Music for the soul
There's nothing better for self-care than seeing a live show

Welp. The seasonal shift seems to be firmly upon us. For this week anyway. Temperatures have risen to the 70s and snow is apparent only above 10,000 feet. Yes – this could all change on a whim – nominally cooler temps are forecast a bit further out. In addition, the school year is – regardless of grade level – wrapping up, and we’re on the cusp of The Great Descent into summer.  

I’m going to be candid: I’ve personally felt better. Before I go much further and you’re tempted to read between the lines, rest assured; I’ve also been far, FAR worse. If you know me, you know. All considered, I suppose I’m doing outwardly fine. That said, I have been making an honest and concerted effort to be a better human being, and given recent events and actions, I feel like I’ve regressed a bit. That’s all. 

To be clear, I’m in no way fishing for reassurances or asking to be checked-in on. Please. And thank you.  I’m simply being honest about where I’m at, my current state of mind, and some aspects I can improve upon. It’s my way of being accountable; holding my own feet to the flame. This column is where I go to work things out, in these (hopefully glossed-over) pages rather than the confines of my head. I’ll try not to be too terribly hard on myself considering I’ve spent 40-plus years carving these neural pathways. It’ll take patience and self-care. 

Part of that last piece is, for me, getting out and seeing live music. Which I’ve urged you all to do, but I haven’t really taken my own advice as of late. Last month, I mentioned two nights of Khruangbin and Hermanos Gutiérrez in Albuquerque. That’s this coming Fri.-Sat., April 26-27 at the Revel. The show will be a certain vibe, given the minimalist approach, lyrically, of both bands and the setting. If you’re a fan and you’ve never seen either in person, make the trip down.

I’m taking that approach in the opposite geographical direction to Salt Lake City to see an artist I’ve never seen. Canadian band Cindy Lee is appearing at the International Artist Lounge on Sat., April 27, on what’s rumored to be its final U.S. tour. I’ve been mildly obsessed with their latest (double) album, the self-released “Diamond Jubilee” with repeated listenings these past few weeks. Patrick Flegel, formerly of the band Women, has been releasing albums as Cindy Lee for over a decade. This latest offering is a lilting, achingly beautiful collection of 30-plus(!) songs of retro-infused avant pop – only available via a Geocities download or streaming on YouTube. The record is not available on any other streaming services, which I adore, and has little to no filler. The tracks where they harmonize gives me all the feels.

You need not travel out of county limits for live music either. There are plenty of options locally, for varying tastes. Country/Americana legends Asleep at the Wheel return to the Community Concert Hall at FLC on Tues., April 30.

Then, the venerable, hard-working collective at iAM Music takes over various downtown locales May 2-5, with six stages, 20-plus artists and four days and nights of music across many spectrums. For detailed info. on artists and to get tickets, visit iammusic.us.

The Animas City Theatre has a handful of shows left on their spring/early summer run with new and returning acts alike. Marchfourth (May 9), Blueprint (May 15), and two nights of The Polish Ambassador (May 22-23) take us nearly through May. Their season seems to round out strong with The Sadies(!!!) on May 29, High Country Hustle on June 7, GA-20 on June 27 and Andy Frasco on June 30. More on some of these later, to be sure.

Do what you need to do to feel OK given whatever is going on with you. Get some exercise. Eat and sleep as well as you are able. For me, I’ll be seeing a handful of the artists above. And go easy on yourself. Get things off your chest. Hell, I’m happy to listen if need be.

Reach out with questions, comments and gripes. Especially the gripes. KDUR_PD@ fortlewis.edu ?