Philadelphia music and then some

Philadelphia music and then some

Last Sunday I traveled to my hometown of Philadelphia and got to visit a beloved auntie and my awesome younger sister.

I went to a magnificent concert hosted by pianist composer Andrea Clearfield. Even though we’re from the same hometown (and the same high school), I met Andrea when we were both fellows at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts about six or seven years ago.

Andrea is a woman of daunting talents. A tireless advocate for new music, Andrea has completed commissions for ensembles around the world. She is a student of Tibetan music and an authority on all things classical. One of her many contributions to the world is a monthly “Szalon” which she has been curating for 37 years. If you are able, I encourage you to tune into or attend one of these events. They are truly remarkable. You can find out more about them here.

Andrea is in her 37th (!) year of hosting extraordinary monthly in-person and zoom salons.

At this month’s Szalon, I heard an improv violinist broadcasting from Sweden, several topnotch Philadelphia jazz ensembles with and without singers, classical pianists playing works by women composers, a viola and piano duo, and more. It is astonishing that Andrea has the energy and generosity to curate these fantastic cultural programs every month. I assure you, this is only a fraction of her creative life.

Andrea’s piano poised for playing.

Speaking of music in Philadelphia, my publisher and I are now working on edits to my second novel, DUET FOR ONE, due out May 2025. I am revisiting my manuscript for the umpteen millionth time, delighted to be in the more than capable hands of my editor at Regal House, Jaynie Royal.

I loved hearing Lauren Francis-Sharma interview Donna Hemans last night about Donna’s new book, THE HOUSE OF PLAIN TRUTH. (Lauren, Donna, and I serve together on the PEN/Faulkner Board of Directors.)

Donna signing books at Politics & Prose.

Set in Donna’s childhood home of Jamaica, THE HOUSE OF PLAIN TRUTH explores one family’s experience in the Jamaican diaspora in America and Cuba. I can’t wait to read it.

Here’s a working link to my conversation with Peter Riehl on his Chills at Will Podcast. I found Peter to be a terrific interviewer and a skilled reader. I have to thank him for giving our convo quite a grandiose title: Episode 221 with Martha Anne Toll, Renaissance Woman, Book Reviewer, Creative, and Award-Winning Writer of the Moving, Contemplative Three Muses.

I also had wonderful time talking to Rhonda Campbell for her Off The Shelf Books Podcast. We talked about THREE MUSES and the writing life. You can listen to our conversation here.

Along with many other thousands of writers, I am heading to the AWP writers conference next week in Kansas City, Missouri. If you’re going to be there, please come to our panel on WHY BOOK REVIEWING MATTERS: Friday afternoon, February 9 at 1:45 PM in Room 3501 EF KC Convention Center, with writers Alice Stephens, Tope Folarin, and Ericka Taylor.

Have a wonderful week.

Love, Martha