirque’s Las Vegas shows to reopen in Las Vegas, and the public certainly came out in droves to fill this massive 1950-seat showroom at MGM on the Las Vegas Strip. I was lucky enough to be in the third row, center seats, and was thrilled to witness the first night back after almost two years.

This massive hotel and showroom was filled with thousands of Thanksgiving patrons, all yearning to see this incredible show. If you have never seen a Cirque show, please don’t miss the opportunity to partake in Las Vegas, or in any of the cities with their traveling performances. This is my fifth time watching KA, and I don’t believe there is a bigger performance on stage anywhere in the country.

Enchant Las Vegas Update

Shelley Stepanek

I went to this magical, mystical, astonishing venue last night. This is the first year of a 3-year contract to convert Las Vegas’s ballpark into a winter wonderland. The views from the sky-boxes of the whole place as you walk around the entire park gives you unlimited access to the creatures and trees that are lit.

Enchant at the Las Vegas Ballpark from Nov. 26, 2021 through Jan. 2, 2022, bringing “The Great Search,” the first in a series of three magical adventures, to life for the holiday season.

Enchant is a whimsical and heartfelt Christmas Light Maze and Village. You can experience gliding down the Ice Skating Trail, sampling gourmet holiday treats from around the world, visiting the artisan Christmas market and meeting the Big Man Santa Dude himself – all before stepping into the most magical Christmas light maze the world has ever seen. GA tickets start at $29 for adults and $19 for kids 2 through 12, along with a variety of packages for Seniors. Military and emergency medical technicians will receive special pricing. There are plenty of food and beverage booths, photos, hot chocolate, candies, and Xmas presents. There is a large Toys for Tots section if you care to donate.

“Providing a magical Christmas experience is at the heart of what we do, and this year we have something for everyone,” said Kevin Johnston, Founder and CEO of Enchant. “After a year with no events, our team is excited to debut an array of new illuminated experiences. In 2020, we were given the gift of being able to redesign and upgrade much of the experience, and we can not wait to share it with our guests. We are also thrilled to be working with some amazing local partners and Las Vegas businesses to bring the event to life!”

Visit enchantchristmas.com/weekend-of-wonder/

Stoney’s Rockin’ Country Live Music in December

Shelley Stepanek

LIVE MUSIC AT STONEY’S ROCKIN’ COUNTRY

Stoney’s Rockin’ Country hosts live music in December with some of country’s hottest new stars!

The big bad bull is back and line dancing is in full effect! Stoney’s teaches anyone who wants to “learn” how to line dance. Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Visit https://stoneysrockincountry.com/dance-lessons/ for details.

Stoney’s Rockin’ Country

6611 Las Vegas Blvd. So., Unit 160 at Town Square

WHEN:

Friday, December 3 – Allie Colleen
Saturday, December 4 – Jordan Rowe
Friday, December 10 – Heath Sanders
Saturday, December 11 – Sean Stemaly
Friday, December 17 – After Midtown
Friday, December 31 – Sam Grow with Stephen Wesley

TICKETS:

Advance tickets start at just $5 (except New Year’s Eve) and are on sale now at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/13160/stoneys-rockincountry. Shows are open to 18+ (except New Year’s Eve) and doors open at 7 p.m.

About Allie Colleen – Fri., Dec. 3

A Belmont University graduate from Owasso, Oklahoma with a style that is truly her own, Allie Colleen has been around a while. A passion for singing and strong voice, has gained her a reputation of being a notable songwriter. Her impeccably strong voice with hints of timeless tradition falls between classic country and the emerging country sound. One of her original songs, “Close Enough,” gained nearly more than 715k views on YouTube, and her social media following continues to increase every year. Her passionate drive and innovative vision set her apart from her peers resulting in her music and videos going viral on the internet – even capturing the attention of well-known radio show host Bobby Bones – proving that her audience is captive and waiting for her next song.

About Jordan Rowe – Sat., Dec. 4

Jordan Rowe’s love for music and his dream to become a successful country singer/songwriter began when he was just a kid in the small town of Adel, Georgia. Jordan grew up loving to hear Joe Diffie, Alan Jackson, and Luke Bryan, all of which have played a major role in how he shaped his music.

In June of 2019, Jordan took a leap of faith and moved to Music City. In summer of 2020, he celebrated the signing of his first publishing deal with River House Artists and Ashley Gorley’s Tape Room Music. His most recent singles, “I Didn’t Sleep Last Night,” “Bad Case of The Good Ole Boy,” and “Mama Ain’t Jesus” can be found on all major music platforms.

About Heath Sanders – Fri., Dec. 10

Heath Sanders is an Arkansas natural gas-worker-turned-songwriter whose realness informs the music he crafts. Heath emerges as the new voice of folks who identify with hard work and have the sore backs and tired feet to show for it. Despite the rich culture in the Ozark Mountains few where he grew up ever thought of music as a livelihood, yet his COMMON GROUND collection (The Valory Music Co.), available now, is full of material that has a wide range.

About Sean Stemaly – Sat., Dec. 11

When your first recordings are made in the cab of a Case IH 9370 tractor, there’s only one way for you to sound – and that suits Big Loud Records talent Sean Stemaly just fine. A fine baritone, he’s a star shining brightly.

About After Midtown – Fri., Dec. 17

Adam Ernst and Michael Rotundo are After Midtown. Their genre-bending sound is quickly creating a buzz in the Nashville music scene with their self-written debut single “Boys Like Us.” The duo came to life after gigging together as solo artists and discovering their prodigious chemistry as vocalists, songwriters, instrumentalists and maybe most importantly, being two small town guys with a passion to write great songs. Adam and Michael have written on all the tracks from their debut EP, Don’t Give Away the Ending, as well as playing guitar, drums and tracks themselves. They are a great team indeed, and have just signed a booking deal with CAA, a publishing deal with Sony/ATV.

Ring in the New Year with Stephen Wesley and Sam Grow! Admission includes a champagne toast and a cash balloon drop at Midnight. This show is 21 and over.

*Top photo is Sam Grow

Comics on Parole in Hollywood South ~ Actor/Comedian Bob Greenberg

Dan Glazer

Bob Greenberg is an actor and writer, known for Dark Corner (2012), Heartbreak Hospital (2002) and The Peter Austin Noto Show (2012). He has also appeared on Conan O’Brien repeatedly as the Worlds Biggest Crybaby, Saturday Night Live with Jim Carrey, and more.

Dan Glazer interviews actor/comedian Bob Greenberg.

Sales and the Art of Listening

Richard Norton

Many people have the misconception that in order to be successful in the field of selling, you have to have the gift of gab. We’ve all heard it… “I can sell ice to an Eskimo“. The reality is, it is quite the opposite. The best salespeople are simply the best listeners.

A recent report shows that when salespeople were asked to list factors which they felt had an extreme or substantial impact on converting a prospect to a customer, listening was the number one answer.

Over the years, I have attended many sales summits. It is absolutely amazing when you get in a big room with a bunch of high energy salespeople how many of them talk a lot, especially about themselves and their accomplishments. Salespeople are pre-conditioned to speak, and most of them equate selling with speaking or pitching rather than listening. The art of listening is a skill that requires mindful practice.

The art of listening is not only important in selling, it also helps with having successful relationships.

Several years ago, I recall speaking to my youngest daughter and her friend and I posed this question to them, “If you’re ever at a party or a big event and you want to be the most popular or liked person, what do you think it will take to do that?” They both paused and waited for me to give them the answer. The answer surprised them, but it definitely made sense. I told them simply to go around the room, introduce themselves, and meet as many people as possible. Ask questions that will get them to talk about themselves. Listen with great interest, smile a lot and give compliments, and have some good follow-up questions which show that you’re interested in what they are saying. Do very little talking about yourself. Throughout the years, both of them have done this and found it to be 100% correct.

Whether you’re in the field of selling or you simply want to build better relationships, developing the skill of listening is very important. Here are a few listening tips that will help you not only get to a higher level in sales, but will also help you in daily relationships.

1) Do not speak

Now, this is easier said than done. The reality is you cannot listen if you’re speaking or if you’re on the edge of interrupting the other person. Learn to keep your mouth shut and pay attention to what your prospect is saying. The magic word when it comes to selling is HELP. You cannot help your prospect if you don’t listen to what their needs are.

2) Maintain strong eye contact

When a prospect is speaking to you, look them right in their eyes and nod. Your eye contact lets them know you are sincerely interested as they are speaking to you.

3) Ask good follow-up questions

When a prospect answers your questions, there’s a natural tendency just to move on to the next question. Learn to ask good follow-up questions like, “Can you elaborate more on that for me?” or, “Can you give me an example?” This is a great way to demonstrate your interest in your prospect’s perspective.

So if you really want to become a top performer in the field of selling, learning the art of listening is the key. Show genuine interest in your prospect and remember the top salespeople are the best listeners.

Have a super fantastic week!

RICH NORTON

Regional Sales Manager RMS

Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash

“The Guide for the Perplexed” by Moses Maimonides

John Loranger

Fairly or unfairly, I have always tended to prefer ancient wisdom to modern wisdom. This may be in response to a commonly held view that all thought previous to the 1600s is not worthy of consideration. This is patently false. Moses Maimonides (1135—1204), the great Jewish thinker of the medieval era, is a case in point.

His most famous and influential work, The Guide for the Perplexed, was written for people who felt baffled or discouraged by the contradictions between the science of that time and the religious beliefs of Judaism. Like Thomas Aquinas after him, Maimonides argued that science and religion can and should be harmonized; the contradictions between the two are only apparent. For both thinkers, Aristotle was the chief representative of scientific or rational thought while the Bible provided the most important expressions of faith.

Maimonides begins his treatise with a consideration of various biblical homonyms (a homonym being a word the same as another in spelling but different in meaning). His approach is methodical and extensive but the overall point is quite simple: he is stressing that God is not a bodily being, even though the Bible uses language that seems to say otherwise (the hands of God, the eyes of God and so forth). When Maimonides discusses the attributes of God, he states:

‘All we understand is the fact that He exists, that He is a Being to whom none of His creatures is similar, who has nothing in common with them, who does not include plurality, who is never too feeble to produce other beings, and whose relation to the universe is that of a steersman to a boat; and even this is not a real relation, a real simile, but serves only to convey to us the idea that God rules the universe; that is, that He gives it duration, and preserves its necessary arrangement.’

This is not an especially comforting picture of God; to me, it sounds more like something from Kafka than, for example, the Psalms. But if nothing else, it demonstrates that the philosophers of the Middle Ages were less naïve than we are led to believe.

The Guide has its share of shortcomings. For one thing, its science is frequently erroneous; and the religious intolerance it sometimes advocates is medieval in the worst sense of that word. But what comes through for me, above these defects or any point of disagreement, is the austere intelligence and literary beauty of Maimonides’ work.

The Guide for the Perplexed is not an easy read. The edition I have, translated by M. Friedlander, is close to four hundred pages of small print. But I think that if the interested reader goes through it slowly, attentively and prayerfully, the experience has a good chance of being positively transformative.

Two final suggestions: Mortimer Adler’s Aristotle for Everybody can serve as a helpful preparation for The Guide; and at least some familiarity with the Old Testament is indispensable.

Vegas Holiday Mystery Show

Shelley Stepanek

Want a little holiday cheer right from the comfort of your home? Anywhere in the country? Try out A Touch of Mystery which I have written about before. I highly recommend this as a great theme party, as I have gone myself.

It’s no MYSTERY how much we love to entertain you during the Holidays!

We have a very special event coming up Sunday, December 19th. Our first ever Live Stream / Virtual MUSICAL Murder Mystery!

4pm (PST), 5pm (MST), 6pm (CST), 7pm (EST)

We are offering 2 tiers of tickets:

Mystery only at $25 (USD) per person

Mystery & After Show Cabaret & Q&A with actors at $40 (USD) per person

To learn more and to purchase your tickets, click below …

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Be Proactive

Take Gig Opportunities

Record Professionally

Upload Your Music to Spotify

Work with Bloggers

Get Your Music on the Radio

Attend Music Events

Dates and show times are as follows:

Here’s a little bit about each of the performers:

LIVE MUSIC AT STONEY’S ROCKIN’ COUNTRY

Stoney’s Rockin’ Country

1) Do not speak

2) Maintain strong eye contact

3) Ask good follow-up questions

It’s no MYSTERY how much we love to entertain you during the Holidays!

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