In case you missed it, every week at 2pm Central Time I've been holding live-stream YouTube concerts consisting of my original songs, live-looped violin improvisations, and the occasional remote special guest! A few weeks ago I started including real-time captioning with every single concert so that people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing can enjoy the shows as well. I am an advocate for accessibility in the arts (as you probably already know), and in order to be authentically living up to my ideals, it became clear to me that captions were the next step towards full inclusion.
The wonderful 202 humans who are currently supporting my work at Patreon are helping to cover this new captioning expense. If YOU would like to contribute to things like captioning costs, recording new music, and financially supporting me as I take some time off to write my memoir this Fall (aside from my weekly YouTube shows - they will continue all year), please consider joining my Patreon team! Every single contribution counts, but Patreon does explain that the $2 level and above are the most effective when you factor in their fees and taxes.
Even though the past 5 months of Quarantine have been tough, the things that are bringing me the most joy right now are connecting with folks during my YouTube concerts, and getting to know my Patreon supporters. It has been really fun to connect with people all over the world who love music and who want to connect with the artist directly. It's been so interesting to learn about their lives, hopes, fears, dreams and even what music they've been listening to and what books they've been reading during the pandemic! It is my hope to bring some joy to their days with my music & my writing in return.
Anyway, I hope you know how much your support means to me as a tiny little DIY artist setting sail in this strange new world of virtual shows, Spotify algorithms, and social media marketing. Deep down, I truly do believe that music is ACTUALLY powered by good old fashioned human connection & authentic creative energy exchange. It's things like this newsletter group, my Patreon Team, and the folks who tune in on YouTube every single week just to say hello that are keeping my faith about community, humanity, and the future of art alive and well.
Thank you again for being part of my life, and please know I am cheering for you as we journey onward to whatever the world has in store for us next. We will get through it all somehow, together. Take a moment to reply if you want to let me know what's happening in your world... I'd love to hear from you! Have a wonderful weekend, and take good care!
Love,
Gaelynn Lea
