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Taking advantage of this incredible Southern California day for a bike ride along the beach with Josh Surmani and Mitch Schwartz with his tunes blasting. (at Santa Monica, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ_dF-RlEn4/?utm_medium=tumblr

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My friend, Emilio Colón, who is an Associate Professor of Cello at Indiana University, is the President of the American Cello Institute, Inc. (http://americancelloinstitute.org/), and is also the Artistic Director of the International Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Rico (http://www.internationalchamberorchestrapr.org/) reached out me and his other friends around the world with this impassioned call for help for our Puerto Rican American citizens. Please read his message below, view the horrendous photos and donate whatever you can to help via the link at the end of his message.

"Dear Friends,

I am reaching out to all of my friends around the world through social media and email with a personal plea for help for the victims of hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

11 days have passed since the worst atmospheric disaster of the 20th century destroyed the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. The living conditions are the worst scenario one could imagine: 100% of the electrical grid has been destroyed leaving 3.3 million people without power. It is estimated it will take 6 months’ time to restore power. 90% of homes are damaged and 94% percent of all communications towers are down leaving residents incommunicated. Food is difficult to acquire because retailers are unable to accept credit cards or checks due to lack of electronic communication. Few ATM machines are functioning and the lines are unbelievable. People across the island are scrambling to find clean water because the lack of electrical power has left water pumps and treatment facilities inoperable. Landslides have washed roads away, and others are blocked by debris. At dawn, people hauling red plastic gas containers begin lining up at gas stations. Everyone waits for hours in lines that stretch for blocks under the scorching sun and the lines get longer every day... on top of this many people have completely lost their homes and everything they have.

If we all make a small contribution, even the cost of a cup of coffee, together we can help the people of Puerto Rico today. We will travel to Puerto Rico on a humanitarian journey in October and with the funds raised deliver basic necessities and hope for a better tomorrow.

Please make a donation today by visiting the following site and clicking DONATE NOW! Your donation through our 501c3 organization is tax deductible. https://www.youcaring.com/puertorico-962694

Thank you for your generosity, and please share this with anyone who may also be able to help.

Emilio

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Yesterday was my last day as Alfred Music's CMO. A great run for 29 years with a great company. Today I start as CEO for @CcSoundhouse.

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The Alfred Music Amigos at RPMDA Dallas.