I found out today that an old friend, a talented singer/songwriter, passed away alone, far from people who cared about him. It shook me. I immediately picked up my phone and contacted my dear friends in a songwriter circle we started nearly four decades ago and set up a writer’s circle at my house. I realized, with the news of our friend Shane’s passing, that we have not yet shaken off the cloak of covid that separated all of us from the people who are part of our varying circles. I’ve felt myself become complacent with connecting virtually, and even at that, only occasionally. That needs to change. One hug at a time, I suppose.
It really is sweet to be back to live performances. I am doing half a dozen shows each month at care centers, rehab facilities and other places where people are unable to get out to performances. I’ve been doing this for roughly twenty years, except for during the pandemic. It’s one of my favorite gigs. There are beautiful collective histories in those places. I can feel it when I look in the eyes of my audiences. I truly love sharing space with people who find life in the songs of their youth. Half of these shows are facilitated by the non-profit organization HEART & SOUL. I am also currently spending a couple days a week singing songs with First Graders as they prepare for their end of school program. The contrast in age between these two groups of people reminds me that music really is the common language.
I look forward in the next couple months to performing in a variety of events. Songs of compassion and understanding for those who are grieving at an annual Grief Conference at the U of U, singing and playing with my friends Mark Robinette and Kelly DeHaan and Mike Montoya for sweet young dancers for the Clytie Adams School of Ballet Recitals at Weber State University in June, and Filling the summer air with my own tunes at the Davis Arts Council’s Sunday Concert Series at Ed Kenley Amphitheater in Layton UT on our Anniversary (June 25th). Mark and Kelly will join me for that show. Come join us with the people you love. Its free.
Here’s hoping you’re all well and connecting with the people you care about.
