Playing with these guys every December is always a highlight of my Christmas season! Here’s our latest arrangement: Freddie Hubbard’s Povo with the classic Sleigh Ride.

I was excited to hear last month that “Note to the Midnight Train Engineer” won first prize in the 7th annual Yule Love It Lavender Farm poetry contest! This particular poem is both old and new, as it was marinating for close to 20 years. But when I heard of this contest’s theme (summer’s song), I knew this poem was a good fit, so I got back to editing, finally finishing up about one hour before the post office closed on the last day submissions were open. Deadlines will do that!

Here’s a lovely piece for a snowy day, written on December 19, 1991 by one of my favorite guitar composers, Carlo Domeniconi.

I was honored to be the featured guest this month on the locally produced Poetry in the Bar podcast. Listen to the interview and hear me read 12 of my poems at the link below.

http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/poetry-in-the-bar/id1495723369

Credit to Darcie Apple for the beautiful cover design! The book releases in November, and presales are happening now at https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/stars-and-sparrows-alike-by-ryan-apple/

Yes, it’s April, but good Christmas music is always in season. Here’s my arrangement of “Lo How a Rose E’re Blooming”. Check out the Music page for two more newly added Christmas videos.

I am honored to have nine of my poems featured in the newest Poiema Poetry series anthology. When I first started reading titles from this series a few years ago, I could not have anticipated being included in the company of so many talented poets writing about faith in fresh ways.

The list price is $14, but I can sell them directly for $10 + shipping. Message me through the contact page if interested.

Nine of my poems are included the latest Poiema Poetry Series anthology! In a Strange Land: Introducing Ten Kingdom Poets is in the final stages of production and should be coming out sometime this fall.