#David Ackert

[roysexton]

“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” - Dalai Lama … National LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s #LavenderLaw conference ’24 + Legal Marketing Association ’25 international board slate #lmamkt #lma24

I had a remarkable couple of days in our nation’s capital, visiting our Clark Hill Washington D.C. office and presenting at the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s LavenderLaw conference on client value and personal/professional branding. Caught up with some old friends and made some new ones. Grateful for this profession and industry and firm, celebrating our diversity, encouraging our voices, and…

[bala5]

”Musicians, artists, theatre people are among the strongest and bravest people on the face of the earth. In one year they face daily rejection by people more than what others live in an entire life.

Every day they face the financial challenge of living a freelance lifestyle, the disrespect of people who think they should find a real job, and their own fear of no longer working in the future.

Every day, they have to ignore the possibility that the vision they dedicated their lives to is an impossible dream. With every note, opera or performance expose themselves, emotionally and physically, risking criticism and arbitrary judgments.

Every year that passes, many of them look at how their peers achieve the goals of a normal life - the car, the family, the house, the savings. Why?

Because artists are willing to give their entire life to one moment, to that tune, to that sentence, to that agreement or to that interpretation that will touch the soul of the public.

Artists are people who tasted the juice of life at that crystalline moment where they let their creative spirit out and touched someone else's heart. At that moment they were closer to magic, God and perfection than anyone else could have. And in their hearts, they know that devote to that moment is worth more than a thousand whole lives."

David Ackert

[talkingaboutabusearchive]

Johnny Depp Witnesses

Suit Witnesses  Christine Dabrowski - Depp’s sister  Isaac Baruch - friend and patronee  Brandon Patterson - ECB building manager Kate James - Heard’s former personal assistant  Laurel Anderson - former couple’s counselor  Dr. David Kipper - private doctor for Depp and Heard Debbie Lloyd - private nurse for Depp  Sean Bett - Depp’s security guard Keenan Wyatt - Depp’s on set audio technician  Johnny Depp - himself Ben King - Depp’s house manager  Tara Roberts - Depp’s island manager  Dr. Shannon Curry - forensic psychologist, expert  Melissa Saenz - LAPD police officer Tyler Hadden - LAPD police officer William Gatlin - LAPD police officer  Alejandro Romero - ECB desk clerk Christine Carino - former talent agent for Depp and Heard Laura Wasser - Depp’s divorce attorney  Terrence Daugherty - ACLU COO and General Counsel Edward White - Depp’s business manager Matthew McConaughey - Depp’s security guard Starling Jenkins - Depp’s personal chauffeur and security detail Travis McGivern - Depp’s security guard Jack Whigham -  Depp’s talent agent Richard Marks - Hollywood entertainment, expert Doug Bania - IP consultant, expert Erin Boerum - Heard’s private nurse Michael Spindler - forensic attorney, expert 

Rebuttal Witnesses  Walter Hamada - Warner Bros president of DC films Dr. David Kulber - Depp’s orthopedic surgeon  Richard Marks Michael Spindler Doug Bania  Morgan Night - Hicksville Trailer Park Palace owner Dr. Richard Shaw - psychiatrist, expert Jennifer Howell - Whitney Heard’s former boss Candie Davidson-Goldbronn - CHLA representative  Kate Moss - Depp’s ex-partner Dr. Shannon Curry  Johnny Depp Morgan Tremaine - ex-TMZ employee  Bryan Neumeister - forensic data, expert  Beverly Leonard - Sea-Tac employee  Dr. Richard Gilbert - orthopedic surgeon, expert  

Amber Heard Witnesses

Countersuit Witnesses  Dr. Dawn Hughes - forensic psychologist, expert Amber Heard - herself iO Tillet-Wright - former friend Rocky Pennington - former friend Joshua Drew - former friend/ex-husband of Rocky Pennington  Whitney Heard - Heard’s sister  Elizabeth Marz - former friend Melanie Inglessis - former makeup artist/former friend Kristy Sexton - former acting coach Bruce Witkin - Depp’s former friend Tracey Jacobs - Depp’s former talent agent  Joel Mandel - Depp’s former business manager Adam Waldman - Depp’s former lawyer Detective Marie Sadanaga - LAPD detective  Ron Schnell - social media analyst, expert  Michele Mulrooney - Heard’s former attorney  Tina Newman - Disney executive  Ellen Barkin - Depp’s ex-fling  Dr. Alan Blaustein - Depp’s former psychiatrist  Eric George - Heard’s former attorney  Jessica Kovacevic - Heard’s talent agent  Dr. Richard Moore Jr - orthopedic surgeon, expert  Dr. David Spiegel - psychiatrist, expert  Kathryn Arnold - Hollywood entertainment, expert

Rebuttal Witnesses Julian Ackert - forensic data analyst, expert  Dr. Dawn Hughes Amber Heard

[mayokasolivagant]

Les artistes figurent parmi les personnes les plus persévérantes et courageuses que l'on puisse trouver sur terre. En une année, ils vivent plus de situations difficiles et d'échecs que la plupart des gens dans toute une vie. Chaque jour, les artistes font face au défi financier d’être un travailleur autonome, au manque de respect, à l'incompréhension des gens qui pensent qu'ils devraient trouver une « vrai job », affronter leur propre peur de ne jamais plus travailler à nouveau. Chaque jour, ils doivent ignorer et dépasser l'idée que ce à quoi ils consacrent leur vie est peut-être une chimère. Chaque année qui passe, nombre d’entre eux regardent les personnes de leur âge franchir les étapes d’une vie normale : voiture, famille, maison et épargne. Mais ils restent fidèles à leurs rêves en dépit des sacrifices consentis. Pourquoi ? Parce que les artistes sont prêts à dédier leur vie entière pour faire naître ce moment – ce trait, ce rire, ce geste ou cette interprétation qui touchera l'âme du public. Les artistes sont des êtres qui ont goûté au nectar de la vie, dans cet instant cristallisé où leurs créations ont touché le coeur de l'autre. À cet instant là, ils sont si proches de la magie, du divin, de la perfection, comme personne ne le sera jamais. Et au plus profond de leur coeur, ils savent que dédier leur vie à faire naître ce moment vaut plus que milles vies.

David Ackert (Traduction libre : Marianne Coineau)

[mathivadhanan]

”Musicians, artists, theatre people are among the strongest and bravest people on the face of the earth. In one year they face daily rejection by people more than what others live in an entire life.

Every day they face the financial challenge of living a freelance lifestyle, the disrespect of people who think they should find a real job, and their own fear of no longer working in the future.

Every day, they have to ignore the possibility that the vision they dedicated their lives to is an impossible dream. With every note, opera or performance expose themselves, emotionally and physically, risking criticism and arbitrary judgments.

Every year that passes, many of them look at how their peers achieve the goals of a normal life - the car, the family, the house, the savings. Why?

Because artists are willing to give their entire life to one moment, to that tune, to that sentence, to that agreement or to that interpretation that will touch the soul of the public.

Artists are people who tasted the juice of life at that crystalline moment where they let their creative spirit out and touched someone else's heart. At that moment they were closer to magic, God and perfection than anyone else could have. And in their hearts, they know that devote to that moment is worth more than a thousand whole lives."

David Ackert

[oliveira-netto]

O ORGULHO DE SER MÚSICO

"Músicos são algumas das pessoas mais determinadas e corajosas do planeta. Eles lidam todo dia com mais rejeição do que muita gente terá de conhecer em toda vida. Encaram diariamente o desafio financeiro da vida de freelancers, o desrespeito dos que acham que eles teriam de procurar empregos de verdade e seus próprios medos de nunca mais arranjarem trabalho. A todo momento precisam ignorar a possibilidade de terem dedicado suas vidas a uma ilusão. E quando tocam, cada nota demanda esforço físico e emocional lado a lado com o risco de críticas e julgamentos. Passam-se os anos e eles assistem às pessoas de sua idade conquistando os marcos normais da vida adulta: a casa, o carro, o ninho, a família. E por que isso? Porque os músicos desejam mais do que tudo dar suas vidas a um momento, e um momento apenas: aquela melodia, acorde, letra, ou interpretação que atingirá a audiência e tocará sua alma. Músicos são seres que experimentaram o néctar do lugar em que sua criatividade toca os corações dos outros. Ali, estiveram mais perto da magia, de Deus e da perfeição quanto é possível a alguém chegar. E agora, em seus corações, sabem que a dedicação a isso vale mais que mil vidas." ( Tradução livre do Artigo de David Ackert, LA Times)

[valentinaonline]

Actors are some of the most driven, courageous people on the face of the earth. They deal with more day-to-day rejection in one year than most people do in a lifetime. Every day, actors face the financial challenge of living a freelance lifestyle, the disrespect of people who think they should get real jobs, and their own fear that they’ll never work again. Every day, they have to ignore the possibility that the vision they have dedicated their lives to is a pipe dream. With every role, they stretch themselves, emotionally and physically, risking criticism and judgment. With every passing year, many of them watch as the other people their age achieve the predictable milestones of normal life—the car, the family, the house, the nest egg. Why? Because actors are willing to give their entire lives to a moment—to that line, that laugh, that gesture, or that interpretation that will stir the audience’s soul. Actors are beings who have tasted life’s nectar in that crystal moment when they poured out their creative spirit and touched another’s heart. In that instant, they were as close to magic, God, and perfection as anyone could ever be. And in their own hearts, they know that to dedicate oneself to that moment is worth a thousand lifetimes.

David Ackert

[rops88]

"Músicos são algumas das pessoas mais determinadas e corajosas do planeta. Eles lidam todo dia com mais rejeição do que muita gente terá de conhecer em toda vida. Encaram diariamente o desafio financeiro da vida de freelancers, o desrespeito dos que acham que eles teriam de procurar empregos de verdade e seus próprios medos de nunca mais arranjarem trabalho. A todo momento precisam ignorar a possibilidade de terem dedicado suas vidas a uma ilusão. E quando tocam, cada nota demanda esforço físico e emocional lado a lado com o risco de críticas e julgamentos. Passam-se os anos e eles assistem às pessoas de sua idade conquistando os marcos normais da vida adulta: a casa, o carro, o ninho, a família. E por que isso? Porque os músicos desejam mais do que tudo dar suas vidas a um momento, e um momento apenas: aquela melodia, acorde, letra, ou interpretação que atingirá a audiência e tocará sua alma. Músicos são seres que experimentaram o néctar do lugar em que sua criatividade toca os corações dos outros. Ali, estiveram mais perto da magia, de Deus e da perfeição quanto é possível a alguém chegar. E agora, em seus corações, sabem que a dedicação a isso vale mais que mil vidas." (David Ackert, LA Times) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLMIaxPHUJo/?igshid=169emn8tq2ull

[roysexton]

“When we talk about allyship, it means so much to know people are there supporting us, but it even even means more when they are actively clearing barriers for our professional success.” Video interview with Pathmonk “Formulating Strategies for Legal Marketing Success;” Legal Marketing Association DEI Member Resource Group Testimonials; and my talented pals launch their new book “Own Your Story: #EmpoweredWomenAnthology"

Thank you, Ernesto Quezada and Pathmonk, for having me on to talk about this wonderful firm Clark Hill where I’m privileged to work with such an incredible Marketing and Business Development team and with such fantastic attorneys and colleagues. View here. It’s always a thrill to tell our story, discuss our growth trajectory, and our exceptional culture. Appreciate the opportunity very much!…

[gocurrentcom]

Why Business Development Is Every Lawyer’s Problem Topics Biglaw, Business development, David Ackert, Featured Podcasts, Small Law Firms, Technology, Thinking Like A Lawyer Podcast

[ceyceysstuff]

#Repost @bawsent1 with @get_repost ・・・ #Musicians #artists #theatrepeople #managers are among the strongest and bravest people on the face of the earth. In one year they face daily rejection by people more than what others live in an entire life. Every day they face the financial challenge of living a freelance lifestyle, the disrespect of people who think they should find a real job, and their own fear of no longer working in the future. Every day, they have to ignore the possibility that the vision they dedicated their lives to is an impossible dream. With every note, opera or performance expose themselves, emotionally and physically, risking criticism and arbitrary judgments. Every year that passes, many of them look at how their peers achieve the goals of a normal life - the car, the family, the house, the savings. Why? Because artists are willing to give their entire life to one moment, to that tune, to that sentence, to that agreement or to that interpretation that will touch the soul of the public. Artists are people who tasted the juice of life at that crystalline moment where they let their creative spirit out and touched someone else's heart. At that moment they were closer to magic, God and perfection than anyone else could have. And in their hearts, they know that devote to that moment is worth more than a thousand whole lives. David Ackert https://www.instagram.com/p/B26v8XJALmY/?igshid=qa1gdd8bxapp

[toldnews-blog]

New Post has been published on https://toldnews.com/technology/watch-theranos-owner-we-made-so-many-mistakes-with-test-devices/

WATCH: Theranos owner: 'We made so many mistakes' with test devices

Transcript for Theranos owner: ‘We made so many mistakes’ with test devices

We turn next tonight to the ABC news investigation involving the young woman, the self-made billionaire and her company. She claimed to have developed a blood test that could save lives, but did she put lives at risk? Tonight, we have now obtained the deposition never seen before, and ABC’s chief business correspondent Rebecca Jarvis reports. Reporter: She’s the Stanford dropout who became the youngest female self-made billionaire and had legions of believers. Elizabeth Holmes boasted her company, theranos, could detect hundreds of diseases from just a drop or two of blood. We’ve made it possible to run comprehensive laboratory tests from a tiny sample. Reporter: That pitch convincing everyone from Rupert Murdoch, to the owner of the patriots, to American retirees to invest. Anything you want to say? Reporter: But Holmes is now facing criminal charges and up to 20 years in prison. She’s pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors say she knew theranos couldn’t deliver accurate and reliable results for all its blood tests, which experts say potentially put thousands of patients at risk. Okay, this is the Walgreens. Reporter: Sheri Ackert took a theranos test at her local Walgreens and mistakenly thought her breast cancer had returns. The nurse called me back and said, “I’m so sorry. That’s not good. There could be a tumor growing somewhere.” I will never forget that day. Reporter: A different test showed Sheri was healthy. Tonight, in this deposition obtained by ABC news, never before seen questioning of Holmes under oath. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the trust? I do. Reporter: Pressed about those hundreds of tests she said her company could perform to detect diseases — How many tests could it run at that time in 2010? I don’t know exactly what the number was. There was probably tens of tests. So when you say “Tens of tests,” you mean something less than 100? Yes. Did it concern you that a number of tests weren’t working on theranos’ devices? I know that we made so many mistakes on this front, but we were trying to take this forward and at that time thought that — thought that we were doing the right thing. And Rebecca has been reporting on this for some time for it. Are any of these tests out there on the market? Reporter: Well, David, theranos is out of business and the tests are off the market. And what do we know about her tonight? Reporter: Holmes is awaiting trial, but insiders want to start another company. All right, Rebecca Jarvis, thank you. We should point out that Rebecca will have much more on “Nightline,” and her podcast called “The dropout.” It’s excellent. There’s still much more

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

[klassenfahrtzumsydaenfjort]

Etappe 2.1 Gödding “FJØRT - Universitätsstadt - KLONK!”

Noch eeecht viele Stunden bis zur Show. Ich wache in Münster auf. Da, wo die Couleur-Tour letztes Jahr übermorgen mit einem Doppeldate und Sturm ‘Friederike’ begann. 363 Tage später wühle ich mich durch ein Instrumental Post-Rock Album von The End Of The Ocean, gebe meinen verschriftlichen Senf dazu bei ‘Album der Woche’ ab und brause alsdenn in Richtung Göttingen. Oder auch nicht, weil ich falschrum auf die Autobahn fahre. Ich bin dumm.

So und durch mächtig Stau und pannenbedingte Sperrungen parke ich geschlagene vier Stunden später an der musa in meiner alten Hood Gödding. Ich hab fünf Jahre lang hier studiert und kann dementsprechend mega viele altbekannte Gesichter herzen. Domi, Drummer meiner alten Band Pvll No Pvnches und Ruben, Gitarero in meinem aktuellen Projekt MIKRORILLE (checkt die aus! :p) und meine alte WG, wenn man so will, sind am Start und wir werden mächtig Spaß haben, ohja!

Vor der Livemusik freu ich mich riesig Gøtz und Tøbi wiederzusehen, bisschen Pläuschchen zu halten und Gary kennezulernen. Gary ersetzt während der Südwärts-Tour Paul am Merch. 

Heute als Supportband extra aus Hamburg eingeschifft haben sich havarii. Die Jungs um Frontfrau Mareike machen gemütliche Weltuntergangsmusik und kennen FJØRT auch schon fast seit bevor es sie gab. Gemeinsam war man 2012 (!!eins1!1!!) mal auf Tour. Das ist echt lange her. Ich war überübermorgen vor vier Jahren auf meiner ersten FJØRT Show in Braunschweig im B58 Club (checkt den aus! // Danke Skotty<3). Das ist ebenfalls echt lange her.

Also, back 2 topic: havarii. Sehr tolle Kapelle! Für Göttinger Verhältnisse ist es sogar beschaulich unüberschaubar gefüllt und ich freue mich mit Bene auf eine FJØRT Show mit Platz zum Zappeln. Havarii. haben leider nur eine halbe Stunde Spielzeit aaaaaber in diesen dreißig Minuten kennen sie kein Erbarmen. Drummer Lars ackert hinter seinem Drumset, welches sich direkt an der Bühnenkante befindet, wie ein Wilder und führt jedem vor Augen, dass Musik machen echt körperliche Arbeit ist! In der kurzen Setlist finden sich meine drei derzeitigen Lieblingsschmankerl ‘Vermessen’, ‘In Diskrepanzen’ und ‘Zwischen Welten’. Bei Vorbands laut mitsingen (können), ist auch einfach eins der schönsten Sachen, die man so machen kann. Mitsingen macht immer Spaß und die Bands freut das sicher auch. Und ich bin nicht mal der einzige, der hier Textsicherheit präsentiert, which is nice! Hallt es erst “Dir ist immer noch nicht wichtig, was ich meine! Mir ist immer noch egal, wie du mich nennst!” (havarii. - In Diskrepanzen), so runden die vier Rotznasen ihr Set mit einem inbrünstigen, minutenlangen Singalong “UndalleswasbleibtwasmichweitertreibtistdieUngewissheitnichtsvergehtmitderZeit” ab. Handtuch, Schweiß vom Gesicht, ab- und umbauen.

Pünktlich um neun rauscht Nebel auf die Bühne. Vieeeel Nebel sogar. Und durch die Schwaben kraxeln die drei uns so gut bekannten Herren auf die Bühne, die gleich sehr lange, sehr lauten und leisen Lärm verursachen werden. Ein wunderbar stimmungsvolles Intro und ein wunderbarer Opener (ich möchte noch nichts spoilern, deshalb bleibe ich vage) eröffnen diesen Elfenball. Bereits die erste Viertelstunde ist ein Mix aus neu und alt und Göttingen hat Bock! Habe ich beim “I think I spider Festival” 2015 (auch echt lange her!) noch versucht Mario von den Blackies zu beweisen, dass Gödding mehr als Techno kann, so freue ich mich, wie meine alte Heimatstadt meine Heimatband empfängt. Denn wer mag schon verhaltene Tourauftakte?

Ein Moshpit der eigentlich nur aus Freunden und freundlichen Gesichtern besteht, ist doch der beste, den es gibt. Und nein, so klein, war der nicht! Auch den Kerl mit dem Bart habe ich schon lange nicht mehr so tanzen sehen. Chapeaux! Die ersten beiden Worte, die David an das Publikum richtet sind “FJØRT. Kaiserstadt” und dann schallert den Gästen ein sehr markantes, sehr flottes, sehr tanzbares Songintro auf die Trommelfelle. BAEM! Während des gut 90 minütigen Sets (das ist echt verdammt lange, wie machen die das, ich war the walking dead danach!?) bringen die Jungs aus der Kaiserstadt viel bekanntes Liedgut mit, was meine stimmlichen Fähigkeiten hart an die Grenze bringt.. Wirkliche Überraschungen sind leider nicht dabei. Aber es heißt ja auch: Never change a winning team! Und außerdem ist das ja auch echt relativ. Obwohl! Zwei Überraschungen gab es sehrwohl. Die erste ist eine heftige Kopfnuss von David - KLONK! Nun ziert und beide eine leuchtende Beule (wobei es ihn glaube ich erheblich schlimmer getroffen hat, das tut mir so leid!) - und die zweite ist Chris, wie er von der Bühne hüpft und Gitarre spielender Weise das Publikum besucht. Der Mann taut echt von Tour zu Tour mehr auf und ich hab mich soooo gefreut, das zu sehen. Mega! Den Leuten hat das auch gefallen!

Und das war ja auch “nur” der Tourauftakt. Man wird warm. Man merkt, ob und inwieweit, sich der Bumms, den man im Keller und am Schreibtisch ausdenkt, live tatsächlich funktioniert. Man ist nervös. Aber das alles legt sich. Ich bin gespannt, wie die Chose morgen in Bielefeld wird. Hrhrhrhr! Mit einer fulminanten Zugabe, wie sie echt von vorne bis hinten wuchtiger nicht sein könnte huschen die drei Herren, wie gekommen, so zeronnen, im Nebel von der Bühne. Ich werde morgen Nackenschmerzen haben. Ihr wisst Bescheid. Ich werde sicher später ausführlicher und detaillierter davon schwärmen. Aber bis hierher nur so viel. Ich freu mich auf jeden der weiter mitliest und auf Tour Hallo (was machst du hier! Wohin des Wegs die Dame?) sagt. Lebewohl, Lebewohl, zum ersten Mal! P.S.: Ja, ich habe Nackenschmerzen. Und Muskelkater. Heiliger Bimbam.

[viedemusicien]

#50 Le mot du début de la fin

« Les artistes figurent parmi les personnes les plus persévérantes et courageuses que l'on puisse trouver sur terre. En une année, ils vivent plus de situations difficiles et d'échecs que la plupart des gens dans toute une vie. Chaque jour, les artistes font face au défi financier d’être un travailleur autonome, au manque de respect, à l'incompréhension des gens qui pensent qu'ils devraient trouver un « vrai job », affronter leur propre peur de ne jamais plus travailler à nouveau. Chaque jour, ils doivent ignorer et dépasser l'idée que ce à quoi ils consacrent leur vie est peut-être une chimère. Chaque année qui passe, nombre d’entre eux regardent les personnes de leur âge franchir les étapes d’une vie normale : voiture, famille, maison et épargne. Mais ils restent fidèles à leurs rêves en dépit des sacrifices consentis. Pourquoi ? Parce que les artistes sont prêts à dédier leur vie entière pour faire naître ce moment – ce trait, ce rire, ce geste ou cette interprétation qui touchera l'âme du public. Les artistes sont des êtres qui ont goûté au nectar de la vie, dans cet instant cristallisé où leurs créations ont touché le coeur de l'autre. À cet instant-là, ils sont si proches de la magie, du divin, de la perfection, comme personne ne le sera jamais. Et au plus profond de leur coeur, ils savent que dédier leur vie à faire naître ce moment vaut plus que milles vies ».

- David Ackert (Traduction libre : Marianne Coineau)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   HDW au festival Bebop le 24 novembre 2017

Centre des expositions du Mans

Avec Bigflo & Oli et Nâaman

Nouvel album disponible sur place

http://bebop-festival.com/2017/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   - Photo: François Navarro

- Musique: “Cool Jazz” - Arthur H

[theuniversallanguageofmusic]

Musicians 🎹🎶

"Musicians are some of the most driven, courageous people on the face of the earth. They deal with more day-to-day rejection in one year than most people do in a lifetime. Every day, they face the financial challenge of living a freelance lifestyle, the disrespect of people who think they should get real jobs, and their own fear that they'll never work again. Every day, they have to ignore the possibility that the vision they have dedicated their lives to is a pipe dream. With every note, they stretch themselves, emotionally and physically, risking criticism and judgment. With every passing year, many of them watch as the other people their age achieve the predictable milestones of normal life - the car, the family, the house, the nest egg. Why? Because musicians are willing to give their entire lives to a moment - to that melody, that lyric, that chord, or that interpretation that will stir the audience's soul. Musicians are beings who have tasted life's nectar in that crystal moment when they poured out their creative spirit and touched another's heart. In that instant, they were as close to magic, God, and perfection as anyone could ever be. And in their own hearts, they know that to dedicate oneself to that moment is worth a thousand lifetimes." David Ackert, LA Times

[fenderbassman97]

Why do we do it?

“Singers and Musicians are some of the most driven, courageous people on the face of the earth. They deal with more day-to-day rejection in one year than most people do in a lifetime. Every day, they face the financial challenge of living a freelance lifestyle, the disrespect of people who think they should get real jobs, and their own fear that they'll never work again. Every day, they have to ignore the possibility that the vision they have dedicated their lives to is a pipe dream. With every note, they stretch themselves, emotionally and physically, risking criticism and judgment. With every passing year, many of them watch as the other people their age achieve the predictable milestones of normal life - the car, the family, the house, the nest egg. Why? Because musicians and singers are willing to give their entire lives to a moment - to that melody, that lyric, that chord, or that interpretation that will stir the audience's soul. Singers and Musicians are beings who have tasted life's nectar in that crystal moment when they poured out their creative spirit and touched another heart. In that instant, they were as close to magic, God, and perfection as anyone could ever be. And in their own hearts, they know that to dedicate oneself to that moment is worth a thousand lifetimes.” - David Ackert, LA Times