So Far So Good
The pandemic has been cruel to countless people. Compared with others I have no real complaints. My graphic business did go into a coma. But I think the pandemic is telling me to give up the ghost and retire. I have food and a roof over my head.
My music life, on the other hand, has been noteworthy.
While I was a caregiver for 15 years, I stopped performing but began collaborating with musicians around the world on SoundCloud. SoundCloud was my way to perform with others. It was great training for this lockdown stuff.
Then, just as I was starting to get gigs again, hell broke loose. I wasn’t sure what would happen. The internet came to my rescue, again. I used Zoom and learned how to broadcast. I bought gadgets to help me at least look better. I did a cover of “In Spite of Ourselves” (John Prine) with my girlfriend, Sue Hill that had a bunch of views. The open mic I ran became a Zoom event. On a lark, and long before the shut down, I had sent music to the Philly Folk Festival. And I submitted songs to the CT Folk Festival Songwriters Competition. Both festivals went virtual and I was asked to record sets for both festivals. Bucket list material for me!
Since then I have ‘performed’ in Jerusalem and London. Cambridge (MA) and Cambridge (UK). I’ve gone to several FAR-West events: Campfires, Master Classes and Live-streaming workshops. Most importantly I have connected with people I never would have had the chance to meet. I count them as friends. And I’m back in the studio recording my first studio album in 25 years. I’m calling it “So Far So Good.” It fits how I feel. Thanks for all the support.
~ Peter Lehndorff
Peter Lehndorff writes folk and jazz songs about everyday life. Some are humorous observations about everyday life, life in a small town and life in Massachusetts. In addition to his slice of life songs, Peter is now mixing the funny with the serious; the romantic with the eccentric. Some new songs reflect his experiences as a caregiver for his late wife.
https://lehndorff.com/music/
In an attempt to keep us connected as we continue to find our way through these often stressful times, some in our extended community have been sharing their experiences, lessons learned and hope as they’ve dealt with Covid, lockdown, boredom, lack of inspiration, etc. We are all looking for ways to make lemonade out of the many lemons! This column will continue on a weekly basis and postings will be released at 10 AM Pacific every Monday, so watch for them! For guidelines and submission details, please contact Julie Zipperer at juliez@far-west.org or Marlynn Block at marlynn@far-west.org. Submissions will be posted based on approval from the Lockdown Lemonade Committee.