Most of us have grown tired of the constant reminders of COVID-19 and how we're no longer able to play indoors like we once did. I know... it's kinda sad and I miss those days too. I'm sharing this post as a way to say "hello" and to check in with fellow musicians who may also be blue.
I want to keep this post pretty light and upbeat, but I have to acknowledge those who have experienced emotional distress, a personal loss, family issues or professional strife as a musician, due to the pandemic. For some folks the INSTANT loss of income continues to have a direct impact on their lives and an indirect impact on everything else (retail, dining, music stores, instructors...) and its sad.
I have also read that even some of our greatest national artists and tour groups have struggled with boredom, anxiety, depression and the loss of their own identities as artists. Many of us locals feel the same.
These are extremely tough days and circumstances - but Muhammad Ali (the GOAT) said, "Don't count the days, make the days count." I agree that's where our focus needs to be, but sometimes we all need a little help. We should continue to support each other as musicians and do all we can to try to keep moving forward to get through this. We will eventually.
I would really enjoy hearing from everyone (even if you don't know me) to learn what you've been up to over the past few months. I think it would be cool to compile and publish a summary of the types of crazy stuff we've all been through this year. I'll try to figure out how to do that if you provide me with your input by clicking the button below when you're done reading.
As for me, the highlight of my summer consisted of getting into a really tough bicycle crash, where I broke my left hand and messed up my right shoulder. Physical injuries are normally devastating for most musicians but they're particularly hard on drummers, as we have to move/carry and set up hundreds of pounds of drum equipment before and after we perform. Here's a brief picture gallery of what happened to me on August 7, 2020:
After about three months, I'm able to play a little now but I'm not 100% and I still can't move my gear very well on my own.
That's about it for me but please let me hear back from you (even if I don't know you) about whatever you've been up to for the past few months. You can use the button above and remain anonymous if you choose. Again, I just want to know our fellow musician friends are okay and hear about what we've all been up to - for those who don't mind sharing.
So lets all pause for a sec and check out the baby goats in pajamas. I'm not sure why these little guys seem so happy but it helps me to reflect on the pre-COVID times, knowing we'll all be back and able to play indoors again one day. We should all REALLY be sharp and ready to play when that time comes again!
Thanks for checking out this post and for sharing your info if you did or plan to do so. For those local DMV musicians who would like to remain engaged, be sure to check in with Magic Ray, as he hosts a few video calls each week from 8pm to 10pm for musicians.
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