March 2010, Algarve, Portugal- I had the honor of performing material from The Tenth Muse project at a benefit for the people of the disaster stricken Portuguese island of Madeira. Accompanied by percussion virtuoso, Vitor Santos, we received a gratifying response, both in terms of a standing ovation and the contributions to the worthy relief cause.

"This performance/reading was a success if we can judge from the audience reaction. And that says a lot, because the public, permanent and transient non-Portuguese (except for a few exceptions) are basically beach-combers, not especially highly educated or cultured, and for them to be present and forgo the beach and gin-tonics afternoons is already amazing. Many of the sentiments, feelings and images expertly transmitted were picked up by them. From my own personal viewpoint, this is my first experience with John´s performance, and there is no doubt, a further dimension was gained beyond a simple reading of texts, which I have been privileged to enjoy for some time. John´s poetry and inspired narratives seem really to have been conceived to be accompanied by music, rhythms, dance and movement, theatrical drama in other words. In book-cum CD or DVD form, I do believe that illustrations, such as photography, add even another dimension to expand our way into his `meanings´ and ´messages´." With all best wishes from John Howard Wolf

April 2010, Castle Well, The Netherlands- More than 100 students, faculty, staff, and former colleagues gathered for a “Sharing of Gifts” at Emerson College’s historic European Center. The Boston based college is a leading communication arts educational institute in the United States. Some twenty five years ago I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to make vision a reality. With the commitment of the college, and then President John Zacharis, I was given the singular honor of founding and directing Emerson’s European program. With the aid of my wife, Sheila and the encouragement and inspiration of my son Adam, the support of son Lawrence, daughter Laura, family members and friends here and there, we made it work. We were the “Castle Keepers”. Our colleague and great friend Dulcia Meijers has guided, and imbued the successful institute with her artistic and pragmatic sensibilities for more than seventeen years. The event honored the twenty fifth anniversary year of this unique educational experience. The talented students sang, played, dance, read poetry and original pieces. I offered a taste of the MUSE project. We laughed and danced. To quote son Adam. “Dad, it was a blast.” Sheila agreed. Me, too. Thanks to all for such a sweet souvenir.