Sobriety and Music During the Holidays
A Journey of Resilience
The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. It's a time when families gather, the aroma of delicious meals fills the air, and warmth and laughter are abundant. For many, it's also a time when the festivities are often accompanied by a bit of indulgence, particularly in the form of alcohol. But this year, as I kick off my journey into the holiday season, I've made a different choice. Starting from Halloween and extending through January, I've decided to go sober. It's a challenge I'm embracing with open arms as I gear up for an exciting lineup of shows in Oregon and special moments with loved ones.
As a musician, the holiday season has really become a busy performance time for me. Believe it or not; I have 12 upcoming shows until January. I'm looking forward to the series of shows in Oregon and the chance to connect with my music listeners. While the warm stage lights shine bright and my guitar strums to the rhythm of the crowd's foot-tapping, the backstage scene often includes one too many drinks. Over the years, the holidays have become a time when it's all too easy to get carried away with the festive spirit.
This year, I've made the conscious decision to change the narrative. Instead of over enjoying in the party atmosphere, I'm opting for clarity and sobriety. It's not because I've had a problematic relationship with alcohol, but because I want to fully embrace the beauty of the holiday season and cherish moments with family, friends, and my music-loving fans without the haze of intoxication. My upcoming shows in Oregon, a place that holds a special place in my heart, will be different this time. I won't need a drink to feel the music, to connect with the audience, or to find the energy to perform. Instead, I'll rely on the power of my passion and the support of my fans to fuel the stage. It's an exciting prospect to bring my music to life without the crutch of alcohol.
Choosing sobriety during the holidays is a personal decision, but it's one I'm embracing with enthusiasm and a sense of empowerment. All of my upcoming booking clients are bars, wine bars and tap rooms - but there are a lot of non-alcoholic libations to be enjoyed while I perform and support the business and listeners who support my live music show.
I'm also very fortunate to have a supportive network of friends, family, and fans who respect and understand my choice. Their encouragement means the world to me and fuels my determination to enjoy this holiday season with a new perspective.
The decision to go sober during the holidays is not a sacrifice but a gift I'm giving myself. It's an opportunity to fully savor the magic of the season, connect with my audience in a new way, and build lasting memories with my loved ones. As I embark on this journey, I'm filled with excitement and gratitude, and I can't wait to share these special moments with all of you. Cheers to a memorable and sober holiday season!
