Goodbyes, Part 2

(This is a continuation of previous entry, and the following content was originally part of that post.)

The past two years have provided many reasons to reflect and prioritize (refer to previous entry, "Goodbyes"). Spending time with my loved ones is definitely a priority to me now.

Consequently, I have made a decision to change the nature of my musical life for the indefinite future. This decision is to allow me to heal emotionally and physically from the effects of an increasing lack of balance and a blurring of life vision in the last several years, since beginning my career as a singer-songwriter. Sadly, the nature of independent music in today's world requires a 24/7 effort in marketing plus a plethora of other tasks and details and trivialities that do not involve picking up an instrument or singing. For me, that leaves far too little time for music, let alone for other things in life.

I will always have music in my life in one form or another, even if just in my living room. But for me, making music a "business" has removed the joy and steadily drained my creative energy. I applaud those who are more energetic (younger!), or have the resources to accomplish the marketing and booking work via outsourcing. There are many fine artists out there who enrich our world with great music.

I appreciate the strong support I have had from terrific fans at live performances and through Internet sites and music sales over the years. I may record and publish some new material for digital release in the future and may perform from time to time in informal settings but I am not seeking bookings and will probably not be updating websites/profiles regularly.

Peace,
Tracy

Goodbyes

I said goodbye to my longtime best friend (for more than 30 years), Mary Ann Kyles Ingram, on October 30, 2008. She lived with cancer for over 2 years. I say "lived with cancer," because that is exactly what she did.

She was just 45 years old, mother to six terrific children (ages 5 to 19) and a devoted wife. She packed at least 10 years worth of living into the last 26 months and was a wonderful role model to everyone for treating each day as a gift. She gave her all to her children, homeschooling them plus being a scout leader, dance coach, sports mom (basketball, judo and more), and in providing them many opportunities to make friends and explore all kinds of activities from piano lessons to Gavel Club to designing computer games. And she and her husband have raised their children in a very faith-centered household as well. Her children have thus been empowered to live up to their full potential with confidence, honor, dignity, and compassion, and with a sense of balance.

I was very fortunate to be able to visit Mary Ann frequently during her illness, so a blessing for me has been in getting to know her children better and forming bonds with them. It was an honor and a privilege to be with her family, around her bed, when Mary Ann drew her last breath.

Another blessing has been the opportunity to learn from Mary Ann's example. The last 2+ years have been a time of much reflection for me in terms of examining priorities and looking at issues of life balance.

I lost another good friend in May to a tragic murder, and my grandmother passed away in July. Now there are others very close to me with serious health concerns. More reasons to reflect and prioritize.

Continuation/more in next entry, "Goodbyes, Part 2..."

Peace,
Tracy

Rehab and other musings

OK, so it's official, I have the proper "bio" for a real musician these days. I am in rehab. Yup, me and Amy Winehouse, we be tight.

NOT.

Well, OK, so it's PHYSICAL rehab, for my back, so maybe that doesn't count and won't get me on A&E. (For the record, I do not use drugs of any kind, I don't even like over-the-counter stuff, and rarely even drink, so I'm guess I'm too boring for this biz.)

As for my back...A few of you kind folks have been asking. I have some sacroiliac joint dysfunction, apparently, which has been a bit of an ongoing issue for a couple of years and put me into spasms in early August. After a bunch of expensive tests and a lot of radiation exposure, anything really nasty has been ruled out (yay!). I have found a great chiropractic/rehab clinic (Healthsource in Fitchburg WI) that is helping me get past this. So, thanks to Dr. Stacy and Dr. Dean, and also to my exercise therapist, Beth, I hope to be back to 100% before long, and even hope to resume belly dancing classes soon. (TMI?)

I highly recommend chiropractic if you have back problems!!

While we're on the topic of alternative health...let me put in a plug also for ACUPUNCTURE and herbal remedies for nasal congestion - from allegies or colds or whatever. I had a really rough time last winter and spring with what is apparently just "nonallergic rhinitis," meaning I have a fussy nose for some reason that is easily irritated by things that don't bother most people. I could not breathe out of my nose for about 3 months, but allergy testing and even a CAT scan revealed no apparent cause. After reluctantly trying all kinds of things and medicines suggested and prescribed by doctors (ENT, allergist, and regular doc), I was still hopelessly clogged. Desperate, I tried acupuncture, and after the VERY FIRST visit, with needle treatment and a couple of relatively inexpensive herbs, my nose was dry as a bone within an HOUR after that. I kid you not - it was nothing short of a miracle and sure made a believer of me. I had a few more treatments and now if I start sneezing or clogging up (I have learned that there are chemical triggers, like FeBreeze), I take a single capsule of one of those herbs and that takes care of me for days. Problem completely solved. No inhalers, no steroids, and no antihistamines daily as the docs were saying I would need -- just one little green herb capsule maybe once a week.

I promise I do not get kickbacks from any alternative healthcare providers. Those who know me know that I am NOT a fan of western medicine and I have had more of doctors and tests this year than I ever wanted to have in a lifetime...all for nothing. The only 2 useful healthcare providers I have seen this year have been the chiropractors and the acupuncturist. Next time, I'll skip the "modern medicine" route!

Oh - music stuff...
I am mostly on hiatus and that has been largely due to the need to attend to my own health and reduce stress where possible, but also because I have been spending time with my dearest friends and relatives in the Carolinas. There are a couple of very serious illnesses among my clan down there, plus two deaths in recent months (a longtime friend in May, and my grandmother in July). The folks who are now ill are two of the most special people in my life -- my best friend since junior high, Mary Ann, and my Aunt Jane. These two beautiful women are the folks most responsible for my becoming a musician, and what I owe them on so many levels is immeasurable. If you are the praying sort, your prayers for them would be welcome.

I do have gigs coming in on FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 (Oregon Arts Festival, solo show) and in early DECEMBER (a Christmas concert, with Michael Bryant and Randy Green). Watch my site for details -- www.tracyjanecomer.com

Peace,
Tracy

Special new video posted on YouTube channel

My beautiful and very dear cousin Sherry and her beau "Mr. Bill" got married yesterday (08/08/08)! In honor of this occasion I made and dedicate a special pictorial video of my mushy love song, "Perfectly," penned several years ago for my own husband. The words fit Sherry and Bill perfectly also (pun intended).

You can view the video on YouTube. If you are the sentimental sort (like me!) you may want to grab a tissue first...

Here's to the happy couple!
-Tracy

Bad news, good news

Hi all - When it rains it monsoons, huh??
First the BAD news...I'm so sorry to report that I injured my back (ugh) this morning, and am on bedrest for at least a few days...Hopefully it is just a muscle spasm (that's what they are treating it as - thanks for the ride to Urgent Care, Darlene!). I will have some follow-up next week. But I'm rather immobile at the moment. So the upshot is that I have had to cancel our shows tonight (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday). I am so sorry that you'll miss the chance to hear my fabulous colleagues, Michael Bryant and Randy Green, who were doing these shows with me.

But now the GOOD news...The shows go on!
(1) FRIDAY at Gov. Nelson State Park, the awesome acoustic duo of Amy Curl & Dan Kennedy will perform! It will be well worth your time, so head on out.

(2) SATURDAY for Folk on State - The fabulous and fun-loving duo of Small Potatoes will perform both sets (1:00 and 2:00) instead of just playing the 2nd set.

Thanks a bunch to these musical pals for keeping things rolling...please go, and bring friends!!! Details for these shows are still posted at my site, at http://www.tracyjanecomer.com/Gigs.htm

OTHERWISE: As mentioned in an earlier email, I'll be on an indefinite break from performing for a while now (starting a couple of days sooner than expected!). I do have one appearance on September 13 as part of "Country Cornucopia" at Art in the Barn (Fitchburg, WI) supporting Nelson Graham, so maybe I'll see you there? Otherwise...please continue to support local indie music!

Peace,
Tracy

News from Tracy Jane Comer (last for a while!)

Hi y'all - FIRST...A reminder about this Saturday's show (July 19) in Cambridge, WI with my good pals Michael Bryant and Randy Green. It will be an evening of variety and fun instrumentation including my new electric cello, which I play standing up with a shoulder harness (tons of fun). You can be among the first to answer the question, "Does this cello make me look fat?"
Advance reservations are highly recommended....full details here.

I am going to be taking a long break from performing, after my Sept. 13 appearance (see below). I have a few things on the schedule until then, but otherwise have canceled shows and touring plans for the near future. The Likely Stories CD will still be released hopefully by mid-September...I will post news about that when there is definite news. Otherwise -- Below are are my final shows for a while - follow links for full details in printable form.

July 19 (Sat), 2008 - 7 pm
Cambridge, WI - The Oscar H. Hanson House and The Zen Gallery Gallery present:
Trio show with Tracy Jane Comer, Michael Bryant and Randy Green

July 26 (Sat), 2008 - 7:30 pm
Madison, WI - UW Memorial Union -- 2008 MAMAs Winner Showcase
Tracy Jane Comer & Randy Green play starting at 7:30 pm.
(Multiple acts performing one-hour sets between 5 pm and midnight on Friday and Saturday.)

August 1 (Fri), 2008 - 7 pm
Madison, WI - Gov. Nelson State Park - Friday Night Folk Jamboree series
Trio show with Tracy Jane Comer, Michael Bryant and Randy Green

August 2 (Sat), 2008 - 1:00 pm
Madison, WI - Downtown State Street - "Folk on State" series
Trio show with Tracy Jane Comer, Michael Bryant and Randy Green (Also performing: Small Potatoes)

September 12 (Fri), 2008 - TENTATIVE DATE
Likely Stories CD Release Party; details TBA

September 13 (Sat), 2008 - 7 pm
Fitchburg, WI - "Art in the Barn" concert series
"Country Cornucopia" with Graham & Company, Tracy Jane Comer, LJ Booth, and Rising Gael

Peace,
Tracy

BREAKING NEWS: TONIGHT'S SHOW (July 12) CANCELED

Sorry for late notice...But the venue (Project Lodge, Madison) just notified us about 30 minutes ago that due to unforeseen circumstances they are canceling the show tonight (July 12). No other information was given.

I doubt we will want to reschedule at this venue (hmmm) but look for another co-bill between Likely Stories and Amy Curl/Dan Kennedy in the near future - we were really looking forward to sharing a show with them! Also Likely Stories will be planning our CD Release Party soon...stay tuned.

Have a great evening - sorry for any inconvenience!