Live Show LOWDOWN
2023 was the year of YES. 12 months ago, I made a promise to myself to say yes to whatever performance opportunities presented themselves, whether or not I felt 100% prepared for them. This was my way of pushing myself forward and challenging myself to grow beyond my comfort zone. That meant if I received a live show opportunity, I accepted it and would do whatever it prepare for it – even if it required a last-minute setlist scramble, or rehearsing up to the day of the performance, (OR getting a few sparkly outfits on rush order!) Despite opening up myself to the possibility of stress and failure, I predicted this chaotic approach might just be worth the risk in the end. Or if nothing else, I’d at least rack up more valuable hours of performance experience and have a few interesting stories to tell, right?
***I won’t go into ALL the stories here now, but here are just a few of the biggest highlights from the year.***
ATX Songwriters Collective Showcases – I performed twice for the monthly songwriting showcases I started with my friends Monica and Josh – ATX Songwriters Collective is a the new organization we started this year to highlight the best of Austin songwriting talent and give artists a supportive, attentive listening room environment in which to share their songs and stories. I always love the intimacy of these shows and the chance it gives me to meet and share the stage with great musicians throughout the city.
Bodies of Work III Art Show – This was one of the most unique and creative events I was part of this past year! It was an art show curated by my friend Leah Bury in Austin’s 5th St. art gallery district, showcasing the diverse work of local artists in a wide variety of media that ranged from painting and photography to street art and body painting and live performance art. The show ended with live music performances by a DJ, myself, and one of my fav local R&B/hip-hop artists, Johnny Jukebox. An outdoor show in July, it was also probably one of the hottest shows I played all year, but also one of the most unique and memorabl!
HAAM Day – In September, I joined other bands and artists performing in venues across the city to raise money for HAAM (the Health Alliance of Austin Musicians). I had a blast performing a solo set at the newest location of Wanderlust Wine Co. on Barton Springs Rd. then sticking around to hear all the other great music acts, including one of my fav local groups the Soul Sirens.
“27-Teen” EP Release Show with Monica Moser and Deer Fellow – One my all-time favorite shows this year was a show where I was the opener and supporting act for my friend Monica, who was celebrating the release of her EP, “27-Teen.” I loved being the opener and really leaned into the role of hype-person before the show! (I felt in some ways that hype-person might actually be my truest calling!) Because it was a listening-room style venue and most everyone in the crowd were friends and people we knew, the energy in the room was just unparalleled. Any of the usual tension or nerves I might get when performing all melted away and I felt free to just be in the moment and just let loose with the crowd. (Images from that show below, photo cred: Matt Morgan)
Looking back I did, as predicted, end up with a lot of interesting stories to tell about gigs that may not have gone as planned or weren’t what I expected. But the growth that came with the challenges was so worth it. With every show, I learned so much about myself as an artist and performer and I’m so grateful for every opportunity that landed in my way, whether big or small. I know I’ve only just dipped my toe in the water when it comes to performance possibilities – especially in a vibrant live music town like Austin. But I’m excited to see what performance opportunities might come my way in the new year. And you better believe that I’ll be even more practiced, more excited, and more prepared to respond to show opportunities with a resounding, confident YES.
