28 Comments
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clarke's avatar

hey, it wasn't RED, ha ha. feel better!!! xxxcm

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Amy Rigby's avatar

Right? That's the worst, at least black is cool.

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Janet Jeffers's avatar

Ugh, sorry about the Covid. It finally got me in June, right after a return home from a few days in NYC. I hope you recover quickly!

“...maybe it’s just part of getting older to not expect things to happen anymore but think “what can I bring?” Whatever “making it” used to look like, nowadays it seems enough to keep working, that’s the point and that’s the reward too.”

I am starting to feel like this too. Not feeling the hustle and drive to seek approval or set the art world on fire with my work. The making of the work is what I love.

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Amy Rigby's avatar

Thanks Janet. I can't believe I went unscathed for so long!

A friend in Nashville said: "You did it. You kept it going. You're still doing it." and it felt so good to look at things that way.

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R.A. Cramblitt's avatar

Hope you are recovering and getting back to fine fettle. Beautiful, evocative writing. Sending you good vibes and hoping Girl to Country is coming together the way you want it to. The shirt looked great, BTW, and I wish I could have seen that performance. Onward and upward!

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Amy Rigby's avatar

Thanks Bob. I was happy! Now I'm back on my draft, the thing I'm finding is whatever hope or plan I had for this story, I have to follow the truth and sometimes it takes me into uncomfortable spots but I hope I'll come through with more insight and a good book.

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R.A. Cramblitt's avatar

I can imagine how tough that could be at times. But your honesty and emotional intelligence will prevail. I have no doubt.

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Amy Rigby's avatar

Thanks Bob!

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chronicPop's avatar

This is a lovely recap of the Americana week - hope you’re recovering- one thing that makes me sad or simply sigh is the number of times I’ve read how polarising politics reared its head at the event or backstages.

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Amy Rigby's avatar

Thank you, I'm definitely feeling a little better! And I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Brandi's event wasn't the only one where everyone wasn't of a similar mind - it's TN, it's America. It's not "just about music" anymore. It can't be.

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Sharon's avatar

You’re a fabulous writer and I found myself clinging to every word. Thank you for recapping your experience and adventure in Nashville. I felt it all. Lucinda is so cool. Cooler than the car but the car is cool too.

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Amy Rigby's avatar

Thank you Sharon! It was so great to hear Lucinda speaking about her life- her book was illuminating but there's nothing like being in her presence.

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Angie Aletha's avatar

Wow, just wow, to every word ... sigh... There's too much to comment on why I loved each part of your journey...road trip/bitchin'car/cool panels/hotel banter, gig and songwriting, thoughts on dad and your entire Drive... Thank you... Hope you're well soon <3

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Amy Rigby's avatar

Thank you so much Angie!

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Bob Holmes's avatar

Beautiful write up of AmericanaFest. It was such a joy to hear you talk about your writing- and I think the "showcase" at the Eastside Bowl was the best I'd ever seen you perform. I loved the way you wove your storytelling with the songs. Beautiful!

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Amy Rigby's avatar

Bob, it was so nice to see you at both. Thank you so much!

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Melody Guarino's avatar

Great story Amy! So sorry that Covid had to put a dent in yr trip, tho. I too enjoy watching Jaimee Harris' ascendance in her art, as well as the wonderful works of Mary Gauthier. I caught their show at Caffe Lena in Saratoga just before AmericanaFest, (awesome), played a few more gigs, then caught Covid myself and am currently grounded at home cuddling my own packet of Paxlovid! Bet you were great at the Fest, and hope to see you play again before you relocate! <3

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Amy Rigby's avatar

Hi Mel! I really wanted to come to Caffe Lena for Mary and Jaimee and it was just a little too far to travel that week, they're both fantastic. So sorry you got Covid! I hope you feel better soon and I do look forward to getting to meet up.

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MARK SMITH's avatar

I saw you play in Nashville at the Sutler way back when and I've regretted not seeing you more often when you were a regular here. No regrets this time as I didn't miss my chance to see you at the Eastside Bowl. You sounded great! But it made me regret even more that I only saw you once when you were in Nashville. Looking forward to the next volume of the memoirs. Thanks for the music and the words.

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Amy Rigby's avatar

Mark, thanks for coming to Eastside Bowl! I look forward to coming back to Nashville to play with a new record and book, hopefully see you then.

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Speed Paste Robot's avatar

wishing you a speedy and complete recovery

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Amy Rigby's avatar

Thank you!

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Oh, man, life on the road. The thing I most often tell aspiring writers is that loneliness comes with the job. Nobody ever told the young me that I'd spend so much time in hotel rooms. Great stuff, Amy.

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Amy Rigby's avatar

Thank you Sherman. And thanks for your writing!

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Randy Heath's avatar

Hope you’re recovering quickly, Amy! This was a great piece to read. Thanks!

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Amy Rigby's avatar

Thanks Randy, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully I'll be back to normal in another day or two!

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The Girl Can't Help It's avatar

Ooh sorry you picked up Covid in your travels! Hubs had it last week and was pretty sick for the second time. Hope it passes quickly and without much fanfare.

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Amy Rigby's avatar

Thanks Eline, I guess it was bound to happen with all that's going around. Just took my first round of Paxlovid, tastes awful but my head cleared so hoping I can kick this fast. Take care!

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