2020 is a strange, stressful year. COVID19 has affected us all. But my heart especially mourns for those who became ill, or lost their lives, and the families they left behind.
The impact on me as a musician pales in comparison to that kind of suffering, but it has been a stressful year nonetheless. I have been frustrated by the loss of performance revenue, but more than just the money, I deeply miss the contact with an audience. I LOVE performing, feeling that energy, and it almost hurts to not be playing. There is still so much uncertainty. I have no events scheduled as of now, and probably won’t until a vaccine is discovered and venues are allowed to host live indoor performers again. With cold weather creeping in, there are fewer outdoors venues to play. (Besides, years ago I swore off any more outdoor winter gigs after I played a Christmas Party for the Augusta Exchange Chick-fil-A and nearly froze my patootie off! lol!)
But in spite of all the uncertainty, there are so many blessings! When my scheduled gigs got canceled last spring, I began hosting Quarantine Concerts every Friday night for about 8 weeks, and they were so much fun! It was “almost” as good as playing in person for you. Quarantine allowed me time to focus on my book (which is being edited!), and it gave me the time to record my latest CD, “Lullabies and Songs My Mothers Sang.”
I am very grateful for YOU, for supporting me by listening to my music, attending my events, buying my CDs and downloads (bless you!), and sharing my music with your friends and families. You give me the encouragement and strength to continue.
So this Thanksgiving, I thank God for all of my blessings: my husband, children, grand baby, and family. And I especially thank God for all of YOU, and what your love and friendship has meant to me. May God richly bless you and yours this Thanksgiving and always!
Love always,
Theresa Jo
