Melissa Etheridge – NAMM 2018
Fans from all over the world and in different time zones stop what they are doing to hear Melissa perform live at home every day while we are “sheltered in place”. Melissa began these home shows over 47 days ago (as of this writing) and will continue to perform every day to help us get through our stay-at-home orders. It really does help during these stressful times. So many musicians are stepping up and performing for their fans through social media. We are so lucky that if we must stay at home, at least we can connect with some of our favorite artists and get a peek into their personal world.
Melissa is quite the storyteller and she is diving into her treasure trove of music. She shares such great memories of her musical life and gets very personal. She has gone down some roads less traveled performing songs she hasn’t played in years–some maybe never. She’s making it a fun adventure from Janis Joplin Day to Springsteen Day, a Prince Tribute, as well as singing with her daughter, Bailey. You never know what you are going to get, but whatever the theme, you know it’s gonna be good—real good!
I jumped in around the second week and have watched the progression as she has had to fend for herself getting her audio and video dialed in. I think she’s got it all figured out at this point with the help of her wife Linda who is behind the scenes providing her amazing support. Since it’s a live performance, we get to watch her build the songs with her looper.
Melissa deeply cares so much about everyone and is very appreciative of her band and crew. Fans for Melissa set up a gofundme page to help them out. You can also purchase Melissa At Home T-Shirts to commemorate this extraordinary “time out” which will also help support her team. I purchased the bandana type mask. What the hell–it’s now mandatory!
Klipsch Audio partnered with Melissa with #consertsfromhome on Instagram with free giveaways! Klipsch just gave away The One II Speaker to some lucky fan! There is so much going on with Melissa, so be sure to follow her on social media to keep up. MelissaEtheridge.com
My favorite day is Sunday which is Piano Day. She is so talented and I love how she mixes things up from her guitar performances. I feel deeply inspired by her. She has been through so much in her life. I remember watching her perform at the House of Blues when she announced her cancer diagnosis. It felt as though all the air in the room got sucked out. She certainly had lots of prayers sent her way and she has been clear of cancer for 15 years! She spoke of what cancer taught her and how grateful she is to have made it through it. It sounded like a very rough ride. She told the story of when she was at the end of her treatment she was invited to perform at the Grammy’s which was something she just couldn’t pass up. She said it took a lot out of her but it was a very rewarding moment—shaved head and all! She shared that the love that filled the room with a standing ovation warmed her heart and was a moment she would never forget.
Melissa Etheridge with Michael McDonald – NAMM 2018
You can also catch the replay of Melissa’s recent concert, “From My Home To Yours”, a one-hour concert special @MelissaEtheridgeLive.com. If we can’t be there in person, this is the next best thing!
Melissa’s concert series is evolving with a new series, “Fearless Love Hang”, beginning May 1st and continuing on Mondays and Fridays. Purchase your tickets here. A portion of proceeds goes to support Music Cares Covid-19 Relief Fund.
I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing all the stories and listening to her catalog of music and look forward to “Melissa time” every single day! She has even inspired me to re-learn playing the piano! Jump on in–Eagles Day is coming up!
Melissa always makes sure before she closes out each day with her motto: “Be Strong, Be Kind, Speak Truth, Spread Peace and Choose Only Love—it’s a choice”. One of the things I’ve always admired about Melissa is that she is authentic and true to her self. Thanks, Melissa—may the love you put out in the world be returned to you a thousandfold.
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