Hey Ari:) The isolation periods of Covid, have actually improved my relationship with myself, it’s caused me to be more in alignment with who I am. The space from my normal routine as an artist, which is being on the road, with lots of people most of the time, very social, and then the change to being off of the road indefinitely, and being more socially distanced from my band, and everyone, and not doing shows at all right now, gave me sort of an identity crisis at first, but now going into year 3, I have more clarity than before on what choosing to be happy and satisfied, in this moment, right now, really means. This change to my regular life, has given an opportunity to step outside myself, and look at things from a different perspective. It’s given me a greater appreciation for the little things, and helped me to let go of needing to want control the things I can’t control. As much as playing live music, has always been my lifeline on so many levels, I can only make peace with the moment as it is, and be happy now, by finding something to appreciate. There’s always something to appreciate! Sometimes we just have to get creative:)
I loved your story of self reflection. Thank you for sharing. Hope and pray that you can get back on the road soon. It's artists like yourself that have been a big part of so many lives. Take care, and God Bless You!!!🎼🎤🙏
I see this show in February. I’m so excited and can’t wait. I love what they did. I’ve been baking & cooking, trying new recipes. Also some crafts, but what has saved me thru this pandemic is hiking. Nature makes me happy. I love that your parents listen to such great music. Go Mom & Dad!
Excellent newsletter on David Byrne, your friend Bobby Wooten III and the show, American Utopia. Great thinking on David and Bobby being creative in this day and age of COVID-19. I watched them on The Beat (Fallback Friday). I love David Byrne’s statement, “This is our opportunity to make lemonade from covid lemons.”
I bought my ticket to see their show on December 23rd but due to omicron surging cases, the show got cancelled. I hope that the omicron cases go down by April (bought my ticket for the April 2nd show).
What’s the most creative or positive thing that’s come out of this era for you?
Importance of human connection: checking on friends and family to see if they are ok, crowds gathering but carefully
Importance of technology: technology is essential and this helped us to work remotely and connect remotely with friends
Life is a lesson, we learn and continue to learn every day
Bravo to David Byrne, Bobby Wooten, and the whole cast! Bobby mentioned that they created the new show within the span of a week. That’s impressive.
After a 22 year hiatus, I picked up the violin again in 2020 and have been practicing steadily with the assistance of my violin teacher for over a year now. As far as “covid hobbies” go, it’s a good one!
Beautiful things whether it is art, music, books, cooking, etc. whatever brings joy to your heart has helped a lot of folks cope with the ugly Covid cards we have been dealt! Congrats on picking up your instrument again! Play on girlfriend!😊🎻💖
Maybe others won'tt appreciate my opinion. But in this busy age of everyone in the family running in all directions, : I believe that families having to stay together because of Covid, . have reunified. And gotten to know and appreciate each other. Because I myself now living by alone, I know how much I miss having my family with me. Is that selfish?
COVID-19 didn’t impact my life significantly. At one point, I had to rise above the fear and do what I knew was sound: Wear a mask and Wash my hands. Thus far, I’ve been fine. But nothing beats David Byrne’s tasty lemonade. His strategy was brilliant, and gave me a big chuckle. Now, that’s keeping it real.
Peter Jordan and Rocky Rolleti was a group of session musicians from Winnipeg, Canada. They put together a lineup of the most dance-able songs of the 50s and 60s. Best beer bashes in history! It wasn't about cranking out new content, it wasn't about being on top, it was just about loving the music. Que Take Me To The River by The Talking Heads :)
I realized I wasn’t exposed to the common cold as much… in fact wearing the mask is a smart thing to do while marketing and shopping.. I did reconnect with high school friends through the pandemic.. I am so glad I did☺️
I was in NYC in early December with tickets to American Utopia. It was cancelled the day before the performance, and the alternative was not yet offered. I did see AU on HBO, but wanted to see it in person. I’m glad David was creative - who wouldn’t love that?!! Your interview just now with Navarro et al was riveting. Like a blockbuster legal drama.
I’m certainly glad never to have met you in court! Great newsletter and great show tonight. Peace!
For me, getting back to my creative roots to make the isolation less destructive on the psyche. Covid was a great catalyst to help me realize that we should never let go of our dreams. It brought mortality clear into view. As for American Utopia, I recently saw it on Broadway and it uplifts the spirit, the music makes the body move to help you forget about the outside pandemic that plagues us. Although, mask wearing was that constant reminder it was lurking around us. I am glad the show must go on as it was a great service to humanity!🙏🏽 Bravo David Byrne!
I love how David Byrne created lemonade. I bet those impromptu performances had a more intimate feel about them that audiences connected to in a different, maybe more profound way. For me, I had to completely reimagine how to work, going from in person to telehealth evaluations (and still doing it). Shockingly, I am getting a much richer understanding of my clients through telehealth. Another positive…finding you! I was never home at 6 to see The Beat!!
Loved your interview with David and your friend Bobby. It would have been great to have been able to attend the "Improve" show they did. I'll bet you really enjoyed it. Your show on Friday, 1/21 was so GREAT. Once again you hit it out of the park. Another Emmy maybe????
Hey Ari:) The isolation periods of Covid, have actually improved my relationship with myself, it’s caused me to be more in alignment with who I am. The space from my normal routine as an artist, which is being on the road, with lots of people most of the time, very social, and then the change to being off of the road indefinitely, and being more socially distanced from my band, and everyone, and not doing shows at all right now, gave me sort of an identity crisis at first, but now going into year 3, I have more clarity than before on what choosing to be happy and satisfied, in this moment, right now, really means. This change to my regular life, has given an opportunity to step outside myself, and look at things from a different perspective. It’s given me a greater appreciation for the little things, and helped me to let go of needing to want control the things I can’t control. As much as playing live music, has always been my lifeline on so many levels, I can only make peace with the moment as it is, and be happy now, by finding something to appreciate. There’s always something to appreciate! Sometimes we just have to get creative:)
I loved your story of self reflection. Thank you for sharing. Hope and pray that you can get back on the road soon. It's artists like yourself that have been a big part of so many lives. Take care, and God Bless You!!!🎼🎤🙏
Much appreciated:)✌🏽
I see this show in February. I’m so excited and can’t wait. I love what they did. I’ve been baking & cooking, trying new recipes. Also some crafts, but what has saved me thru this pandemic is hiking. Nature makes me happy. I love that your parents listen to such great music. Go Mom & Dad!
Excellent newsletter on David Byrne, your friend Bobby Wooten III and the show, American Utopia. Great thinking on David and Bobby being creative in this day and age of COVID-19. I watched them on The Beat (Fallback Friday). I love David Byrne’s statement, “This is our opportunity to make lemonade from covid lemons.”
I bought my ticket to see their show on December 23rd but due to omicron surging cases, the show got cancelled. I hope that the omicron cases go down by April (bought my ticket for the April 2nd show).
What’s the most creative or positive thing that’s come out of this era for you?
Importance of human connection: checking on friends and family to see if they are ok, crowds gathering but carefully
Importance of technology: technology is essential and this helped us to work remotely and connect remotely with friends
Life is a lesson, we learn and continue to learn every day
Bravo to David Byrne, Bobby Wooten, and the whole cast! Bobby mentioned that they created the new show within the span of a week. That’s impressive.
After a 22 year hiatus, I picked up the violin again in 2020 and have been practicing steadily with the assistance of my violin teacher for over a year now. As far as “covid hobbies” go, it’s a good one!
Alright, keep playing!
Beautiful things whether it is art, music, books, cooking, etc. whatever brings joy to your heart has helped a lot of folks cope with the ugly Covid cards we have been dealt! Congrats on picking up your instrument again! Play on girlfriend!😊🎻💖
What a wonderful "covid hobby"..😀🎻🎼
Maybe others won'tt appreciate my opinion. But in this busy age of everyone in the family running in all directions, : I believe that families having to stay together because of Covid, . have reunified. And gotten to know and appreciate each other. Because I myself now living by alone, I know how much I miss having my family with me. Is that selfish?
No, you are not being selfish at all. Wanting to be with your family is called love.💗😊
No.. you are not selfish 🤗
COVID-19 didn’t impact my life significantly. At one point, I had to rise above the fear and do what I knew was sound: Wear a mask and Wash my hands. Thus far, I’ve been fine. But nothing beats David Byrne’s tasty lemonade. His strategy was brilliant, and gave me a big chuckle. Now, that’s keeping it real.
Oh by the way Ari … lol… awesome show!! Loved it☺️
Peter Jordan and Rocky Rolleti was a group of session musicians from Winnipeg, Canada. They put together a lineup of the most dance-able songs of the 50s and 60s. Best beer bashes in history! It wasn't about cranking out new content, it wasn't about being on top, it was just about loving the music. Que Take Me To The River by The Talking Heads :)
I realized I wasn’t exposed to the common cold as much… in fact wearing the mask is a smart thing to do while marketing and shopping.. I did reconnect with high school friends through the pandemic.. I am so glad I did☺️
would love if this impromto show would be televised.
I was in NYC in early December with tickets to American Utopia. It was cancelled the day before the performance, and the alternative was not yet offered. I did see AU on HBO, but wanted to see it in person. I’m glad David was creative - who wouldn’t love that?!! Your interview just now with Navarro et al was riveting. Like a blockbuster legal drama.
I’m certainly glad never to have met you in court! Great newsletter and great show tonight. Peace!
Sorry to hear that on the timing, glad you saw the hbo version!
For me, getting back to my creative roots to make the isolation less destructive on the psyche. Covid was a great catalyst to help me realize that we should never let go of our dreams. It brought mortality clear into view. As for American Utopia, I recently saw it on Broadway and it uplifts the spirit, the music makes the body move to help you forget about the outside pandemic that plagues us. Although, mask wearing was that constant reminder it was lurking around us. I am glad the show must go on as it was a great service to humanity!🙏🏽 Bravo David Byrne!
Side note: Bobby Wooten III is a sweetheart!💖😊
I love how David Byrne created lemonade. I bet those impromptu performances had a more intimate feel about them that audiences connected to in a different, maybe more profound way. For me, I had to completely reimagine how to work, going from in person to telehealth evaluations (and still doing it). Shockingly, I am getting a much richer understanding of my clients through telehealth. Another positive…finding you! I was never home at 6 to see The Beat!!
Stay close to your love ones and much closer even to your books, chess sets and chess.com
Loved your interview with David and your friend Bobby. It would have been great to have been able to attend the "Improve" show they did. I'll bet you really enjoyed it. Your show on Friday, 1/21 was so GREAT. Once again you hit it out of the park. Another Emmy maybe????
They put on a great show, along with the whole cast, I can attest to that! Thanks Donna
BTW Ari, love your sweatshirt. Yes, you are a dreamer & a dream (don’t blush)! 😊🤭😉