Open Mic Contest, Hunter Dunn and Lane J Lubell

Open Mic at Uncommon Ground is one of the best in the city, proudly celebrating 
20 years of exclusive sponsorship from Shure Microphones 


Lane was happy to get another chance to perform; so when Hunter suggested the go to an open mic at Uncommonground, he jumped at the chance. Neither of them knew it was a competition, and they were a bit concerned that this was NOT a "Teen" event but rather that they would need to face adults. undaunted, they went up on stage and did a good enough job to take first place.
There were some very talented people that took the stage, many of these people were in their 20s and 30s, still trying to make music a career; so that they were the youngest, coupled with the fact they had one day rehearsal on their first song, made their first place showing more amazing.

I attribute their success principally to Hunter's amazing voice and poise; but I have to give Lane some credit for the song selection and having the ability to find, and attract really talented and convince them to partner with him on projects.

I'm glad my Mom and Dad could make the show, I know they felt bad about missing the last one, but Lane is fortunate to now have both side of the family watch one of the two performances.Because I insist on filming everything, anyone can watch as if they were there.
  

Lane J. Lubell Graduates

Am I proud of Lane graduating High School?

No!

 

I understand if that strikes some as an odd thing to say, it's just that I never had any reason to contemplate the possibility that he would fail to graduate. As I have explained to Lane frequently, this is perhaps the downside of possessing a record of high achievement - expectations tend to get rather lofty. Sure I get that there is something inherently unfair about me suspending the hoops so high off the ground- But damn it, you keep jumping through them.

I don't want anyone to think that I'm not extraordinary proud of Lane, that I don't get how hard he works, or that I don't appreciate his accomplishments. While I am in the habit of "reminding him" of items that he, or I, put on his "To do list," I do also write him lengthy texts filled with glowing praise. When I take issue with his overly brief responses, he will reply "Dad, you're the only one that sends an 800 word text."

OK, so getting a diploma I took as a given, but I am proud of how well he did, and how that success opened the doors to Northwestern. I'm in awe of the dedication to complete, and the caliper of writing in his 3 act play. I am genuinely impressed by the laser-like focus he direct towards his films and other writing projects. I do understand the daunting task of opening Avid Media and needing to find, match and sync several hundred audio clips to an equal number of video clips, knowing that upon completion, hundreds of hours of editing await. I was thrilled watching him and his friend Hunter perform songs at Old Town School of Folk Saturday night, great job Lane finding a woman that can really sing.

But what might impresses me most is Lane's sense of empathy and loyalty, it is sincere, and I have no question that it explains his ability to surround himself with such a great group of friends.
One more thing: I cannot adequately convey how much happiness he brings to my life each and every day. He is a best friend, an artistic collaborator, a person that never disappoints and one that I know will never stop making me proud.

Now I can go home and get upset that he didn't put back my WaWa and overdrive pedals.

 Ed and Steven drove in in order to celebrate Lane's graduation, I know Lane appreciated them being able to watch him step forward to the next stage of his life.

Lane is going to miss the comfort of having an apartment to hang-out in each day after school. 

When my and dad gone most of the winter, he had the place to himself, when they were home he had the joy of their company.  

Mother's Day 2014

For many years we have established a Mother's Day tradition of heading over to Mom and Dad's condo for brunch, then a walk to and through the park. A rational person could question why our Mothers Day celebration centers around a plan which involves my mom doing a great deal of work, but families operate more by tradition than by logic.

I'm not sure how this got started, but the number of gift precipitants exceeds the notion that one buys a present for your mother, if fact it has expanded to purchasing gifts for every family member that carries a double X chromosome. I would love to say that I begin searching for the perfect gift in January, but the truth is I at best procrastinate, at worst totally forget. With my mind as sharp as Patrick's from Sponge Bob, the job of selecting and wrapping presents falls on my wonderful caring wife Ilene. A woman who is filled with the best of possible intentions, she is also over-whelmed with long lists of multi-part tasks piled onto her desk, and email in-box from work, while simultaneously having a husband and son, both asking her if she can find where we left our ADHD meds.

The typical level of chaos that comprises our daily lives has been sent into over-drive as Lane's last year of high school comes raining down, puddles forming at our feet. In addition to the deadlines that come free with graduation a few weeks away, Lane, true-to-form, has tacked on additional work including, rewrites, casting, rehearsals and staging of his full length play, Film Festival, completing the editing for the 12 grade film banner, editing a ruff-draft of his 30 minutes film "Coming Home" and performing a song with a friend from school. On Wednesday our dear fiend Stacy asks if we would attend a gala that her husband Scott was generous enough to purchase two tables for, but too busy at work to arrange to fill. It was so kind of them to ask, and we so enjoy spending time together, that of course we said yes. A new tux purchase later, we were ready to arrive; albeit 30 minutes late. Luckily Ilene had the good idea to shop for mother's day gifts at their silent auction.

Sunday we found our way to Mother's day brunch - late, but bearing gifts. We got to meet the Kirsch's newest addition, a fit-in-your-purse type dog as cute as can be, just like Kimberly's dog Georgia.

Here are a few pictures.