Renaissance Faire, Recording, and Revels - Looking back on 2021
Well, happy new year, folks! 2021 was a true rollercoaster for me. I’m sure many of you felt this way as well. I thought I’d take a moment to share my 2021 highlights as well as give an update on my goals for 2022.
Winter: The one and only Tara Howley reached out to me and asked if I’d like to do a virtual collaboration with her. I legit lost my mind when I opened that message. You can watch the video on Facebook!
Spring: I placed third in the 2021 Chicago eComórtas Ceoil in the Over 18 Miscellaneous Instrument category. I received a lot of good feedback from the judges, and it was an honor getting to compete!
Summer: Over the summer, I got tendonitis in both thumbs. Because of this, I had to learn to step back and take a break to rest my hands. Although they are much better now, I’m still recovering. I’m still trying to learn to step back and take a break when my hands need it. But I’m so grateful to be much better than where I was over the summer! Although this made my summer stressful, I still got to do great things over the summer! I got to play a ton of gigs with my band, Seasons! It was so nice to be back on stage performing for people. I also attended MAD week, which is basically boot camp for musicians who play Irish music. I took a group class taught by the one and only Angelina Carberry! She is one of my favorite musicians, and I adore her philosophy on music. I’ll never forget this awesome class!
Fall: I had the honor of joining the one and only Wolgemut at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire for the fall season. It was a great experience! It stretched me as a musician for sure - I learned a lot about performing, working with another band, and also learned new tunes and songs! I also made a lot of new friends along the way. In addition, Harp Ireland invited me to be a part of their videos for Harp Day (Oct. 16th). I was very happy to share a tune on the harp for such a special day.
What a year it was! Life is full of good and bad moments. The important thing is to be present when the good times are around and learn to do what’s best for you in the tough times.
And here’s to 2022! My new goal is to have my album out early this year! I can’t wait to share this project with you all. I’m super proud of this album, and it will be so nice to finally share what I’ve been working on for the last few years!
Thanks for all your love and support!
Cheers,
Grace
Besides my various musical projects, here are the other things I have been doing to keep myself entertained:
READING: Naturally Tan by Tan France
WATCHING: Spider-Man - No Way Home
LISTENING: A Very Kacey Christmas - Kacey Musgraves
DRINKING: Lemon Ginger Tea...and wine
