What songs of the heart

The hardest part of this gag was figuring out which music pioneers to reference. Johann Sebastian Bach? Ella Fitzgerald? Chuck Berry? Mack Wilberg? Sugarhill Gang?

I should mention that we shouldn't get pioneers confused with the Sons of the Pioneers, a western singing group that helped launch the career of Roy Rogers, amongst others. 

Bringing down the house

As I was finishing this up, I had a flash of insight that this could have been more effective if it was elementary-aged kids. Instead of smooth jazz, they would have said, "I'll bet Joshua's army got to play something more exciting than Hot Cross Buns!"

Yet I still wonder whether the walls of Jericho would have come tumbling down to Kenny G or Chuck Mangione?
 

Sketchbook: Feeling Groovy

It's time again for Light the World, one of my favorite Christmas celebrations!

This year, the Light the World team came up with 50 Ways to Let Your Light Shine — 50 ways to love your neighbor.*

Have a great Christmas season, and let your light shine!

*Musical History Note: Many years ago, musician Paul Simon had a chart-topping hit, "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover." Now you know.
 

Why she had to go, I don't know

There are some days on trek (or camping) that are just plain miserable! But without the misery, how could you know of the fun you're having?

 

Folklore

There are two sides to every story. Unless it’s a double album on vinyl. Then there are four sides. 
 

Sending in a sub

I had a cartoon queued up for today with a gag that relied on its setting of Las Vegas. Given recent events there, our editorial staff determined that it would be better to pull that cartoon for publication for the time being.

Our hearts go out yet again to the good people of Las Vegas.

In its stead, we decided to run this cartoon from the upcoming Disney book. It seems appropriate with Christmas songs blaring everywhere. Some of those can be almost as ear wormy as It's a Small World (After All)!

 

Sounds of the seasoning

Well, it is kind of a catchy tune...
 

Who let the dogs out?

At first I thought of Bohemian Rhapsody or Bennie and the Jets for the prelude. But then I remembered what would get the attention of this demographic: Paw Patrol!
 

Minute by minute

There are some days where it seems that hourly isn't nearly enough!
 

In one ear...

What's on your playlist?

Play it again, Sam

I have to give at least partial credit to fellow cartoonist Summer Bird for this one. It was inspired by one of her old cartoons, yet it's completely different.

It's also very much like band class back in high school. I was always using someone else's notes rather than my own!

Classy sounds

I have a friend whose kids are doing dance class via Zoom. I'm glad we're just doing French.

Scenes we'd like to see

Sorry.

Sketchbook: Rock solid pioneers

He's not wrong...

Lift up your voice

Actually I think that's true for pretty much every calling I've been involved with...

Primary: It'll cure what ails you!

I'm acquainted with a Primary worker who every week complains about the headache she gets from going to Primary. But every week she goes back for more.

Sketchbook: Music that moves you

Choristers: they're either a big focus of the music in church or they're practically ignored.

The chorister in our ward told us that she really has to hold herself back from dancing to some of the songs, she loves them so much. That kind of comment had to be illustrated. And you can bet that the ward is going to be watching her carefully from now on!

Sketchbook: Loud and long

They talk about trumpets and viols and choirs, but do you think there's a jazz band up in heaven?

Just a song before I go

It was a little cold one recent morning, so I started my son's car for him before seminary. Yikes!

Don't bury those talents