Goodbye 2022, Hello 2023!

I don’t write “New Year Resolutions.” But as the year comes to a close, I always review my year listing what I ended up accomplishing, and compare it to the list of goals I had set the previous year. These are not always the same… Several goals might not be met, but other things may have been accomplished that I had no idea I would be doing. Set as goals, I don’t have to feel like a failure for not keeping a resolution, so I don’t “resolve” to do anything, but instead, put out a list of what I hope to do.

This is a special time for me to reflect and consider if any of the previous year’s goals are still important enough to add to this year’s goals. But also to smile and pat myself on the back for the opportunities that popped up through the year that I had not anticipated.

One thing I had not anticipated is getting to know so many new friends through this blog – I’m loving the interaction and discussion that follows some of the topics!

I wish you a successful, interesting, healthy, happy new year, and hope to see you in the coming months at one of the online or in person events coming up!

Here is what is happening in January, 2023:

Two online workshops:

Saturday, January 7^th, 10 am – 1 pm pacific time: “Mixolydian Magic” for any instrument, any level. Mixolydian Mode is a magical mode for improvisation. We’ll spend some time with a handful of lesser-known Mixolydian tunes to add to your repertoire, and we’ll use them as a basis for improvisation. Handouts include a chart for lever harp and a chart for guitar that show how to play in Mixolydian Mode on your instrument. You’ll also get a list of the coolest chord progressions to use for Mixolydian improvisation in addition to the packet of tunes for the class. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Here’s how to register: https://tinyurl.com/Mixolydianmagic

Saturday January 14^th, 10 am – 1 pm pacific time: "Lullabies for Babies & Grownups" open to all harpists, guitarists, and other instrumentalists as well. This class will be a good way to add lullabies to your repertoire that can be used for soothing and calming babies of all ages (0 – 100+)! We’ll not simply play through the lullabies in the handouts – we’ll also cover what it is that makes them lullabies, and what we should consider in both composing and improvising our own lullabies! If you are a guitarist, be sure to let me know so I can send the guitar tablature for each tune. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Here’s how to register: https://tinyurl.com/lullabiesworkshop

Two performances (one live and one online):

 

Sunday, January 8^th, 4:30 – 7:30 pm pacific time: Live performance with Gaelic Muses at Wheelhouse of Willow Glen: 1173 Lincoln Avenue in San Jose, CA. Here’s our promo blurb: Gaelic Muses is a high-energy, three-person, all-female band playing Celtic-inspired music from many genres, including Traditional Folk, Rock, and Movie Soundtracks. With a vast array of instruments to match the mood of any song, Gaelic Muses is a powerhouse of musical prowess with a repertoire to match! Jigs, Reels, Airs, Movie Themes, Pirate Songs, Celtic Rock, and original pop-Celtic mashups combined with strong vocals and a playful stage presence make this band a must-see and hear!

Saturday, January 28^th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm pacific time: Live-stream concert on Zoom, “Life Stages: Songs and for those who care for the elderly.”  I had written a number of songs during the time when my parents were facing the challenges of aging, Alzheimer’s, and the end of life. But don’t worry, the songs are not all sad! As I have been performing more and more in assisted living facilities, I have grown to love and appreciate songs of yesterday that bring happy memories and smiles. So, it will be a mix of original songs and familiar songs, with some stories about my experiences with my parents, my work with patients in the hospital, and my performances at assisted living facilities.

This concert will be a way to share in those experiences even if you don’t have aging parents or play music for this demographic. I will sing and play both my Celtic harp and my double-strung harp, with a few songs on guitar. Those who play therapeutic music in hospitals or for hospice and anyone who has a loved one who is in their sunset years will particularly identify with the music. The concert is free to attend, but seating is limited, so sign up soon! Here is the link: https://tinyurl.com/LifeStagesConcert

I just posted an Instagram reel you might enjoy! Be sure to unmute and turn your speakers on so you can sing along! 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmw6GVKqvI0/

Hope to see you either online or in person in the new year!

💕Verlene