Singing Tree: Folk Music With A Classical Twist

Singing Tree Story Lloyd Goldstein and Ray Belanger met at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa Florida. Lloyd is a Certified Music Practitioner and Artist in Residence with The Arts In Medicine Program at Moffitt and Ray is a dedicated volunteer guest musician with the program. One Thursday evening in the Fall of 2007 they were standing in the same hallway together with their instruments and someone suggested that they try a tune together. Even in this impromptu setting people were saying Wow, that is a beautiful sound and a wonderful combination! They decided then and there to become partners in music-making. With Ray's love and extensive knowledge of folk music from around the world, and Lloyd's classical music training and orchestral experience, they bring two powerful traditions together into one. The sound is one of warmth and light, sparkling, yet with depth, like looking at sunlight reflecting on a deep body of water near sunrise or sunset. Many listeners have said that listening to Singing Tree is like experiencing a full body massage, relaxing, uplifting and satisfying. Ray Belanger: Hammered Dulcimer Ray Belanger has been playing hammered dulcimer for more than 2 decades. He is a five-time winner of the All-Florida Hammered Dulcimer Competition, and at least 5 of his students have been subsequent winners! Ray is a lifelong musician and comes from a family of traditional musicians. He also performs with his wife Cheryl in their musical group Simple Gifts. Their performances have brought them recognition throughout the south. Ray is a volunteer at the Moffitt Cancer Center where he plays for patients and families in the various clinics, waiting rooms and lobbies, helping the patients, visitors and staff to feel a sense of hope and renewal with the beautiful sound of his lovely instrument. Ray's playing is masterful and sensitive. It can be tender and reflective or sunny and cheerful, creating a sound that is dynamic and appropriate for any setting. Ray feels that it is a gift to have Lloyd Goldstein, a true master on his instrument, as his musical partner and friend. Lloyd Goldstein: Double Bass Lloyd Goldstein has been playing double bass for 30 years in a serious way. He completed his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of Miami, then spent 21 years in The Florida Orchestra, recently resigning the orchestra to pursue a career as a Certified Music Practitioner and Yoga Teacher. Lloyd is now an Artist in Residence at The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, where he plays for patients at the bedside and in public areas throughout the hospital, sometimes collaborating with Ray in this rewarding work. He also teaches yoga at the Moffitt Cancer Center and is thrilled with his new life direction in music and yoga. Lloyd has also completed a new book of writings and drawings inspired by his yoga practice and gives solo performance-art concerts, which combine yoga poses, recitation, bass playing and art, all in the same program. Lloyd is grateful to be able to rehearse and perform with such a sensitive musician and talented player as Ray Belanger.