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Send us Fan Mail Brenda Earle Stokes is a rare jazz artist with a true command of both the voice and the piano. Hailed as “a breezy delight” by Time Out New York, Brenda’s music is rooted in the jazz tradition with influences ranging from Brazilian music to rock radio. As a bandleader she has toured clubs and festivals across the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia and has released 6 albums own her own label. As a follow-up to her critically acclaimed 2014 studio album Right About Now, Stokes sought to challenge herself to dig deep and share the full scope of her talents in the most intimate setting possible. Brenda Earle Stokes has performed as a side person with John Riley, Dick Oatts, Joel Frahm, Roxy Coss, Wycliffe Gordon, Maurice Hines and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra. She has held residences at the Kennedy Center and Banff Center for Fine Arts, was a finalist of the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Piano Competition and was a winner of the IAJE Sister’s in Jazz competition, identifying her as one of the top emerging jazz artists of her generation. To learn more visit https://brendaearle.com/ To find the Versatile Musician visit https://pianoandvoicewithbrenda.com/membership/ Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) Song of Life:  Fred Hersch and Norma Winstone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1rRZnsy8hA&list=RDw1rRZnsy8hA&start_radio=1 2) Oscar Peterson Trio - Place St. Henri https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Nje7TuVJIo 3) Morrissey - Back on the Chain Gang (Official Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_hInzyYN3o 4) No Wonder by Luciana Souza https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttQ8k2vdopo 5) CARMEN MCRAE - No More Blues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0UWu_xchHU Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Brian Witkowski’s path has moved through the worlds of classical singing, voice teaching, and coaching—but the thread running through all of it is his belief in the power of a person’s voice to shape their life. Trained as a classical baritone, Brian spent years performing, teaching, and mentoring musicians, before his work expanded into supporting leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives navigating high-pressure environments and seasons of reinvention. What he discovered along the way is that voice is never just vocal technique—it’s how we express needs, hold boundaries, make decisions, and trust our own worth in the world. Today, Brian helps artists and professionals reconnect with that deeper sense of voice so their work, livelihood, and identity no longer feel at odds with each other. His approach is gentle, grounded, and deeply human. At its heart, Brian’s work encourages one simple truth: You are allowed to take up the space that your voice was always meant to hold. Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) Schubert - Sehnsucht D.636 - Fischer-Dieskau / Engel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idlY1ytShmU&list=RDidlY1ytShmU&start_radio=1 2) “Rhinestone Cowboy” by Glenn Campbell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kAU3B9Pi_U 3) “Respect Yourself” by the Staples Singers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InYaB16xEd0 4) “Cancelled” by Taylor Swift https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij6SgmK8KGQ&list=RDIj6SgmK8KGQ&start_radio=1 5) “American Anthem” Nathan Gunn, (Gene Scheer, piano arrangement Lee Musiker) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JCLEQALjiU Reach out to Brian at https://thelucrativevoice.com/ Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Katie has taught piano for nearly twenty years, and her love for the instrument began after taking lessons with a family friend at age six. Even in moments of deep frustration with the challenges of making ten fingers do ten different things, music kept calling her back. After earning a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Western Washington University, Katie taught at two music schools and enjoyed a vibrant performing career collaborating with local musicians, serving as pianist for the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra.  After developing persistent shoulder pain, her teacher suggested  attending a Feldenkrais class where she immediately connected with the subtle movements and student-centered approach. What began as a path toward healing quickly became a new way to teach.  In 2021, Katie became a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner®. She is also a Certified Oxygen Advantage® Advanced Breathing Instructor and a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music. Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) Blink by Hiroshi Yoshimura https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaZI5KUC7U0&list=PLwxMX47xnWxczN8VEKwW16kwnKHYSNtFO&index=1 2) Chorale Prelude BWV 639, “Ich ruf zu dir, Herr” by Bach, Performed by Tatiana Nikolayeva https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ckdRu6bXlw&list=PLwxMX47xnWxczN8VEKwW16kwnKHYSNtFO&index=2 3) En Gallop by Joanna Newsom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN6rRJ8ulQ0&list=PLwxMX47xnWxczN8VEKwW16kwnKHYSNtFO&index=3 4) How Far I’ll Go (from Moana) Lyrics : Auli'i Cravalho https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PRQmLXC6TA&list=PLwxMX47xnWxczN8VEKwW16kwnKHYSNtFO&index=4 5) Rachmaninoff: 12 Songs, Op. 21 - V. Lilacs  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTbylwbqtGU&list=PLwxMX47xnWxczN8VEKwW16kwnKHYSNtFO&index=5 Lyrics:  In the morning, at dawn, Through the dew-clad grass, I shall walk, breathing in the freshness of morning; And to the fragrant shade, Where lilacs cluster, I shall go in search of happiness… In life there is but one happiness That I am fated to find, And that happiness dwells in the lilacs; On their green branches, In their fragrant clusters My poor happiness blooms… Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Michael Faire is a semi-active musician in North Georgia. A freelance collegiate trombonist turned music business professional, Michael now serves as the Instruments, Sales and Rentals Manager at Big Note Music. Since joining Big Note in late 2022 and rejoining in mid-2023, Michael has been focused on growing an organically started retail and lessons studio. Now on the second year of the studio and 2.5 years of retail, Michael assists the local community from beginning band members to the amateur guitarist. Michael also is learning instrument repair part-time as well, specializing in brass. An avid researcher still from their music history days, Michael also is the instrument research specialist for Big Note Music for sales and repairs. Prior to this, Michael worked with the Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra in a variety of artistic and logistical roles, and was Principal Bass Trombone from 2019-2023. Other organizations Michael played with were the Alpharetta City Band, Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra, Atlanta Musicians Orchestra, and more! Top 5 Songs of Encouragement: 1) “Run It Up” by Bas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHpTLKsx7yg 2) Symphony No. 2 in D Major by Sibelius https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9GlKx-3w2I 3) Time Adventure by Rebecca Sugar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrscdXiKnWc 4) Clouds from Kurios, Cabinet of Curiosities, Cirque de Soleil https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tx9qhlo6nA 5) Adventure Time (feat. Ashley Erikkson) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXQNdUpCQzw&t=2s Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Donna Hughes has written north of 500 songs.  She has released 6 albums, containing mostly original material. Nominated for Songwriter of the Year in 2024 & 2025, for the SPBGMA Awards, her songs have been recorded & performed by Multiple Grammy Winner Alison Krauss & Union Station, Grammy Nominated Band-The Seldom Scene, Wyatt Rice's solo Album (with Vocals by Dale Ann Bradley & Russell Moore), Caroline Owens, The Snyder Family, Kati Penn, Kim Robins, Linda Lay, Wilson Banjo Co., Amanda Cook, Darren Beachley, A.J. Lee & The (Molly) Tuttles, Grass Country, Carlos & The Banditos, Nu-Blu & 2004 Country Colgate Showdown Winner Heather Shelley, as well as Bria Kelly of The Voice/America’s Got Talent, Newtown, and various other Artists both well known & undiscovered, around the world.   Donna recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and an Award for her "Naomi Wise" Video at the Sunset Film Festival. She wrote the words & music for the Naomi Wise song, based on the life of a girl from her area, who died in 1808. The Video features Jenee Fleenor on Violin, who was awarded the CMA Musician of the Year for the last four years in a row (first female ever to win.)  In 2014, Donna was awarded the "Key" to the City of Trinity, (where she resides), from the late Thomasville City Councilman Jesse Hill, as a gift of honor for all of her accomplishments. Donna’s songs have been written about every subject from being stuck at Walmart, to dogs on chains.  She tries to balance life through song, from the spectrum of emotions life has to offer, from hilariously funny, to extremely sad.  Donna has judged Songwriting Contests & Conducted Songwriting Workshops around the Nation.  Donna's career received a huge boost, when the Late & Legendary Tony Rice, approached her about producing an album for her, which he did, entitled “Gaining Wisdom.” Her next CD after that, “Hellos, Goodbyes & Butterflies,” was produced by the Late & Extraordinary J.D. Crowe.  Donna's more notable appearances have included private performances for Race Car Giant Richard Childress; opening for David Bromberg at B.B. King’s in NYC, playing the World Renowned Music Festival "Merlefest," playing The Bear Trap in Wyoming, The Ossippee Festival in Maine, the PBS  “Song of the Mountains" in Marion, VA, the PBS Program "Live from the Dennison Lodge" in Dubois, Wyoming, multiple performances at Bluebird Cafe & The Station Inn, both in Nashville, multiple times at Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta, opening for Marty Stuart at a Premier Dinner Club near Washington D.C. known as "The Birchmere." Donna has opened for many Country Stars such as Ricky Skaggs, at Dollywood, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush & Tony Rice on their solo Tours, Joe Diffie, Gene Watson, and numerous other popular, high profile venues.    Donna is an Award Winning Realtor in North Carolina, and enjoys spending her spare time on her Grandaddy's 3rd Generation Farm with her Belgian Horses, her Bassett Hounds, Beagles, other rescue Animals, and painting Barn Quilts. Check out our Special Episode featuring “Divided We Fall” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ha_duIn0wI Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) “One Less Dog In the Cold” by Donna Hughes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLfkg-vxkMo 2) “The Corona Virus Beer Song” by Donna Hughes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQAc82DPTNw 3) “The Stable Song” by Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqyAmmEkVvI 4) “Barbed Wire Boys” by Susan Werner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpsF2wb6NmE 5) “Picture in a Frame” by Tom Waits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fphxDPTV2Bw Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Donna Hughes has written north of 500 songs.  She has released 6 albums, containing mostly original material. Nominated for Songwriter of the Year in 2024 & 2025, for the SPBGMA Awards, her songs have been recorded & performed by Multiple Grammy Winner Alison Krauss & Union Station, Grammy Nominated Band-The Seldom Scene, Wyatt Rice's solo Album (with Vocals by Dale Ann Bradley & Russell Moore), Caroline Owens, The Snyder Family, Kati Penn, Kim Robins, Linda Lay, Wilson Banjo Co., Amanda Cook, Darren Beachley, A.J. Lee & The (Molly) Tuttles, Grass Country, Carlos & The Banditos, Nu-Blu & 2004 Country Colgate Showdown Winner Heather Shelley, as well as Bria Kelly of The Voice/America’s Got Talent, Newtown, and various other Artists both well known & undiscovered, around the world.  Donna recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and an Award for her "Naomi Wise"Video at the Sunset Film Festival. She wrote the words & music for the Naomi Wise song, based on the life of a girl from her area, who died in 1808. The Video features Jenee Fleenor on Violin, who was awarded the CMA Musician of the Year for the last four years in a row (first female ever to win.)  In 2014, Donna was awarded the "Key" to the City of Trinity, (where she resides), from the late Thomasville City Councilman Jesse Hill, as a gift of honor for all of her accomplishments. Donna’s songs have been written about every subject from being stuck at Walmart, to dogs on chains.  She tries to balance life through song, from the spectrum of emotions life has to offer, from hilariously funny, to extremely sad.  Donna has judged Songwriting Contests & Conducted Songwriting Workshops around the Nation.  Donna's career received a huge boost, when the Late & Legendary Tony Rice, approached her about producing an album for her, which he did, entitled “Gaining Wisdom.” Her next CD after that, “Hellos, Goodbyes & Butterflies,” was produced by the Late & Extraordinary J.D. Crowe.  Donna's more notable appearances have included private performances for Race Car Giant Richard Childress; opening for David Bromberg at B.B. King’s in NYC, playing the World Renowned Music Festival "Merlefest," playing The Bear Trap in Wyoming, The Ossippee Festival in Maine, the PBS  “Song of the Mountains" in Marion, VA, the PBS Program "Live from the Dennison Lodge" in Dubois, Wyoming, multiple performances at Bluebird Cafe & The Station Inn, both in Nashville, multiple times at Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta, opening for Marty Stuart at a Premier Dinner Club near Washington D.C. known as "The Birchmere." Donna has opened for many Country Stars such as Ricky Skaggs, at Dollywood, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush & Tony Rice on their solo Tours, Joe Diffie, Gene Watson, and numerous other popular, high profile venues.    Stay tuned, as Donna will continue to write songs & make records packed with original material.  Donna is an Award Winning Realtor in North Carolina, and enjoys spending her spare time on her Grandaddy's 3rd Generation Farm with her Belgian Horses, her Bassett Hounds, Beagles, other rescue Animals, and painting Barn Quilts. “Divided We Fall” by Donna Hughes (video version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTjqYPuQ_AU Support the show

Send us Fan Mail As a Performance and Confidence Coach, Adam Cole wants to transform the world, one person at a time. Adam writes about the central issues keeping us from moving: fear, doubt, lack of awareness of ourselves and our relationships.  He is constantly asking:  ‘How can we learn to see clearly in ourselves what is holding us back? Adam began as a jazz bandleader and ballet accompanist in Atlanta, simultaneously crafting his first novel, The Myth of Magic.  He continued to write and publish during a 12 year career as a choral director.  Now he runs Willow Music where he fosters a new generation of musicians and writers who work with a greater self-understanding. Adam is the producer of TruerMU, a YouTube Channel focusing on musical self-knowledge.  He is also the Assistant Editor of the Feldenkrais Journal of Somatic Education. Adam’s work is available on Amazon and anywhere else books are sold.  Visit https://acole.net to be a part of Adam’s online community. Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) “Don’t Give Up” by Peter Gabriel ft. Kate Bush https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjEq-r2agqc&t=1s 2) “Hymn to St. Cecilia” by Benjamin Britten https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7GSygUXlUI&t=1s 3) “Late in the Evening” by Paul Simon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilzvuie7Bks&t=1s 4) “Seelinnikoi” by Varttina https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4pHUmIpUxM 5) “I Picked Up My Guitar” by Adam Cole https://acole.net/track/3807114/i-picked-up-my-guitar-album-track Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Sarah Boyd, MM is a piano teacher, early childhood music specialist, and all-things music education enthusiast. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education  from Grove City College and a Master of Music Education from Eastern Michigan University where she studied with Dr. Heather Shouldice.  Sarah owns Piano Vine Studio, an audiation-based private and group piano studio founded in 2010 for students of all ages, both in-person and online. Sarah has completed GIML certification courses in Early Childhood, Piano Level 1 & 2, and joined as GIML faculty in 2024. In 2010, she founded Hummingbirds Music Together, an early childhood music program for children and the grownups who love them, which she continues to direct today.   Since 2018, she has been the Lead Teaching Artist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. This position allows her to teach both students and teachers, develop educational concerts, teacher professional development and host onstage with the orchestra.  Sarah completed a Graduate Certificate in Injury-Preventive Well-Coordinated Keyboard Technique with Dr. Lister-Sink at Salem College in 2022. She is a member of MTNA, NFMC, and is currently serving as VP for the Michigan GIML chapter.  Sarah and her husband, Ryan, enjoy life near Detroit, MI with their four children Julia, JP, Luke, and Wesley. https://www.pianovinestudio.com/ Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) “Defying Gravity” from Wicked the Musical, performed by Idina Menzel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLb5LSlo1Y8&t=133s 2) “Sheep May Safely Graze” by Bach, arr. by Egon Petri, performed by Leon Fleisher https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVVd-gjR8Qk&t=1s 3) “You Cannot Lose My Love” by Sara Groves https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgsjC-j75e8&t=88s 4) “For the Beauty of the Earth” from Be Thou My Vision by John Rutter, the Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bDoMflYErE&t=178s 5) “Halleluhah” (Improvisation on the Theme of the "Hallelujah" Chorus from Part 2 of Handel's "Messiah", HWV 56) by Gabriela Montero https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIftMhlD5XU Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Award-winning music educator Merlin B. Thompson (PhD, MA, BMus) is the Creator and Founder of Teach Music 21C - a music teacher professional development program that highlights 21st century teaching tools and philosophy. Merlin is recognized internationally for his expertise in music studio teaching. His recent projects include working with hundreds of teachers, students and parents throughout Canada, USA, China, New Zealand, Australia, and Finland. Merlin is author of More than Music Lessons: A Studio Teacher’s Guide to Parents, Practicing, Projects, and Character. You can find out more at https://www.teachmusic21c.com Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) "Bali Ha'i" from South Pacific by Rodgers and Hammerstein https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwYvWF5j0a8&t=10s 2) "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Bach, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and the Norman Luboff choir https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6OgZCCoXWc&t=1s 3) "Thankful" by Josh Groban, performed by the Rise Up Children's Choir https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkOEzP-nGZ8 4) "Summer" from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi, performed by Alexandr Hrustevich Vilnius https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SE222v1eyM 5) My Neighbor Totoro by Joe Hisaishi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrL9d4GrIGA Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Celeste Watson (MM, MS, NCTM) helps musicians achieve artistry through well-coordinated use of the body. She holds credentials in performing arts medicine, piano performance, and music education and coordinates return-to-play mentorships for keyboard musicians who have experienced injury. She owns a conservatory-model studio for pre-collegiate students in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (www.watson-music.com). For more information about the Lister-Sink Institute and teachings, visit https://www.lister-sink.org/ For more information about Feldenkrais movement, visit https://feldenkrais.com/ Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) Waltzing Matilda sung by Slim Dusty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqtttbbYfSM&list=PLSIRqKhHhcL4nqBuFTgNJZmPqK_7YX-SH&index=2 2) "Kommt, ihr Tochter, helft mir klagen" from St. Matthew Passion (BWV 244) by Bach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9Be9xQrWVU&list=PLSIRqKhHhcL4nqBuFTgNJZmPqK_7YX-SH&index=3 3) French Suites, by Bach, performed by Andras Schiff https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sDleZkIK-w&list=PLSIRqKhHhcL4nqBuFTgNJZmPqK_7YX-SH&index=5&t=127s 4) Goldberg Variations by Bach, performed by Andras Schiff https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHFuaaGpGKQ&list=PLSIRqKhHhcL4nqBuFTgNJZmPqK_7YX-SH&index=4&t=55s 5) Wayfaring Stranger by Johnny Cash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti-FtTz8t5U&list=PLSIRqKhHhcL4nqBuFTgNJZmPqK_7YX-SH&index=1 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail David Lane is an award-winning composer and arranger for film, concert, and musical theatre. He is the host of two podcasts: LIFE IN THE PIT (which is devoted to telling the stories of instrumentalists who play for musical theatre) and THE MUSICIAN TOOLKIT (which challenges musicians of all levels to develop a wide range of skills to become the most well-rounded musician they can be).  He is coming up on 25 years as a private teacher for piano, composition, and music theory, and has recently begun adding video tutorials to YouTube.  He has also served as music director or keyboardist for over 60 musical theatre productions.  He lives in High Point, NC with his wonderful wife Jennifer and their 5 cats Oliver, Lucas, Samson, Nelson, and Simone. You can learn more at www.davidlanemusic.com Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) The Garden by Rush https://youtu.be/uZodbmC6Mxc?si=h6c7IT8_NtY1UH8o 2) You and I Will Meet Again by Tom Petty  https://youtu.be/8MVZ1en8evE?si=PGza_KJHdcXgX8oG 3) Onward by Yes https://youtu.be/hbowD1NZ-zc?si=HTe_U_mFCv_2e3g9 4) It Can't Rain All The Time by Jane Siberry https://youtu.be/Rtqyw9IS0aw?si=zRxVBb7zD899sbOm 5) Eclogue for PIano and Strings, Op. 10 composed by Gerald Finzi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGO9LpZTpRU Support the show

Send us Fan Mail ANDREA GRODY is an Olivier and Drama Desk Award-nominated music director, arranger, and composer with a focus on developing new work. She is the Music Director & Music Supervisor of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical SUFFS. Andrea was also the Music Director and Additional Arranger for THE BAND'S VISIT (Best Musical Tony Award, 2018) and the Music Director and Vocal & Incidental Arranger for TOOTSIE (Best Musical Tony nom, 2019). Other recent projects include the world premieres of Public Works’ AS YOU LIKE IT (Public Theater), CAKE OFF (Signature Theatre/Bucks County), THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE (Public Theater/Dallas Theater Center), UNKNOWN SOLDIER (Williamstown), and LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST (Shakespeare in the Park); and the regional premieres of THE GREAT IMMENSITY and VENICE (Public Theater). Other favorites include ASSASSINS (Yale Rep) and ROBIN HOOD as Composer/Music Director (Williamstown). Writing credits include the full-length musical STRANGE FACES and several songs for The Civilians' Let Me Ascertain You series. Andrea is Resident Music Director and Senior Voice Teaching Associate at New York Vocal Coaching, and she is the creator of WordWaves (www.singwordwaves.com). She is also training to be an Alexander Technique teacher. Andrea holds a B.A. Princeton University, and M.A. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. www.andreagrody.com www.signwordwaves.com SUFFS the Musical https://suffsmusical.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjww5u2BhDeARIsALBuLnPIJck7Ws6LcHRoPW5bukPlF7P3Gd4YzYaoNHJNzeeuSoCkCC9TuSkaAmvDEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) Elevation by U2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19KstSgU-c0 2) Underdog by Alicia Keys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izyZLKIWGiA 3) If the Stars Were Mine by Melody Gardot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLFKKY5RHxc 4) In the Heights from In the Heights by Lin Manuel Miranda https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0BVfBwVqFo&list=PLn0Zn1caShZWlW5JwG0ULhWjEa2hFN6m6 5) Don't Lose Sight by Lawrence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C01nBm6vV5c Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Artist Gurm was born in India, grew up in China and currently resides in Thailand. Having grown up and been schooled in an international environment, immersed throughout in a multi-cultural atmosphere, she has always been fascinated with the unique cultural elements and stories from all over the world. After following art as a passion since her middle school days, she honed her skills by doing a Masters in Visual Arts (Studio Art) in Hong Kong. She works in the medium of drawing, painting and mixed media, and also enjoys writing and vlogging. She has had several solo exhibitions in China and has gained recognition of her art globally. Gurm’s artistic inspiration comes from everyday life. She is interested in creating works that represent the familiar world around us. By looking beyond the obvious, Gurm reconstructs the everyday environment around us into something artistically unique, which allows the audience to discover beauty in unusual places. For Gurm, art is not only a way to express herself, but also a therapeutic path of self-discovery. She likes to think that she has not found art, but rather art has found her. She perceives art as a medium to radiate bliss and peace of mind, and to bring life to the present moment. Gurm wants people to look at her artworks and experience the same feeling she has while creating them – freedom, satisfaction, and a journey of self-reflection. See and Learn about Gurm's art at https://gurmsart.com Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) "Imagine" by John Lennon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugrAo8wEPiI 2) "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtC1W-6hwIU 3) "Firework" by Katy Perry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw 4) "This is Me" from the Greatest Showman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjxugyZCfuw 5) "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y66j_BUCBMY Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Lauren Best lives where the Pottawatomi River meets Georgian Bay, on the territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (now known as Owen Sound, Ontario). She is an interdisciplinary creative with a multifaceted community arts practice interweaving her work as a poet, musician, and composer/creator. Lauren left her small Ontario town as a young singer-songwriter keyboardist and returned to become Poet Laureate Emeritus (Owen Sound, 2017-2019). Lauren is included alongside other Poets Laureate Emeritus in the City of Windsor’s South Shore Collections series, A Manor of Words: Poetry at the Manor 10th Anniversary Anthology (Black Moss Press, 2022). Her poems are published in Spike: Poems in the Time of Pestilence (Cannon Creek Press, 2021). Lauren’s 2010 chapbook Resound Re:Sound is a collection of lyrics written in Owen Sound between 2004-2008. Lauren’s music has been heard coast to coast since her debut album release in 2011, and she’s collaborated across genres and art forms with work in music, poetry, theatre, film and digital media. During more than a decade of community engaged arts, Lauren has partnered across sectors spanning education, cognitive neuroscience research, healthcare, social service, and cultural organizations. In 2022 she teamed up with Seattle-baed saxophonist Steve Treseler to create the Infinite Improvisation Podcast. Lauren’s new performance pieces combine poetry from her first full-length poetry book Just Leaves (2023), set within a soundscape of keyboard and vocal improvisation paired with lyric melodies. You can find Lauren on socials and at https://laurenbest.com or at https://bestpracticearts.com/index.html Lauren's Top 5 Songs of Encouragement: 1) This Joy by The Resistance Revival Chorus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TbDPwA09Bc&t=15s 2) Soy Yo by Bomba Estereo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxWxXncl53U&t=48s 3) Fool for Waiting by Dan Mangan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W4sCAl1qzY or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJjDQ_OzLt8 4) Mississippi Nuthin' by Shovels & Rope https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMKxTjo21bI&t=21s 5) Don't Quit on Me by Richard Laviolette https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVBDEsGcj8g&t=95s Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Lauren Best lives where the Pottawatomi River meets Georgian Bay, on the territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (now known as Owen Sound, Ontario). She is an interdisciplinary creative with a multifaceted community arts practice interweaving her work as a poet, musician, and composer/creator. Lauren left her small Ontario town as a young singer-songwriter keyboardist and returned to become Poet Laureate Emeritus (Owen Sound, 2017-2019). Lauren is included alongside other Poets Laureate Emeritus in the City of Windsor’s South Shore Collections series, A Manor of Words: Poetry at the Manor 10th Anniversary Anthology (Black Moss Press, 2022). Her poems are published in Spike: Poems in the Time of Pestilence (Cannon Creek Press, 2021). Lauren’s 2010 chapbook Resound Re:Sound is a collection of lyrics written in Owen Sound between 2004-2008. Lauren’s music has been heard coast to coast since her debut album release in 2011, and she’s collaborated across genres and art forms with work in music, poetry, theatre, film and digital media. During more than a decade of community engaged arts, Lauren has partnered across sectors spanning education, cognitive neuroscience research, healthcare, social service, and cultural organizations. In 2022 she teamed up with Seattle-baed saxophonist Steve Treseler to create the Infinite Improvisation Podcast. Lauren’s new performance pieces combine poetry from her first full-length poetry book Just Leaves (2023), set within a soundscape of keyboard and vocal improvisation paired with lyric melodies. You can learn more about Lauren and order her book, Just leaves at www.laurenbest.com You can also collaborate with Lauren by checking out https://bestpracticearts.com/index.html Tune in for Part II to hear Lauren's Top 5 Songs of Encouragement and MUCH MORE! Support the show