As I start this note I have to mention the experience of seeing Joni Mitchell in concert at the Hollywood Bowl late last year. I’m still blown away by finally being in the divine presence of my hero and inspiration for all things music.  She was as stunning as I imagined and, when she sang “Both Sides Now”, tears poured down my face. It was a once in a lifetime, surreal experience and I will always be so grateful that I was there for those beautiful shows. The back up band wasn’t bad either! Marcus Mumford, Annie Lennox, Jon Baptiste, Brandi Carlile & Elton John to name a few. What a blessing it was to see her. And then to run into my beloved Judy Collins at the airport was an extra special treat. It was a very quick spontaneous visit but it made me very happy. And seeing two of my musical idols got my music juices flowing.

In the first half of 2025 I was in Munich, Vienna & Paris working on new music and playing small private shows. I was also a guest of Alice Waters on the Netflix CHEF TABLE episode about this amazing woman who started the “farm to table” movement. She has done such important work including teaching children how to grow and eat nutritious food. Her school garden programs, including the children’s garden she built at the White House with Michelle Obama have had a huge impact on how important it is to get healthy food to people. And as the world seems to be very dark right now, it is more important than ever for musicians, writers, poets, painters, chefs  & all artists, to be working and putting out projects that soothe the soul. Of course, it is also important to spread kindness and help wherever we can, whether it’s helping Jose Andres at World Central Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, Palestine Children Relief Fund, Unicef, Red Cross or whatever organization that needs support. There are so many people and organizations in need. Please do what you can. 100% of all proceeds of my music goes to help where the need is greatest.

I am always happy when I am back in Europe. I get inspired there and meet amazing new people, see old friends and, for some reason, spend lots of my time in outdoor cafes with a notebook. I have a guitar that stays in Paris and one in London, which makes it very convenient for me. Even when I’m not planning on playing, it seems that music ends up being an important part of every trip I am on.

I am preparing for several trips this fall & winter; Paris, London & Hawaii and then most likely, Munich & Vienna again in December. In between, I will be working with some talented musicians that I haven’t seen in 20 years and also some of my favorite guys from my most recent band. There will always be strings on my records and Anton & Lewis Patzner are the best! I plan on getting the new formation of my band together in October or November and start working on my next record. Realistically we will be back in the studio in January 2026. So much has to happen before the guys and I get back to Pine Mountain Studio and I am excited for it all. I will try to be better about these updates.

My wish for you all is to stay on the right side of history and we will get through these tough times. All acts of kindness & generosity is how I am getting through these dark days. Other than my family, being of service is the most important part of my life.

God bless,
Michelle Schmitt
San Francisco, Ca