Blue Mass Group

Today’s Globe features a lengthy story about pianist Russell Sherman on the occasion of his 80th birthday.  Sherman is a world-renowned pianist and a revered teacher.  He’s also something of an iconoclast; the Globe’s headline describes him as “a reclusive keyboard guru.”

But don’t be fooled into thinking that Sherman is some sort of head-in-the-clouds aesthete who only sees the world through “art,” and who remains blissfully unaware of the real world most of us live in.  Those of you who attended the Obama Concert fundraiser in Jordan Hall back in 2008 will recall that Sherman performed at that event (on a volunteer basis, just like everyone else).  He did that because he really, really cared about what happened in that election.  Here he is immediately after his performance, showing the audience why he was there (click for larger image).

(Photo by Julian Bullitt)

Thanks Russell.  Happy 80th birthday, and here’s to many, many more!