A COVID Isolation Commission Song - 'Multi House' Concert

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Courtney Hartman and April collaborated on a new idea – and co – sponsored an event combining a multi-house ZOOM concert with the premiere of a song written by Courtney.

Celebrating a significant birthday, missing friends, sad about cancelled and refunded music festivals, concerts and music camps in which I had invested, and of course supporting live music; acknowledging the impact of the the pandemic and surviving it physically and socially, and trying new forms for disseminating artistry – an opportunity for a song is born. The subject of the song was ME – with Courtney given a prompt that I was a curious person…I commissioned a piece and supplied the theme.

Early in July about 40 people gathered to witness and celebrate the Premiere of a special Isolation Commission song. From her house (barn) in Colorado, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter / guitarist Courtney Hartman entered our living rooms to chat, to tease, and to sing for us. She sang a few songs and then the premiere, took requests, and had me sing one of my songs that we have crafted together.

This whole experience was an antidote to social isolation; even though we were physically distanced. This concert was conducted in the spirit of connection. I was delighted to have friends, family and colleagues join this concert to hear and honor this commission.

Courtney said she really missed touring and seeing people before and after shows. This was the first time she had played for an audience she could see for four months (livestreams typically don’t show or interact with the audience.) She liked the chance for the back and forth, for us to talk about our mutual projects, and to share the tools we use to amuse and encourage ourselves in our work (like the fun – ometer).

This session marks a new format. House concerts with live audiences in small intimate living room environments are a staple of touring artists work and economy. This is a variation with an artist in her house (barn) coming into our living rooms (located thousands of miles a part), in a way that we can all chat – hosted by myself and the artist.

Because we work on projects the session included a short powerpoint presentation of our approach and past work.

The Isolation Song lyrics are below.…Reviews of the song include feedback along the lines of

‘This is so beautiful in so many ways, it made my face leak when I heard it’

‘Courtney has nailed you’

‘ A song just about you – woo hoo!’

Song for April (The World Is A Wonder)

by Courtney Hartman

Out upon halfmoon bay

I float on the sea, the salt on my face

I talk alone to the clouds

I ask them all my questions out loud

Oh I have a curious mind

And I know there will never be time

To learn all I wanna know

The world is a wonder to me

It’s summertime and I can’t sleep

I’m ready for light and coffee to drink

The world sings a weary tune

And I have more work left to do

Oh I have a caring mind

And I know there will never be time

To give all I want to give

The world is a wonder to me

So keep your eye on the sky after dark

Tonight will be showers of shooting stars

And I’m wishing on one for you

Look up til it falls into view

Oh I have a curious mind

And I know there will never be time

To love how I wanna love

The world is a wonder to me

Oh I have a curious mind

And I know there will never be time

To learn all that I wanna know

The world is a wonder to me

A COVID Isolation Commission Song – ‘Multi House’ Concert