Another half year has passed since my last update, and like many other folks, I’m feeling rather weary as I enter the home stretch of 2024. Fortunately, there’s been a lot of personal and professional good to buoy my spirits despite the buffeting of the past year and a half. Singing has been fulfilling, writing has been coming in semi-regular fits and starts, my spouse and dogs are doing well, my wizard rock band had an amazing time with our fellow music nerds LeakyCon in Portland in July, and I’m fully healed from a successful (elective) surgery in August.

December is a busy month for all musicians, and mine is no different, but I’m lucky enough to be singing with folks I adore, which makes the load feel much lighter. I’m pleased to report that we opened December with a banger of a Lessons & Carols service at All Souls’ (I was the S2 soloist!), which you can enjoy here, if you’re in need of some Advent vibes.

In addition to a surfeit of beautiful sacred music, I’m especially looking forward to next week, which will not only include a visit from my mother, but also a concert I’m particularly excited about: A Candle in the Window, a unique take on a holiday concert wherein we explore guiding light and surrounding darkness, with SACRA/PROFANA. I adore this repertoire, particularly since several pieces highlight the refugee experience and the less joyful parts of the season, so this concert is going to be heartfelt and absolutely beautiful.

On a personal note, I’m thrilled that we’re premiering a piece for which I wrote the lyrics, “Making the Darkness Bright,” composed by my fellow SACRA/PROFANA musician Andrew Bearden! We’re heading into the home stretch for rehearsals, and I’m delighted to report that the choir is singing the HECK out of it! So, appropriately enough for Advent, I’m feeling some pretty joyful anticipation. Andrew and I wanted to make the piece interfaith, so I’ve included imagery from different faith and cultural traditions. But my favorite Christmas song of all time is the melancholy “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” so there are feels baked in, plus we’ve dedicated the song to my dad’s memory, so there may be some tears, but they’ll be good tears. Anyway, here are the words!

Winter nights
Feel much warmer
As I light the candles and remember
How we came together in the days gone by
And traditions I keep alive.

Welcome sights
Of the former
As the fire is fading to an ember.
Shorter days remind me how a year can fly,
Yet I yearn for them to arrive!

Miracle season,
Bring all of my loved ones near me.

We will be family,
Sharing one another’s light.
Celebrate small and great
As we make the darkness bright.

Now the air
Is delicious–
Full of sav’ry smells and sweetest singing.
Recipes and melodies from those now gone,
Intertwine present and the past.

What we share
Is auspicious:
History and present laughter ringint.
Loving one another, we will carry on
For as long as our lives will last.

Miracle season,
Bring wonder and joy to cheer me.

We will be family,
Sharing one another’s light.
Celebrate small and great
As we make the darkness bright.

Anyway, that’s the news from San Diego. Here’s sending all good wishes of the season your way, whichever season(s) you keep, and hope that we all stumble over the finish line of 2024 together. The only thing I can say with any confidence is that 2025 will be full of the unexpected, so here’s hoping that we’re able to weather it as well as we can.

With love and light,

Libby