Dear Friends,
Paul Simon’s “American Tune” has never resonated more. Released in November 1973, the song is filled with the disillusionment and melancholy of the Vietnam War and Watergate era. Simon said, “I don't write overtly political songs, although 'American Tune' comes pretty close, as it was written just after Nixon was elected." When the Statue of Liberty appears in the final verse, it highlights the gap between the promise and reality of our country. “A lament to a country that had lost its way” (Los Angeles Times), this song brings me to tears.
“American Tune” with the late Jimmy Dykes, one of my treasured guitar teachers, mentors and bandmates, at the Green Guitar Folk House in 2017.
“We come on the ship they call The Mayflower
We come on the ship that sailed the moon
We come in the age’s most uncertain hour
And sing an American tune”
The statement from Sophie and Colin Hortman following the recent murder of their mother, Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman, and their father Mark Hortman
"We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents, Melissa and Mark. They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can't believe they are gone. Their love for us was boundless. We miss them so much.
"We want everyone to know that we are both safe and with loved ones. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received, and we appreciate your respect for our family's privacy as we grieve.
"Our family would like to thank law enforcement for their swift action that saved others and for the coordination across communities that led to the arrest of the man who murdered our parents. We especially would like to thank the officers who were first on the scene to our parents' home and their heroic attempts to rescue our mom and dad.
"Our parents touched so many lives, and they leave behind an incredible legacy of dedication to their community that will live on in us, their friends, their colleagues and co-workers, and every single person who knew and loved them.
"If you would like to honor the memory of Mark and Melissa, please consider the following:
Plant a tree.
Visit a local park and make use of their amenities, especially a bike trail.
Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do.
Tell your loved ones a cheesy dad joke and laugh about it.
Bake something — bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa, and share it with someone.
Try a new hobby and enjoy learning something.
Stand up for what you believe in, especially if that thing is justice and peace.
“Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear. Our parents lived their lives with immense dedication to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. Hold your loved ones a little closer. Love your neighbors. Treat each other with kindness and respect. The best way to honor our parents' memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.”
I’m excited to have been recently selected as a Music to Life Juried Artist!
“Music to Life has a big vision: To make the world a better place through music. Born from the activism and music of Noel Paul Stookey (of the 1960’s folk trio, Peter, Paul & Mary) and his daughter, Liz—to connect socially conscious musicians with the resources needed to realize their bold visions for community change.
Since 2000, Music to Life has collaborated with musicians and nonprofits nationwide to develop music-driven programs that raise awareness, spark engagement and power vulnerable populations. Music to Life’s work insures that these multi-genre musicians, at all stages of their careers, and their creative visions for a better world, are cultivated, supported and sustained.”
Kids Meet a Body Builder
With outrage at the murder of the Hortmans, alongside gratitude for Rep. Melissa Hortman's dedicated life of service and the courage of their children,
Joy
Joy Zimmerman is a folk and acoustic roots singer-songwriter who creates community through music. Her latest album, Where the Light Lives, debuted at #6 on the Folk Alliance International Chart, adding to a growing list of accolades and awards. A multi-instrumentalist with a rich, clear voice, Joy blends insightful songwriting, fiddle tunes, and storytelling into performances that leave a lasting impact. Dani Goodband of Lakeside Music calls her “a show any host would line up to present.”