As I played this over the spring, You Were Always on My Mind became a song for my mom, and a story of my own commitment to continue knowing my parents more fully as an adult. A commitment to savoring however much time I have left with them, with greater joy and connection. I hope you enjoy it.
(And, in a behind the scenes note, I was super glad to get away with wearing my favorite earring, since the second one is sadly lost...)
The Big Summer Show June 25th
The Big Summer Show with M'Gilvery Allen (Live Debut!)
Sunday June 25th 4-6pm
The Backroom, Berkeley - 1984 Bontina Ave at MLK
Tickets here: $12 adv / $15 at the door
I'm super excited to share a bunch of new songs, and support the debut of my friend Gordon "M'Gilvery" Allen and his ethereal "post apocalyptic railroad blues." Gordon and I mostly collaborate by punching each other in silence at Aikido of Berkeley, so it will be a treat to publicly share our music collaborations as well. More info here.
Beginner Class
Harmonies for the Hot Tub with Carl Oser
Saturday, June 17th 3-6pm
The Freight & Salvage
more info and registration here
Carl and I had a blast doing this workshop a few months ago, so we're doin' it again! Continue down the road of demystifying two and three-part harmonies, so you're ready to add extra melodic pizazz the next time you're singing with friends. Using the building blocks of major and minor chords, we'll learn how to create harmony goosebumps and add parts to compliment melodies. more info
On a more public note
When the news broke last week about the Paris climate agreement, I couldn't help thinking of a story I heard about the Dali Lama. The reporter asked him "Who is your greatest spiritual teacher?" and the Dali Lama replied, to much surprise, "Chairman Mao," He later wrote, "It is the enemy who can truly teach us to practice the virtues of compassion and tolerance."
Of course, it is perfectly available to me to spin like Chicken Little in the face of such an epic issue, feeding on fear and worry and media. But maybe waaaay more interesting is feeling our anger and grief as power, and seeing what's possible if we ask "So what's next here, to do what we need to do?" I just loved reading about how governors and now over 200 mayors, including Pittsburgh's, did just that. (More in Small Victories.)
And who knew Thomas Jefferson would hit the nail on the head: "One person with courage is a majority." This will sure be an interesting time to be alive, and I'm really glad to get to do it with YOU.
Love,
MelanieAs I played this over the spring, You Were Always on My Mind became a song for my mom, and a story of my own commitment to continue knowing my parents more fully as an adult. A commitment to savoring however much time I have left with them, with greater joy and connection. I hope you enjoy it.
(And, in a behind the scenes note, I was super glad to get away with wearing my favorite earring, since the second one is sadly lost...)
The Big Summer Show June 25th
The Big Summer Show with M'Gilvery Allen (Live Debut!)
Sunday June 25th 4-6pm
The Backroom, Berkeley - 1984 Bontina Ave at MLK
Tickets here: $12 adv / $15 at the door
I'm super excited to share a bunch of new songs, and support the debut of my friend Gordon "M'Gilvery" Allen and his ethereal "post apocalyptic railroad blues." Gordon and I mostly collaborate by punching each other in silence at Aikido of Berkeley, so it will be a treat to publicly share our music collaborations as well. More info here.
Beginner Class
Harmonies for the Hot Tub with Carl Oser
Saturday, June 17th 3-6pm
The Freight & Salvage
more info and registration here
Carl and I had a blast doing this workshop a few months ago, so we're doin' it again! Continue down the road of demystifying two and three-part harmonies, so you're ready to add extra melodic pizazz the next time you're singing with friends. Using the building blocks of major and minor chords, we'll learn how to create harmony goosebumps and add parts to compliment melodies. more info
On a more public note
When the news broke last week about the Paris climate agreement, I couldn't help thinking of a story I heard about the Dali Lama. The reporter asked him "Who is your greatest spiritual teacher?" and the Dali Lama replied, to much surprise, "Chairman Mao," He later wrote, "It is the enemy who can truly teach us to practice the virtues of compassion and tolerance."
Of course, it is perfectly available to me to spin like Chicken Little in the face of such an epic issue, feeding on fear and worry and media. But maybe waaaay more interesting is feeling our anger and grief as power, and seeing what's possible if we ask "So what's next here, to do what we need to do?" I just loved reading about how governors and now over 200 mayors, including Pittsburgh's, did just that. (More in Small Victories.)
And who knew Thomas Jefferson would hit the nail on the head: "One person with courage is a majority." This will sure be an interesting time to be alive, and I'm really glad to get to do it with YOU.
Love,
Melanie
