I've Got the Music in Me

Hi there, Stranger! I’ve been in a very interesting season of life filled with many

experiences that are healing my past and shaping my future. Let’s start with music.

Hopefully, you are aware that I released my first single, “Let Me Believe” into the world on

August 28, which was by the way, a full moon AND an eclipse! It was definitely a great day to

release art into the world! The reception has been amazing and I want to thank those

that listened to the song, have given me wonderful feedback, and even saved it on their

playlist! If you haven’t listened yet, I would love it if you would! Here’s the link and it’s available on all streaming platforms in and outside of the US!

I am currently writing music but also curating a playlist that includes songs and poems

from my books. Once I get things in shape, I will set up some gigs so we can hang out

together and have a great time. I also hope to record more music and practice at some

more open mics.

I have been part of a trio with Debra (on acoustic and electric guitar) and Dick (on slide guitar, piano and organ and any other instrument you can put in his hands!) – we are calling ourselves “Second Story”. Right now, we have a couple of songs that we are going to debut at an event that Debra is organizing with two other bands for October 10. I love playing with these two and feel incredibly blessed and honored that they want me to sing with them.

Let’s get to my indulgent concert-going adventures! I decided that music truly

makes my world go ‘round. I went to Red Rocks Amphitheater to see Sarah McLachlan

and Brandi Carlile this summer. Allison Russell and the Rainbow Coalition opened for

Sarah and Stephen Wilson, Jr. opened for Brandi – both incredible acts. Red Rocks is

its own ecosystem and it’s beautiful, gigantic and beyond words. If you’re thinking

about it and have wanted to go there – do it. But call me first for advice on logistics. I also saw Brandi Carlile in Madison, WI at Breese Stevens Field. If the weather

cooperates, nothing beats an outdoor concert. The band “I’m With Her” opened at

Breese and they are incredible – the harmonies!

In mid-September, I went with friends to see Mumford & Sons at the Kohl Center in

Madison, WI. It was my first time seeing them and they did not disappoint! We had floor

tickets and there was a big gap between us and the seats in front of us. Of course, we

didn’t think anything of it until people from the venue started using their headsets and

bam! The band came right by us and did an acoustic set about 10 feet from our seats. What a

wild night!

Dana Perry, musician extraordinaire, put together the 3rd EyeSight Festival in Dane,

just outside of Madison. It was at a picturesque barn/farm with a bunch of very talented musicians, including Melissa Kieler and Dana and her band. It was the first

year for this festival and I hope that it comes back next year!

I just got back from two days in Chicago visiting my friend Adie and going to the Sara Bareilles shows at the Chicago Theatre. Adie and I went on Sunday night and braved the crazy traffic, but in the process, got to see some beautiful neighborhoods along the way. I used to live in Chicago a couple different times in my life and always thought I’d live there – I fell in love with the skyline and the city. Sydney and I were able to be a part of the Q&A before the show on Monday and Sara brought her dog along and talked

with us for 30 minutes. She listened to stories of how people got to know her and

answered questions. It was a touching experience. I brought along one of my books,

“The End of the Beginning” and hoped to give it to her. It was hard to get to all of us

eager to have a moment to chat with her, but at the last second, I was able to give her

the poetry book that Sydney, my daughter, and I collaborated on (Syd designed the

cover). I was beyond happy. Just as she alchemizes love, pain and grief into music for us, I wanted to give her something that we alchemized into poetry and art for her. I hope she reads it, but I’m happy to have had the chance to at least put a copy in her hands while Sydney and I were together that night.

I love and appreciate all of the friends and family that have attended these concerts with me. I continue to be the luckiest person I know when it comes to my beautiful and amazing support system. You might be wondering what is happening with writing beyond songwriting. (Well, at least I hope you’re wondering!)

A couple of my poems were included in a healing anthology called “A State of Healing”

(here is the link to purchase on Amazon). G. Anthony put this book

together with all Wisconsin authors and then assembled them at the Oshkosh Public

Library for the book launch. It was a magical night. All of the authors were given a lit necklace which just added to the fairytale of being in the presence of so many wonderful poets. We listened to many of the poets featured and it reminded me of how much effort went into this anthology for the purpose of people not feeling alone and healing. Thank

you, G. Anthony, for all of your efforts.

My book for widows and widowers will be coming out this year. “Widow’s Survival

Guide” is well on its way and printing is the next step. This has been a labor of love but

also one of deep reflection. I am writing the book I wished I had when my husband died.

This week, one of my friend’s brother-in-law passed suddenly and I offered her a copy of the unbound book along with my poetry books. It brought me back to that time when I was in shock and just trying to get by – one moment at a time. For all of you that are experiencing great loss and grief, I see you.

My schedule over these past few months has been bonkers! Frankly, I kind of wonder what I’m doing. But when I’m sitting at the Chicago Theatre with my daughter listening to Sara Bareilles sing and her exceptional band play, I know what I’m doing. I’m enjoying life, healing, learning and growing as a person. Art changes us for the better if we let it and I’m bringing it in!

I hope you are doing well and just know I’m giving you the highlights. More adventures to come in October and November, so stay tuned!

Let’s chat soon.

With affection,

Carrie VS