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GA: It was so very difficult early on – to have all your
gigs cancelled and no financial business aid is really
hard. Many people don't think music is a business, but
we work ALL the time. I was already having “Front
Porch” sessions every Saturday (2019 – 2022) on
Facebook but extended some of those into concerts.
That income kept me afloat. Then I started auctioning
off all kinds of memorabilia – even auctioned off my
button collection (like “Free Angela Davis” and “Ban
Apartheid” buttons). Personally, I am grateful that my
wife (I like using that word) was also home and we
enjoyed each other – singing, dancing, watching
movies. We also met with neighbours from the block
– pulling chairs into a big circle in the street and telling
tall tales!
LL: What can your fans look forward to coming up for you?
GA: I do not tour like I used to. I am 79 years old and can no longer go out for weeks at a time.
I basically do one or two gigs a month. If the gig is more than a 5-hour drive, I need to fly with
my manager. (BTW, I have never played in the U.K. . . neither did Saffire. . . hint, hint. A few
countries are indeed on my bucket list.) I am blessed that my mind is churning all the time.
When lyrical and musical ideas hit, usually a song is on the horizon. Even though my recent
release is an anthology, several of the songs are new. As noted, the blues is about that which
gives you trouble. Aside from affairs of the heart, there's so much stuff giving me/the world
trouble these days.
Personally, I want to dance more. I love to dance – can't last all night like I used to, but I can still
bust a move or two!! I want to connect with friends more. . . perhaps a card game or dinners or
some travel with a little rest attached.
~ © Lawrence Lebo 2023
Lawrence Lebo is an award winning, critically acclaimed Blues recording artist living in
Northeast Ohio, USA. She can be found on the web at www.lawrencelebo.com