Enough politics (for now). No more Juno dog blogs (until the new year). It’s time for some Christmas music, in particular, The 2024 St. Olaf Christmas Festival, "Our Hope for Years to Come." A compilation of this year’s three performances is now available for on-demand viewing throughout the holiday season here. A tradition since 1912,... Continue Reading →
The Muppet Christmas Carol — A Radical Christian Classic
Reprinted from Why ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ Is a Radical Christian ClassicBy Mitchell Atencio - sojo.net - Dec 12, 2022 [Ken Gray] Coming off our recent radio-play production of A Christmas Carol, I decided it was time to watch the Muppet’ 1992 adaptation of the classic Dickens tale. Upon release, the film was variously reviled... Continue Reading →
“Bah, humbug.” A Donald Trump Christmas
As I prepare incidental music for the Summerland Singers and Players next Christmas Production, A Christmas Carol, A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry I cannot resist the temptation to substitute Donald Trump for the infamous Ebeneezer Scrooge. I have presented my idea to both cast and director. They have yet to seriously respond to... Continue Reading →
The Best Christmas ever? Clergy retirement reflection #12
This year, 2021, may be the best experience of Christmas I have ever enjoyed. While the jury is still out and final adjudication cannot occur until the end of the full twelve days, I suspect this Christmas will be more relaxed, more celebratory and possibly the healthiest ever. In this my first year with absolutely... Continue Reading →
Twas the week before Christmas – Juno Dog Blog #6
Here we go, it’s that time of year again. Christmas--the Feast of the Nativity, the holiday season, the day before boxing day sales, whatever you call it--here we go again. Some call it a holiday, others revere a solemn Holy Day. Some find it very unsettling, lonely, even disturbing. Others simply dissolve into the bliss... Continue Reading →