Music has always been one of the great loves of my life. As I write this, I’m sitting in the sun on my back porch with some NOLA jazz blaring from my phone. If I close my eyes and don’t think about it too much, it’s almost like I’m sitting on the beach! #wishfulthinking
While we have been quarantined, I’ve turned to music even more than usual. There’s only so much Disney+ and Baby John that this mama can listen to, ya know?? Every day after breakfast, we shut off the tv and crank the tunes. I decided a long time ago that I wanted my kiddo to have the same love of music that I do so I try and expose him to as many different types as possible. We cycle between classics like Sinatra, Clooney, Dolly & Cash, to 80s rock and 90s hip hop. His personal go-to’s right now are Prince, The Beatles, and anything 80s, so yes, he’s definitely mine.
My husband, Chris, is a full time musician, and we were heading into our busy season when the great Corn-Teen of 2020 set in. His shows have obviously been cancelled, but he’s still found a way to bring SoWal’s favorite local musicians into everyone’s living rooms from our very own backyard.
He live streams his solo show from our house multiple times a week and is the musical guest for a local late night show called Side Hugs. Hosted by Kevin Boyle and featuring Christine Tarpey from Better Together Beverage, it’s the SoWal version of Watch What Happens Live! The jokes are hilarious, and Christine crafts delicious cocktails each episode.
Chris has also partnered with Visit South Walton for their Virtual Beach Vibes show every Thursday at 6:30. We’ve had different musicians each week come over to play on our back deck (while staying 6 ft apart) while viewers request songs and tip the artists. Don’t worry, we’re taking extra precautions to keep everyone safe. (The musicians bring all their own gear, and come in through the back gate so there’s little time spent in the house. I disinfect everything before and after each show including, door handles, switch plates, and the back gate. I also make sure fresh towels and hand sanitizer are readily available.)
I usually end up playing Gellman/the peanut gallery keeping the conversation going and reading the requests. Add in some of my fav champagne, and I feel like I’m back at my favorite local haunts again! It does my little extroverted heart good to chat with other locals about something NOT corona-related. I always end up feeling refreshed and relaxed after having a taste of almost-normal life. Sometimes, that might even lead to an almost-normal life hangover…oops. I keep forgetting I’m not 25 anymore. #TooOldToRage
From listening to music with my dad in the car when I was a kid, to my time in high school theater, and even to the musician I married, music has always played a part in my life.
Music is a powerful tool when we need to adjust our mood or zone out for a bit. It’s been hard being stuck at home, but escaping through music has made it more bearable. We are lucky that this happened in the age of Facebook and Spotify! It’s been a special experience getting to watch our favorites play from the comfort of their own homes.
Thank you to all the artists that have invited us in to your world and lifted our spirits with your talents. We are so grateful!
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