That Spinster Life

Please allow me to introduce my friend and fellow troubadour, Nicole Osborn! Nicole and I are friends from undergrad at Adelphi University back in 19--. We cut our teeth on the same stage at the University Center Rathskeller a/k/a The Rat. These days, Nicole is a fixture in the Las Cruces, NM music scene, winning a nomination for the NM Music Awards-Best Song for "The Last Day"- this episode's Song of the Week. We continue the theme "Making Change" with conversation about politics, being single by choice, activism through music. These can be tough topics. If you want to talk about anything you heard, meet me on TSL social media for a friendly follow-up! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

How do we Black vocalists create change? By being true to our experiences and our spirits and make the music that we want to make. For some of us, that means challenging the notion of what Black music is and who Black female artists should be. In this episode, I get to talk with two young women doing just that. Listen as singer-songwriter Shanell Alyssa and classical soprano Christiana Danaé reflect on this and more! PLUS we have TWO Songs of the Week- one from each guest: "Love's Crying" by Shanell Alyssa, and "Happy Juneteenth to My People" by Christiana Danaé.

We're taking a quick break to get some special surprises ready for you! Allyssa's chat with Shanell Alyssa and Christiana Danae will air next week. This week, enjoy this repeat of the season 1 finale featuring Jennifer Ables, Gina Christiano, Tilde Guajardo, Kimberly Jones, Sheryl Pollard-Thomas. We talk about reasons to and impact of making dream-catching changes your own life. This is an episode FULL of inspiration and tips for your leap of faith, so grab that cup or glass of something you love and get ready to soak up the wisdom! 

Anne Fennell is one of my sheroes. With her deep knowledge, can-do spirit, forward-driving energy and innovative thinking, she is a national leader and change agent in the field of music education. From the moment we met, we have been sisters-at-arms in the fight for equity, access and cultural relevancy in music programs. Over the years, we have become good friends, comparing notes and sharing laughs on life, love and lessons learned. Featuring the TSL theme song "Change the World" as this week's Song of the Week. I chose it because it was written for me by my first music students in Boston after they had grown up and on to successful music careers of their own. Fitting for this great chat with Anne Fennell. 

This next mini-series is called “Making Change,” because part of leaping and living is understanding your place in the world you're leaving... and why you're making a new one. What is it you want to change and why? How do you plan to do make those changes? We will explore these questions and more in the next four episodes featuring women I’ve connected with benchmark moments along my journey: college, high school teaching and my current situation. Please enjoy these conversations, and get ready for some special season closers that you won’t want to miss!

Afro-Creole dancer and activist/entrepreneur Marissa Joseph, aka "MoeJoe," chats about setting individual standards for beauty and wellness- and how embracing them is an act of resistance. Featuring the Song of the Week, “Ain’t No City Like the One I’m From” by the Original Pinettes Brass Band- the world’s only all-female brass band. This is the final installment of the "Embracing the Journey" mini-series, spotlighting inspiring women in New Orleans, Allyssa's new home town.

This conversation is another one about resilience. When I think of my new motto: keep your crown on your own head, I think of LaTasha Montgomery. She is a wife and mother, career woman, beauty & style entrepreneur, and poet who has an amazing capacity to rise, persevere and beat all odds. Featuring the Song of the Week, "You Give Me" by Robin Barnes a/k/a The New Orleans Songbird. 

New Orleans native Gianna Chachere opens our second mini-series, "Embracing the Journey." Join us as she shares her experiences as an artist  and arts placemaker on all three coasts! This week's Song of the Week features the great Courtney Bryan, Gianna's friend and a star in orchestral music. 

In the next series of interviews, I spend time with three amazing women from my new home town: New Orleans, Louisiana. As sisters in the arts, business and leadership, I gathered a TON of inspiration from their stories- which I really need right now. Because I'm a mess right now. And I need a little help gathering the strength to embrace my journey and hold onto it. Listen as I spill the beans and offer some guideposts for these next three episodes. WARNING: There is a tiny bit of strong language (I think I say a-- once..).