Maybe I'm an Optimist

Another week of hurtling towards a humanitarian crisis and uncertain fate. Some days I certainly don’t feel optimistic but today I’m thinking about what I can do. I’m watching Minneapolis organize not just rapidly and effectively but with puppets, and drums and rock bands. I’m considering what systems we need to have in place for when the chaos is at our doorstep. Because it will come.

And when shit really hits the fan–I want to know who has my back. I want to be surrounded by people who are going to hold me accountable to keep making art, keep bringing people together, keep finding spaces where joy can live.

Today I’m optimistic because I’m taking steps towards making this happen. Believe me, some days I feel like I’m hiding behind my privilege _{(and that guilt doesn’t help anybody)}. But today I’m bringing community together and that’s the gift I have to offer the world right now.

Today’s Tone Shift event is a visioning session and listening party where we’ll engage in a collaborative conversation about what we learned in 2025 and how we want to imagine the year ahead. 

We’ll be talking about what kind of support we need from our community, how to build alternative spaces and work outside and around the system when it’s not working for us.

_{(Come with a notebook & pen!)}

My hope is that Tone Shift continues to be a consistent safe space for women, non-binary, trans, queer and BIPOC artists to come together, find inspiration and remember they’re not alone.

If you attended a Tone Shift event in 2025 I’d love for you to take this short survey and let me know your thoughts!

Next week I’ll be back in New Orleans for Folk Alliance International performing with my band Ley Line. I’m looking forward to some Nola magic and inspiration to fill my cup. I’ll have an update from Nola but for now, here’s what I have cooking:

• Finishing the artwork for my vinyl (thank you to those of you who contributed to fund the vinyl for my birthday, y’all are the best!)

• New music video for Tell It Like It Is in the works!

• My birthday cabaret was so fun, we planned another one on April 10th! Save the date!

For those of you who couldn’t attend the cabaret, here are some highlights:

Sending love from my corner of the world to yours and hoping that we continue to find ways to feel more connected and free.