What a crazy time in the world! I hope that you are safe and taking time to reflect on life and all the gifts that come with this forced slowdown. I pray that everyone is getting what they need to stay safe and well.

It has always been very important in my life and music to try to give back to people in need. I was able to donate 1500 N95 masks to the nurses and parents at Little Wishes in San Francisco and Los Angeles. I am dedicated to doing whatever I can, especially in times like these. The nurses and parents of the brave children served by Little Wishes have been struggling with the lack of the protective gear that they need. Little Wishes is still making sick children smile, but they are in dire need of donations. Any amount helps, so please join me in making it possible for the wonderful nurses to keep making sick children happy by donating to LITTLE WISHES.

It has also been stressful to watch the lack of leadership in this country. I am counting the days until November when we can vote a new president in. We need a president who displays intelligence and empathy, and who can comfort the people of the United States as we get through this difficult time. I am proud to be working on two of VP BIDEN’s committees and will do my part in helping him become the next President of the United States. Please VOTE BLUE in November.

When I turn on the news and see the struggle many families are having getting enough food, I am grateful to be able to support EXTRAFOOD, FEEDING AMERICA, and WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN. All 3 of these organizations are getting food to people in these desperate times. If you can help at all, please do so. Any amount helps.

In February, the boys and I were able to finish the first of two records scheduled this year. “Light” will be released sometime this summer. As always, we had a wonderful 10 days up at Pine Mountain Studio, where we welcomed our newest engineer, Geoff Saba, to his first official session with us. He and Sammy did a great job recording the music we made. We are excited for you to hear it.

Music has been such an important part of this quarantine time for me. It is a pleasure to see so many musicians sharing their talents on social media. I try to listen to one or two sessions a night and donate something to the musicians who have had their opportunity to make a living taken away from them for now. I tune in to my friend, Trevor Bahnson, every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at 8pm. It’s a great way to hear some good music and support artists. We need art and music. I love the quote by Thomas Merton, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time”. For me it is important to support people making art, more so than ever now in this time of uncertainty. By downloading music, buying books and supporting art, we can all help.

In my January Notes from Michelle I wrote that “It’s a treat to unplug from everyday life and give 100% attention to the music”. Those words have never rung more true than now, but I am taking each day as it comes and trying to look outside of myself to see what I can do to be of service to those who are in real need now. I do not think there will ever be a time in my life that I will have the opportunity to completely stop and re-evaluate my life and what I want it to look like. Family, friends, health and being of service are all important to me. I am grateful that I can stay in touch with my friends around the country and in Europe. I really miss the people I love, but know that I will see them when this is over.

Though we have no idea what the future looks like, the boys and I have not taken our December 3rd, 13th Annual Benefit Concert at 142 Throckmorton Theater off the books. Whether or not we are able to meet for this special annual concert, we will do our part to help both ExtraFood and Little Wishes.

Please follow me on Instagram @michelleschmittmusic and stay in touch via my website to get up to date info about future events. And remember, that every sale of my music on all platforms goes directly to these two important organizations.*

As always, I am beyond grateful that I get to make music, share my music with my incredible family of musicians and all of you, and make the world a little better place while doing what I love.

God bless,

Michelle Schmitt

Stinson Beach, Ca  2020