I love all of it
Hi! It's me, Jonah, the baritone saxophonist. Remember?
In January, I made a deal with myself that I was going to send 4 booking emails a day, five days a week. That’s 1,040 booking emails per year. In return for my efforts, I allowed myself to let go of the guilt I often feel about not trying hard enough to succeed (at least momentarily).
So far, I’ve gotten two other things out of this deal.
Thing #1: TOUR DATES!!!!!
Today I’m announcing the first leg of my 2023 solo tour. This is North America. Europe is coming in a few weeks! Here are all the dates with links:
9/14 - Cmon Everybody *special duo show with Berke Can Özcan - Brooklyn NY
10/2 - Communication - Madison WI
10/3 - Sound & Silence Series (Canterbury House) - Ann Arbor MI
10/4 - Anodyne Coffee - Milwaukee WI
10/5 - 6808 Outer Drive West - Detroit MI (House Show)
10/6 - Uncommon Sound Series - Cleveland OH
10/16 - Earshot Jazz Festival - Seattle WA
10/18 - Creative Music Guild Improvisors Summit - Portland OR
10/21 - Mandorla Music Series - Boston MA
11/02 - Comfort Station - Chicago IL
11/05 - Unrehearsed MKE #130 - Milwaukee WI
I’m SO EXCITED to be heading back out into the world to play solo shows, but only if you are planning to come see some.
So write me back and let me know if/when you’re coming!
And please help me spread the word!!!!
Thing #2: A Chance To Actually Enjoy All of My Job
I have, at times, found fear of failure to be a pretty effective motivator. It gets me out of bed and straight to work. But it turns out, when my fuel is fear I don’t have very much fun.
This year, for the first time, my motivation is momentum. Every day builds off the work from the day before, and slowly I feel more and more like someone who is devoted to their work and who deserves to succeed. It feels great, and I’m starting to have fun with all of the parts of my job, not just the part where I play saxophone.
Here are a few things I’ve enjoyed lately:
Sending booking emails (crazy right?)
Writing press releases
Buying train and plane tickets
Advancing shows
Driving to gigs
Balancing my business bank account
Writing emails like this one
Designing posters
I’m not sure how long this feeling will last. Probably not forever. But right now, I’m exited to be making music AND a lot of other stuff too.
Hopefully I will get to see you at one of these shows. Either way, I always love when you reply and tell me what you’re up to!
So keep in touch, and thank you for all of your support!!!
Talk soon,
Jonah