The Man Who Wouldn’t Let Me Quit (Newsletter)

DHC Ezine dated Wed. Jun. 17, 2026
Join my Mailing List to get my weekly-ish emails videos, stories and events.

I just got back from L.A. last week where I played at the new Harp Center L.A. — a wonderful, funky performing space — PLUS I also gave a private command performance for my aunt, who’s 97 — and her friends! I’ll be sharing photos, videos, and a few behind-the-scenes stories soon.

But today I want to tell you about a friend. Seven years ago, my friend Dr. Larry Grogin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Larry’s a runner who believes that movement is medicine and today, he’s nearing the end of running 100 marathons in 100 consecutive days across the United States to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s research.

I hope you’ll donate to his run and I have a special thank you for you if you do — (they’re both here) — but first, I want to tell you about Larry.

Larry isn’t just a man who doesn’t quit himself — he’s the reason I completed my play “The Golden Cage.” Because he wouldn’t let ME quit. At the time, this musical was a life-long goal I just couldn’t achieve and not finishing it was breaking my heart.

When I told Larry about it, he gave me a simple assignment. “Text me that you worked on it for 30 minutes every day by midnight.”

Then he held me accountable in a way that was equal parts inspiring, annoying, hilarious, and exactly what I needed.

Larry was the pace setter for one of my biggest creative marathons. But now he’s the one who’s running towards a goal. And I’ve been trying to create something that might give him a tiny bit of the support he gave me.

They’re called “Pace-Running Tracks” and they’re improvised electric harp MP3s at a steady tempo close to Larry’s daily running tempo.

• Read the full story here
• Donate to Larry’s Campaign for Parkinson’s
• Download the Pace-Running tracks

HARPISTS: Learn to Play “New Blues” (in less than an hour)
Harp Time Live Special Episode

Learn how to play “New Blues” in an hour or less — as my guest.

In this special “Blues” episode of Harp Time Live, you get a sneak peek of the new Blues Jam Harp Challenge as you learn to play “New Blues” in less than an hour.

Whether you’re brand new to improv or already comfortable making things up, you’ll be able to jump in, play along, and discover what happens when a simple framework opens the door to creativity.

It’s FUN and online! I hope to you see you!

• Join “Learn How to Play New Blues” Harp Time Live Special