As a performer it helps to be reminded from time to time why I do what I do. While my love for music is immense, and my passion for bringing music to new and returning audiences alike is unwavering, there are days when we all need a  little something  more  to keep  us going;  or, perhaps, something to help  us do  more than just

keep going, something to help us move forward with conviction.

 

For me, that is the memory of Cora. I adopted Cora before starting my graduate studies at the University of Georgia. Throughout that time she was a constant companion and a bedrock during the ups and downs. In the fall of 2019 she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, bone cancer. I was lucky to spend the last several weeks of her life by her side, doing what I could to make her life as happy and pain-free as possible. Now that she's gone, her memory helps remind me of why I do what I do. Through my actions as a performer and person I try to spread the joy and love she sparked in me to others who have no doubt  lost as I have. I hope  that by doing so I can

keep her memory and the beauty and joy of her life alive.