I have to be honest with you… 2026 is not my favorite year so far. In fact, it has felt at many times that it is trying to completely break me. I’d say if it’s not one thing then its another, but it has been one thing and another and and and and… all at once. I feel bad being so down on the year because there HAVE been good moments amid what has felt like a total dumpster fire so far, so today I’m trying to write about what most of those happy things have in common: Memories focused around music.

Due to illness and health issues, I have spent far less time in the mountains than usual. Thanks to finally getting back into the theatre circuit, and some perfectly timed concerts, the arts have helped fill the gaping hole that time in the mountains left in my heart. I am focusing on making time to remember what makes better than the basic “survival mode” I’ve felt like I’ve been in the past few months- and music is a key part of that.

Plenty of musical moments related to my work. The pre-show songs for Henry V truly pumped me up and set the tone for the show ahead. Even during crazy load ins on tour or any of the other challenges thrown at our cast, the music helped ground us in the story we were telling and helped me connect back to all the work I’d done in rehearsals. I also had the great joy of directing a staged concert version of Little Women which turned out absolutely GORGEOUS. The joy of the story and the beauty of the music and the open hearted vulnerability of the cast was truly a magical combination.

There was also a lot of musical joy outside of work too. After decades apart, my favorite band from high school- The Format- reunited and released new music. I was lucky enough to attend not one, but TWO of their local release parties. I even made the paper and was interviewed about what their reunion meant to me. The songs aren’t all happy, and while one of my favorites on the new album is a love song about family life, it has also been really healing to sing along with the more frustrated and confused songs too. And I was lucky enough to see both shows alongside friends from high school who love this band as much as I do.

       

Finally, two musical memories with family members that are giving me life- One was my husband’s much anticipated birthday gift- we bought Lady Gaga Tickets back in September. I had no idea how much I’d need that pick me up come February. The show was phenomenal- as visually compelling as it was musically brilliant. The storyline she managed to create was so meaningful. Then, this past week, I got to go see a local production of Come From Away with my son. For those unfamiliar with that musical, it is based around the planes diverted to Newfoundland in the wake of 9/11. It was wild to see a show about a life changing event I lived through that is just another point of history for my kid. We had the best time enjoying the show together and then having some really good conversations about it the whole drive home.

I’m looking forward to music centered joy continuing between watching my kids perform, seeing more shows, and maybe even finding my own singing voice again- even if its just in small ways like singing my heart out at a favorite concert. Music is so healing. I’d love to hear about some of your favorite music related memories, or what music you are listening to right now that is moving you through this year so far.