The Need (Joe)

I first met Joe Melillo, years ago, when I was a young artist trying my best to be heard in NYC. Joe answered the call and has been a tremendous supporter of my work ever since.  He has allowed me to create, consider, and have conversations with a large and dedicated audience at BAM and throughout the world.  Those conversations are with the many young students of NYC, my fellow Harlemites, the Haitian community, and an ever-growing community of like-minded progressives, rebels, and outcasts.

Anyone who knows Joe can tell you about his voluminous memory, impeccable taste, and clear vision.  It’s a relief in a world of compromise, change, and excuses. I need Joe because he makes me remember what I never hope to forget: that art is an antidote to the ills of the world and a conduit for the free flow of ideas—and the systemic changes that come with them. I’m a better artist for having met Joe, and in this, I’m a better person, trying to have the best conversations that I can.

We love you, Maestro Joe Melillo—that’s the need.

DBR

The Need (Joe)

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I Don’t Want To Forget

I don’t want to forget about Subito Music Corporation, good people with the best of intentions, and a belief in new music and new ideas.  They believe in the ability of music to change and save lives, and we’re working hard on promoting my work, which I describe as the work of one little Haitian-American composer, borrowing from Bjork’s indie label, One Little Indian:

Subito

My work as a composer includes thinking about, and wanting to help, our world.  I don’t want to forget about Haiti, and how revenue and currency can only go so far.  My job, now more than ever, is to direct it all towards our island-nation, Haiti:

Pour Ayiti

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Tonight I’m conducting the Boston premiere of Symphony for the Dance Floor, with New England Conservatory students at the Fenway Center.

7:30pm

Would love to see you.

Dinner at Salts.

d