To celebrate the release of The Blind Switch, we will be throwing a launch party on May 5th at Tierra Oaks Golf Club in Redding, CA from 1-4pm. This event is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for you to pick up your own personal copy of The Blind Switch and have it autographed!

I am super excited about the launch party for a variety of reasons. In addition to the release of The Blind Switch, we will also be celebrating two organizations in our community that do tremendously important work: Harmony Haven, Therapeutic Riding & Horse Rescue and Foothill High School’s Instrumental Music Department.

Harmony Haven, Therapeutic Riding & Horse Rescue

Harmony Haven Therapeutic Riding & Horse Rescue’s mission is to  “Rescue & rehabilitate horses so they can rescue & rehabilitate the people who need them most.” Harmony Haven “teaches people through horses how to challenge their bodies and minds to help them make their dreams of a happy and healthy life possible for themselves.” This is a cause I believe in. There are many benefits to equine therapy, including the improvement of motor skills, coordination and balance, core strengthening, development and improvement of social skills, as well as positive sensory stimulation. Therapeutic horses are trained to be gentle and patient with people. We can learn so much from them!

Be sure to introduce yourself to our special guest, Miracle, at the The Blind Switch launch party. This former harness racer was rescued by Harmony Haven and has already captured my heart!

For more information on Harmony Haven: https://harmonyhaven.wordpress.com

Foothill High School Instrumental Music Department

With so many schools cutting arts and music programs across the nation, we are fortunate to have so many award-winning band programs in northern California, Foothill High being no exception! The Foothill High School Instrumental Music Department has built a strong reputation in the North State, with two award-winning concert bands, two jazz ensembles, a jazz combo, an amazing marching band, an unforgettable drum line, and an accomplished string orchestra.

The FHS Jazz Program has distinguished itself as one of the region’s finest. Both of the jazz ensembles have received Superior Ratings at well-known jazz festivals. The Jazz A Band also performs as the house band in the very popular Club Cougar to sold-out shows year after year.

Oh, and there’s one tiny detail I failed to mention…the band director, Mr. Mitch Bahr, is a California Teacher of the Year. That’s right. Mr. Bahr was chosen by the California Department of Education and State Superintendent, Tom Torlakson, as a 2016 California Teacher of the Year. This is an honor awarded to only five public school teachers every year regardless of grade level or subject area taught! We are truly blessed to have an instructor of this caliber in our school district!

We are pleased to announce that the FHS Jazz Band Combo A will be performing at The Blind Switch launch party! If you have heard this band before, you know they really get the crowd going!

To book the FHS Jazz Combo band at your next event, contact: Mitch Bahr, Band Director at mbahr@suhsd.net

For more information on FHS’ music program: https://www.fhscougarband.com