Jen's Folk Music Newsletter for June
Hello hello all you wonderful people!
Can you believe it’s already nearly the Solstice?
New Music
So many verses have come through my pen this month. Older songs growing new roots, new songs unfolding, all good things…
Here’s one from January that I thought was done… until this week, when a new verse arrived, and it is so good.
Concert Season Update
I’m so looking forward to singing for and with you all in July! June is filled with gardening and with the amazingness that is the by-and-for trans-non-binary song circle. Please please reach out if you want to join in!
My health continues to improve slowly and unevenly, so I’ve only got one full-length show this year!
July 20, 7 - 9 pm at Keren Price’s yard. 4652 Vincent Ave S, Minneaplolis, MN. $5-15 suggested; proceeds go to Rainbow Railroad
It’s going to be a good one, though. It may be your only chance this year to hear some of my favorite new songs. Most other shows are shorter forty-five minute sets:
Powderhorn Porch Fest (September 21)
Unconfirmed, but I’m hopeful that my application will be accepted for a return visit to Powderhorn Porch Fest 2024. Look for a follow-up in my next newsletter.September 28 6:30 - 10pm with Idle Rose and Bad Posture Club Location TBD! Looking for a big yard in south Minneapolis!
$15 or pay-what-you-can; proceeds go to the traveling bands, and to Rainbow Railroad.
It’s hard to imagine a sweeter night than this; three acts with soulful songwriting and delightful harmony, singing for you all. Links: Idle Rose , Bad Posture ClubWisconSing 2024 (August 10-13 in Dodgeville, WI)
Sadly I had to back out of this; I’m not yet able to travel that far and maintain my health. But it’s a wonderful event and I urge you to check it out!
Facebook Event, Registration Form
New Merch!
I’m putting together a zine-like songbook for sale at this summer’s events. Based mostly on photocopies of my own personal song notebook, it has little in the way of chords or notation, but lots and lots of words (and a few doodles).
A poem and goodnight
Thanks so much for reading, and I hope to see your smiling faces soon! Here’s a poem.
Shoes (Birthday Shoes) 8/17/2023
Today, I am wearing my birthday shoes
all day
It is late summer, and the grass is still soft for now
I meet the world with strength and a delicacy
That allows me to know that I have
stepped on a sand-burr
but not be too hurt by it
I know when it is time to sweep my kitchen floor
I know the thin places that open in the woods —
and even in the city
And how a birch twig can soften
(or is it my shoes?)
I know where I am standing, today —
I am wearing my birthday shoes
all
day.
Love, light, and song
—Jen