Happy sticky july, mailing list!

I know I’ve been quiet on this newsletter for many months now. I’ve been gigging as a sideman this spring, but mostly grinding away at video work and huge life transitions. (Linking a couple recent video projects below!)

I’m stretching my legs out a bit as a bandleader tomorrow, Wednesday July 1, 7-9p at St. Vincent Wine on Georgia Ave in DC. I’ll be playing violin, backed up by my faves Zoë Jorgenson on bass and Keith Butler Jr. on drums. Setlist is my tunes, plus some of my favorite jazz pieces, old and new. Come hang out and have a glass!

That’s all for now. I’ll copy my signoff from my last email:

Hope everyone’s staying safe out there. If you’re looking for a place to put your frustration and anxiety about the masked thugs running roughshod over our city, I’d love if you joined me in the Migrant Solidary Mutual Aid community, doing what we can to make our targeted neighbors feel less alone.

The late and great Aaron Martin‘s words are still with me:

“We play music that is anti-racist — anti-capitalist — and anti-imperialist!”

Art alone saves nothing, but nothing can be saved without art. It’s been a tough year for me so far, and I know I’m not alone. I’m hoping to fuel my own spirit with music-making this summer, and I hope I can help some other folks too.

— J