Hello friends,
I've been reflecting lately on this past year, and all the fantastic music making I've gotten to do, trying to find the throughline of what makes this crazy life work (for me!). I think it comes down to making time to do a combination of performing and teaching, and the creative development to support both, and- making friends with the necessary administration of being my own boss. It also comes down to finding balance between all the outword looking adventures that come with traveling and all the inword looking adventures that come with staying home. And, most importantly, it means connecting with community along the way. So, as one facet of my community: thank you for reading! Don't hesitate to say hi, I love hearing from you!
On my mind lately is preparing for a recently announced concert at Caffe Lena with a project that James and I have been brewing lately: The Millstone Rounders. Listen to this radio interview we did last week talking about the show, and introducing the band: Matt Griffin, Benny Bleu, and Eric Marjan.
The concert is Sunday, December 15th, at 7pm. If you are in the vicinity of Saratoga Springs, we'd love to see you there! TICKET LINK. There will also be a studio quality livestream, if you want to tune in from afar.
Drank The Gold also have two shows left this year - both at our favorite sounding and friendliest barn: The Cock ‘n Bull. This Friday we will be accompany your dinner from 6-9 pm - we got word last night that they have enough tables requesting to be near the music that they have moved us out of the bar room and into the main dining room! So - don’t sleep on those reservations: 518-882-6962.
Next week, Sunday, December 22nd, we'll be back with our friends Chris Carey and Tim Wechgelaer for our annual “Christmas Spectacular” concert. This is one of my favorite ways to get in the holiday spirit, and we're working of some new material special for the show. Come - I predict they will have actual chestnuts roasting on an open fire!
Okay - intermission: I'm eating a most delicious Bacon and Brussels Sprout Frittata from Smitten Kitchen, and I just had to share. If you're looking for a new breakfast (or anytime of day, really!) that uses fairly standard ingredients and makes well ahead of time - this is my current favorite :-)
If you've made it this far, thank you!
I keep hearing statistics batted around about our loneliness epidemic, and I think connecting through music is one powerful yet humble way to combat it. Come to a show, but - better yet, learn to play yourself!
I'm proud to work with Caffe Lena and their music school offering Folk Ensemble classes for young people and Little Folks shows for the very young and their caregivers. If finances are a barrier, Caffe Lena offers generous scholarships.
In addition, the Winter Village Music Camp is coming up next month, and I'm so excited to join such a fantastic faculty of musicians. If you can swing it, it'll be the perfect pick-me-up after the holidays! I believe scholarships are available there too - don't hesitate to ask if you need.
And, with that, I'll be back in touch in 2025. I look forward to seeing you around! Come say hi!
xo Oona