I'm writing to let you know about my new live-streaming schedule. As many of you know, for the past several months I've been live-streaming once a week from Canlis, a fine-dining restaurant in Seattle where I had been playing regularly before the virus arrived. Here's a short segment from the last stream, my rendition of Bob Dylan's "Simple Twist of Fate":
These regular streams have been a true blessing: a chance to continue performing, to connect with new listeners, to expand my repertoire, and to earn income during a lean time.
Unfortunately, the restaurant is closing for a couple months and they are suspending the livestreams. They assure me that this is just a pause; they love the livestreams and are planning to bring them back at some point. However, it leaves me in an interesting position.
I've decided to treat this as an opportunity to take the next step. Starting tomorrow night, I'll be live-streaming from home three days a week.
My weekly streaming schedule will be as follows, listed in Pacific Time:
Mondays at 8 pm
Thursdays at 6 pm
Fridays at 4 pm
The best way to get reminders about my livestreams is to subscribe to my YouTube channel. That way you will receive notifications whenever I go live.
At home, I may not have a Steinway grand, but I do have more creative input. I'll be singing in these streams, and curating sets that include originals and somewhat obscure covers in addition to standards and classics. I'll still be taking requests, but I'll also be engaging more with audience questions. And I may have guest appearances every so often from my talented housemates.
I hope you'll tune in for some of these streams. They can be so much fun, especially when you participate in the live chat. At a time when we are all somewhat isolated, it's uplifting to create a virtual space where people can connect. But don't take it from me. Here are some comments from recent viewers:
"Having these Canlis livestreams has been a bright spot in a sometimes dark world and time." - Jamie
"An evening of music bringing people together in a positive, optimistic way in these challenging times. A beacon of hope in a tumultuous environment. Nothing but smiles." - Heather
"Thank you Canlis and Jonas for the gorgeous music and making us all feel connected." - Tracey
No question, music is powerful stuff.
As always, there is much, much more to say. I'll reach out with a fuller report soon. For the time being, I wish you health and sanity in a time that could use more of both.