Dear Subscribers,

Say what you want about Tom Waits's voice, there is no denying the power of his storytelling through song. I am very pleased to be dusting off my old guitar tonight and joining Anthony Wills, Jr. and his company, Artistic Pride Productions for The Mule Variations. We will present the entire 1999 Tom Waits album via spoken word, dance, cacophony, and of course, song. I love working with Anthony and his company because each cabaret I do with them challenges me in ways that are at times terrifying, at times exhilarating, and always rewarding. I'll be reciting lyrics, singing (!), playing guitar, playing a variety of percussive instruments, and maybe I'll play a tune on the piano. :) Here's to getting out of our comfort zones!

In other news, For Francis continues to make its way through the festivals. Last week, it played at the Cannes Film Festival's Short Film Corner (the French loved us, as we knew they would!), and this weekend, we are an Official Selection of the LGBT Connecticut Film Festival in Hartford CT. For Francis is also an Official Selection of the Manhattan Film Festival on June 12th, which is a red carpet event, so I look forward to wearing my boat shoes. Special thanks to all those who came out to the screening in April and voted for our film....we won, and qualified as an Official Selection of the Downtown Film Festival June 15th!

There's a great deal more to tell you--so many exciting things are happening--but it will have to wait for another post!

Thank you, as always, for your support.

Enjoy this last beautiful weekend of May!

David G Beck