I’m writing to tell you about a remarkable experience that I had last week. 

As you may know, one of my favorite places to play each year is my annual concert at Camp Dreamcatcher, a local summer camp for children whose lives have been impacted by HIV.  Several weeks ago I was contacted by camp director, Patty Hillkirk, about one of the beautiful kids who had reached out to me during one of my visits.

She is in Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. She has recently emerged from a coma. She has lost her hearing and much of her vision. Danielle’s parents have died of AIDS. She receives very few visitors. Danielle always loved music and had become quite a fan of mine. Patty suggested that I visit her and, although I wasn’t sure that she would even be aware of my presence, I arranged to spend some time with her last week.

When I arrived at the hospital Patty was already there, stroking Danielle’s arm and speaking to her softly.  I spent several minutes watching them together. Danielle was obviously enjoying Patty’s presence and would occasionally offer a subdued version of the beaming smile that had so disarmed me years ago. I was so touched by the beauty and the healing energy in that room that I opened my guitar case and carefully arranged myself next to Danielle’s wheelchair so that her hand and arm could rest upon my guitar. I began to play for her. I’m not sure why. Maybe because it’s what I do. Anyway, the transformation was immediate. Danielle’s face lit up. Her eyes began to dance. After a few moments her brave smile broadened and Danielle began to laugh out loud, something Patty tells me she had not done in months. It was clear to Patty and me that Danielle was actually "listening" with her hand to the vibrations of my guitar, clearly following the notes and chord changes of each song with expressions of fascination, anticipation and delight.

I played several songs for Danielle during my short visit and the look of wonder and enjoyment never faded until towards the end, when, probably a little overwhelmed by all the excitement, she began to drift off to sleep.

I have been playing for people for a long time but I never left a bar room, coffeehouse, concert or festival where I was more convinced that my music had touched someone in such a profound way. Although I’ll be going back soon, my schedule will not permit me to be more than an occasional visitor in Danielle’s lonely world.

If you play an instrument, a guitar, a violin, percussion, anything that could lend itself to the kind of "touch concert" I have just described, and if you would be willing to visit with my friend Danielle and share your music with her for a few minutes some afternoon between the hours 12 and 2PM , please let me know.

You can contact me through this web page or through Camp Dreamcatcher. Their phone number is (610) 925-2998.

PS. You can learn more about my friends at Camp Dreamcatcher through their new web site: www.campdreamcatcher.org