July 2020 Newsletter | How Do We Remain Curious?

Hello Friends,

I've been thinking a lot about curiosity this year. I found myself walking through a creative desert for a while. I wandered, constantly moving, but no songs were born. I could barely even listen to music. Prior to that time, I had always been willing and eager to check out a new-to-me artist. I was constantly scribbling down song ideas. Suddenly, it all stopped. In the process, I felt like I lost myself.

Maybe it had something to do with moving halfway across the country to a town where almost no one knew me? Maybe it had to do with learning how to balance a new relationship and constant touring? Maybe it had something to do with being alone on stage, just me and my guitar, for the first time in my performing career? Whatever it was, it was uncomfortable.

I believe curiosity is the key to a long, interesting creative career. I'll never forget sitting in Linda Ronstadt's living room and taking in all of the books surrounding her: "The History of Jazz," "100 Session Musicians You've Never Heard Of..." She talked about how Emmy had turned her onto First Aid Kit. She remains curious. David Olney was always willing to write with young, up and coming songwriters. He remained curious. Austin Kleon's curiosity remains off the charts!

I don't know if there's a key to engaging curiosity. I know I had it and then it faded. But now, gratefully, it has returned. I've found myself soaking up new-to-me music, art, books, and movies. I've begun to experiment with home recording, crazy effect pedals for my electric guitar, video editing, and some other crazy creative pursuits. I think it has something to do with staying still for a while. I also believe it has something to do with collaboration. Since the shutdown, I've been flying background vocal tracks to artists all over the country. I've been co-writing virtually with people from all over the world. Something about working with a lot of artists lights my fire. I learn from every single one of my collaborators.

This spark of creativity is leading to some exciting new projects that I am SO EXCITED TO SHARE WITH YOU. They are not quite ready to be revealed, but you will be THE FIRST to know when it's time for them to fly out into the world.

I can't possibly thank you enough for traveling this road with me. You keep me going. You help me believe in myself. Thank you.

How do you stay curious? Hit "reply" to this email and let me know how things are going in your world. I love hearing from y'all.

Love,
Jaimee

Photo by Erik Stehl

Upcoming Tour Dates

MORE RESCHEDULED DATES WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE

JUN 28th: Bartlett Arboretum - T ickets Here
Supporting Mary Gauthier
(4:00 PM, CDT)

JUN 28th: Hi, How Are You? Live Stream - Watch Here
Benefitting the Hi, How Are You Project
(7 PM, CDT)

JUL 1st: Virtually Green Note Live Stream - Watch Here
w/ Ben Glover & BettySoo
(8 PM, UK Time / 2 PM, CDT)

JUL 5th: Sundays w/ Mary - Watch Here
w/ Mary Gauthier & Michele Gazich
(2 PM, CDT)

JUL 11th: Virtual Red Boots Roots House Concert - T ickets Here
(6 PM, CDT)

JUL 12th: Music to Life Accelerating Change House Concert: Recovery and Resilience - Ticket Link Coming Soon!
(7 PM, CDT)

JUL 18th: Virtual WoodyFest - Watch Here
(7 PM, CDT)

JUL 20th: Fallen Angels Club Long Weekend - T ickets
Supporting Mary Gauthier
(8 PM, UK Time / 2 PM, CDT)

OCT 29th: Plymouth, MA - Spire Center of the Arts
Supporting Mary Gauthier

OCT 30th: Northampton, MA - T he Parlor Room
Supporting Mary Gauthier

NOV 8th: Portland, OR - D oug Fir Lounge
Supporting Mary Gauthier

NOV 11th: Felton, CA - Felton Music Hall
Supporting Mary Gauthier

NOV 12th: Berkeley, CA - Fr eight & Salvage
Supporting Mary Gauthier

NOV 13th: Sebastopol, CA - HopMonk Sebastopol
Supporting Mary Gauthier

VIRTUAL WOODYFEST

If you've been following me over the past five years, you've likely seen my obsession with Woody Guthrie unfold. All of that began in 2015 with an invitation from my friend John Moreland to check out WoodyFest in Okemah, OK. The artists, activists, and passionate humans I've met through the Guthrie community have enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined. This year, we're bringing the festival to you with the power of the internet! There will be panels as well as performances by artists and activists following in Woody's footsteps. I am honored to announce I will be hosting the events on Saturday, July 18th. I hope you'll join us.