For the 4th of July, I went up to Marco and Margaret’s barn for their annual bash. As per usual there was a theme and performances. Joanie had come the night before (or was it that night? I can’t remember. No, I wasn’t drunk, I was old. Still am) and I liked her instantly. She was approachable and friendly and when I heard she was a singer-songwriter, I knew she was going to be amazing. I don’t know why, or how, usually I’m insanely judgmental and then totally humbled by my error, but not this time. Maybe I’m becoming a better person (actually, that’s so unlikely, let’s just stick with the more plausible theory that I’m a medium). I started to get worried that I wouldn’t get to hear her though, because she fessed up to debilitating stage fright. I had horrible stage fright for years and I know first-hand how it can undermine even those whose talents are unparalleled (I don’t know this first-hand because MY talents are unparalleled. I know this first-hand from watching actual unparalleled talents suffer from stage-fright).
I told Joanie about my experiences, knowing full well, nothing gets you over stage-fright better than becoming familiar with the stage. That night, Joanie persevered and when she sat on the barn porch, ten feet above us, it was totally mesmerizing. Her voice is stunning, better than I imagined. I heard hints of Natalie Merchant (whom I love). This video below is not from that weekend, and doesn’t do her much justice (keep in mind that stage fright can prevent you from truly singing and playing to your absolute full potential) so you’re just going to have to trust me on this. I am determined to spread the word about her so she has no choice but to get over her stage fright and reveal to us all another unparalleled talent. Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Joanie Leon Guerrero…
Joanie in the Eldert street garden from Sammy Gallo on Vimeo.
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