Gig Stories

Gig Stories from over the years..
by Jonathan Fink

1. I played a wedding somewhere in town with a certain violin player and when we tried to leave the job early because they were basically setting up tables on top of us, we ended up running around in the hallways with our stuff trying to get out of the building without running into the bridal party. I never laughed so hard in my life.

2. Once at an Arboretum in Chestnut Hill...back when someone I work with alot drove a Volvo 240, she asked me to go get the car after a job.. I went and got the car and drove it down this little road to where we were set up. It turned out it was one of those cart path roads and very quickly became not a road at all but more like wet grass...I promptly got the car stuck in the mud (volvo wagon's aren't known for their traction in mud it turns out) and ripped up a pretty good sized area of landscaping before getting free. It was getting dark and I remember leaving...quickly.

3. I played every day for a year in the Ritz Carlton when they first moved to the Broad Street location. The job was with a group of people in various combinations and it was really great! We all talk about it to this day and we say "Remember the Ritz?" You know who you are!

4. The Musical Christmas Tree-in the 80's and early 90's there was a big tree that had holiday music on it everyday for a month. 300 lights, 30 Musician, 100 feet tall...or something. It was in the Gallery outside Radio Shack. Mall Sushi was the highlight of the day. Santa sang White Christmas every show. There was a guy who used to come and dance every day named Dancing Homer. Actually that wasn't his name but that's what we called him. People got married at "the tree."

5. The gig by the People Mover in AC-yes it was outside. When it rained-we were required by the Casino to stand on the spot at the time we were supposed to start-then we could leave. Very Glamorous.

6. Korean Concert in AC where the shows were at 10:00 -12:30 am and the 2nd show started at 2:00 am! Everything was in Korean and I was the only English speaking person on the gig. I had a set sheet in English which was useless cause all the lyrics were in Korean. There was a very nice Korean singer who sat next to me and pointed now and then at my music to let me know I should be playing...it was really funny.

7. Chita Rivera at Resorts in 1998 - I will never forget that run because my son had just been born and I was tired and somehow it is all linked together in my head. It was a fun summer and there were two marriages that came out of that run.

8. Wayne Newton when he plays that white electric violin ...

9. Philly Pops with Elton John-watching his band work was amazing and seeing that many people on the Parkway always freaks me out.

10. Israel Pops Tour...so many stories. no more space...

www.jonfink.com

Stimulus Bill Tax Credit!!

If you buy your first home between NOW and Dec 1, 2009 and your household income is less than $150k (joint filers) you may get up to 10% of the value of the home to a max of $8,000 in tax credit.

This is it people! The only thing that would make this better would be if you could get it before you purchased your home.

Here's the thing! Time is going to pass anyway and pretty soon you will be filing your 2009 tax and believe me an $8000 credit is a good thing.

Here it is From CNN Business.....

Temporary credit for home buyers: The bill increases the size of an existing temporary and refundable first-time home buyer credit to $8,000, up from $7,500. It also removes the requirement under current law that the credit be paid back if the buyer stays in the home for at least three years. And it would extend the credit's expiration date to Dec. 1, 2009, from July 1. Those eligible for this credit must have purchased a home after Jan. 1, 2009, and before Dec. 1, 2009.

The full credit is available to those making $75,000 or less ($150,000 for joint filers). Estimated cost: $6.6 billion.

finkjonathan@gmail.com

www.jonfink.com

Stimulate the Economy!

Watching Barack Obama last night during his first press conference I couldn't help feeling his frustration. After it took so many years to create this mess, whoever is to blame, there is a tremendous amount of pressure on him to fix it now.

There are people out there who are really hurting and waiting while politicians argue and babble.

That being said I hate to sound like a broken record, but this REALLY is a good time to buy. This market is amazing and it seems likely that there will be some sort of tax credit for a home purchase in 2009. Of course if you're renting now and buying for the first time then the biggest tax credit will come even without a new program. The interest you pay on mortgages is tax deductible. It's that simple.

Interest rates are low, sellers are motivated. Let's get you a house or condo.


finkjonathan@gmail.com

www.jonfink.com

Is this a good time to buy Real Estate?

Real Estate is a Great Investment-Now More than EVER!
The real question is, why not buy now. If you have been waiting for the right time to buy your first house or condo. This is it! Rates are very low and contrary to what many people believe there are plenty of good loans out there for most people.

There is more inventory and areas that were once out of range financially may suddenly be doable because of excellent rates. The best thing to do is contact me (a REALTOR®) and let me help you buy the house of your dreams.

You will need to speak to a Mortgage Broker or you bank to get pre-approved BEFORE you start looking. Why? Because its silly to look at houses you can't afford or maybe you can afford more house than you think. Also once we find the home of your dreams we will need a pre-approval to submit with the offer.

Any good Mortgage Broker can pre approve you for free and its worth the time it takes (about 15 min). I am happy to recommend someone to talk to...just shout out!

Thanks!

finkjonathan@gmail.com

www.jonfink.com

10 Week Violin Program at Russell Byers Charter School

10 Week Violin Intro Program

In January the 2nd graders at Russell Byers Charter School took part in a 10 week Introduction to the Violin. This program will be repeated in March with the other 2nd Grade class. Marjorie and I wrote the curriculum and it was one of the most satisfying and fun projects we have done in a long time.

The program is designed so that the General Music Teacher at the school can teach the 2nd graders the basics of violin in 20-30 minute group lessons once a week for 10 weeks. At the end of the program the children are able to talk about the violin, how it works, its parts. They have learned the proper position and posture for play position and rest position and they have just started to learn to use the bow.

At the end of the 10 weeks the children put on a showcase where they demonstrated their new knowledge and skills. It was really fun for us to see the children so excited about the violin.

We are hoping to repeat the program at another school in the area so if you know of an elementary school that needs instrumental music and could benefit from this program please send us an email.

Thanks!

Jon and Marj
finkjonathan@gmail.com
215 805-5276

finkjonathan@gmail.com

www.jonfink.com

Inauguration 2009

The Brink of History

To me this whole last year feels like it was a journey. I think for many people the destination will be the inauguration tomorrow.

For many, many more - people who are without work; people who are fighting in Iraq; people with sons or daughters in harms' way; people struggling with health care issues; people with financial problems; for these people the journey won't end tomorrow.

I live the good life. My kids are wonderful and my wife keeps me from doing stupid things (most of the time).

I hope all of us can take a moment over the next couple of days to realize that whatever our trials and tribulations, there's probably someone who is worse off. Maybe we can reach out in this new year and the new America and help a friend or relative or a stranger.

Happy Inauguration!!!!!

Jonathan Fink
Jon Fink Website
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Remember when we won the World Series?!?!?!

What a Week

We have a crazy week here in Philadelphia. I think everyone is getting excited about the Eagles, somehow it feels similar to the Phillies run.

Tomorrow Ben is going to participate in the Variety Next Steps Program. Though I have been several times it is Ben's first time speaking to a group of parents. He is excited and a little nervous but I think its a positive step for him.

On Thursday at the Russell Byers Charter School the first run of our 10 Week Introduction to the Violin program will have its final presentation. The children will do some playing and also presentations about the violin. We are excited to see the final product. We should have pictures and even some video when its over.

This program was designed by Marjorie to be taught by the General Music Teacher. The children get a basic understanding of the violin and learn to play a few simple songs with piano accompaniment. I am very proud of my wife and I think this program is a terrific opportunity for schools without a formal music program to give their children an opportunity to play a musical instrument.

Hannah's photos are featured in the teacher manual for the program. If you're interested in seeing the manual or learning more about the program please ask one of us about it.

Add to all this the usual musical performances.

On the Real Estate front-its a great time to Rent or Buy Real Estate. We have some incredible listings which you can read about on my website anytime. If you're on the fence about buying, get off the fence and do it. I can help you! AJ and I also do lots of rentals so if you need a new place to live in the Philadelphia area please feel free to call or email me.

Go Eagles!

Jon

Our Son Ben is great!

Our Son Ben

Today we received this email from our son's teacher...we are so proud of him. This is the first time Ben told his classmates about his condition and he did it without any prompting from anyone.

He is very excited because next week he will be going with me to an Autism event sponsored by Variety. At the event he will be speaking to parents of children who were recently diagnosed with Spectrum Disorders of various kinds. I have been a bunch of times to share our experience as parents but this time Ben is going to come and share his own experiences with the parents.

If you don't know what Asperger's Syndrome is can read a brief description here.

http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/mental-health-aspergers-syndrome

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Good Afternoon!

I just wanted to let you know about the great conversation Ben led this morning at Morning Meeting. It was Ben’s turn to share and he chose to tell the class about the autism presentation he’s doing on Tuesday. When he mentioned autism he explained that it is something he has that makes his brain work differently. He told the class he would be happy to answer any questions they had about the subject.

Here are a few of the questions/answers:
How does it make your brain work differently?
I like a lot more things than other kids and adults. I’m pretty good at school. I can do all of my assignments and homework.
How do you feel when you have autism?
Well I have it all the time. How do I feel? I feel anxious but I take a pill for that. But I’m not good at taking pills.
Is autism good or bad?
Well… I think it’s good.
Are there different kinds of autism?
Yes. The kind I have is called Asperger’s Syndrome.

It was really neat the way Ben initiated and ran the entire conversation. He was very open and inviting which encouraged the students to ask more questions. Overall it was a really great experience.

Thanks!