A Chill Week, Music Ahead, and Stepping Into the Unknown

Hi friends,

Looks like I accidentally pulled off a disappearing act last week. I thought I had scheduled a newsletter for 10 a.m., but apparently it had other plans and never went out. Sorry about that.

For now, things are feeling a little more bi-weekly around here. Life has gotten wonderfully busy. I’ve been spending time in Oakland and San Francisco, and next up is a week at the Strawberry Music Festival.

Usually when people visit the Bay Area, Oakland doesn’t always make the list, but a few of my favorite places are over there, including Yoshi’s Jazz Club. We went to see music inspired by Sérgio Mendes and Brasil ’66. Sérgio himself wasn’t there, but his wife and the band put together a great show. One of the highlights for me was a feature spot for the percussionist, who showed off all kinds of unique rhythmic skills and sounds, including the cuíca — one of those instruments that can almost sound like it’s singing.

This week’s recommendation: slow down enough to notice something small — music drifting out of a café, people walking by, a street performer, a sunset, or just a good conversation. Sometimes the little moments end up sticking with us.

What I’m really looking forward to, though, is playing music again. Over the years, summer in Reno has often meant gigs, jams, and collaborations — familiar things that have become a solid part of my life. But lately, with a little effort, some new opportunities have been opening up too, and that part excites me.

This week has been more about living than planning. Great food in San Francisco and Oakland, great company, and I’ve been taking some still photos that I’m really happy with. I’ll be sharing some of them — along with a few stories — soon.

I’m also excited to try new things, both on the internet and in the real world. There’s something energizing about stepping into the unknown. Knowing that people are interested in what I’m creating and sharing really means a lot to me. It gives me fuel to keep moving forward and see what happens next.

For now, it’s a very chill week — music, food, friends, photos, and enjoying the ride.

As for next week, I’m not making any promises. I leave the music festival on Monday, and I’m thinking about heading into the High Sierras for a night or two of camping before returning home. So I may still be in full wandering mode.

But I’ll be back with new stories, new photos, and hopefully some fresh energy.

See you soon,
Alex

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