For some time I had the desire to create a collection of songs based on the lives, work, and experiences of working class people. I grew up in a proud working class family and did my share of of manual labor in my youth. Recently, I met a creative writer (Dustin Hoffman) who, among other things, had written about working class issues. We agreed to adapt some of his short stores into song lyrics and the Vernacular Song Book was born. Our first installment will be premiered in April in Charlotte, NC as part of the Providence Chamber Music Series. The first collection of songs will be premiered by baritone Jeffrey McEvoy accompanied by pianist Tomoko Deguchi. It is my hope that this song series will lead to more songs and hopefully, larger scale works. More soon.