Dear Friends,
I can't believe it's been two months since my last newsletter. It feels more like a lifetime ago with all that has happened since then. Like everyone, I had many plans with work and family that all came to a sudden halt because of the Covid-19 Pandemic. I know all of our lives have changed dramatically and we don't know when things will get back to some kind of "normal." I'm going through bouts of anxiety, fear, helplessness and sadness, but also feeling much empathy and compassion for all we are seeing out there in the world, in the U.S., and here in Austin - The Live Music Capital Of The World. Still, although I have lost work, didn't get to attend my grand-baby boy's birth in Seattle, can't be close to my 9 month old granddaughter in Austin, the stay home orders for me haven't had a devastating impact on my life (so far, and hopefully won't). I mostly feel just "inconvenienced," and that's not so bad. Everyone in my world is ok and that's good.
My heart really goes out to anyone, here and around the world who have lost jobs, gone broke, or yet worse, lost their lives or loved ones to this disease. I pray and have hope for the creation of a vaccine soon to eradicate or at least control the virus. In the meantime, I wish everyone comfort and safety. Please wear masks, sanitize, keep safe distances, wash, wash, wash hands, and above all, please take it seriously.
On the bright side of lockdown, I've had time to get some music work done, and work on personal and home projects that have always been on the back burner. Because of the virus shut down, Patricia Vonne's, Stephanie Urbina-Jones's and my trio, The Texicana Mamas, has had to change our record release and touring plans to later in the year. However, we are planning to release singles to the public and social media over the summer. The songs we wrote together and decided to release are tunes that are guaranteed to make you smile! And boy do we need that. Stay tuned! Visit our website and Facebook page.
Here at home, I'm going to continue to do my Facebook Live Kitchen Concerts on Fridays at 5pm (U.S. CST). It's fun getting together with my music cohorts Marvin Dykhuis and Chip Dolan, playing old and new songs, joking around, saying "hi" to our viewers, and forgetting about troubles for an evening. I'm getting positive reports and comments from fans, friends, and family, so I'm glad it's helping y'all out there too. It's such a good medium to reach out to our friends in Europe, S. Korea, and other distant lands too. It seems to make the world seem smaller.
It also is good that I'm able to donate part of your donations to the show to worthy organizations that are providing food, services, or financial aid to folks who are hurting. It's all so win-win! Tune in as often as you can, pass the word and share the show too. If you're not on Facebook, starting with this coming Friday's set, you will be able to watch it on my website!! Feel free to pre-request songs via email or FB. That way, I can actually practice up a bit. Plus, you might get a chance to see what's for dinner on Tish's stove!
So friends, again, stay safe, hopeful, and positive. We'll get through this. Reach out if you need help. There are many resources and good people out there ready to assist. If you can help, be a helper. To all our front line heroes from farm workers, to grocery clerks, to police and firefighters, and (drum roll....) to our medical care doctors and staff around the world - Thank you soooo much!
Love and virtual hugs to all,
Tish
(PS: My new grand-baby boy is awesome! I'm so proud of his parents and big brothers.)
May 15 Livestream On Facebook - 5PM CST
May 15 Livestream from Website - 5PM CST
or Venmo: @Tish-Hinojosa