This last year made me re-think, re-evaluate, and take a hard look at my personal and creative journey and where I want to go next.  We’ll get to that, but first, a recap!

Winter 2024

Winter was colored by music with my favorite brothers – The Bacon Brothers, and CoVid as a parting gift from Texas.  We had a super fun (but super COLD) run to sold out crowds in the Lone Star state.  One show was OUTDOORS in Cedar Park at the Haute Spot in 20 something degree weather.  I looked like I was dressed for the ski slopes, but when you’re performing in freezing weather, what are ya gonna do?  (Pic by me by @dfdonahue).

I do love performing in Texas. No matter the weather, their warm hearts show up and Texans know how to support musicians.  I broke my all time merch sales record! Here’s a pic of me and Jesse DeCarlo by Bacon Bros. historian and long time friend of ours, Vanessa Sundra:

 

When I got back to Big Sur, life was all about getting over the coughing fits and hunkering down for a a week long power outage in Big Sur.  The storms are awe inspiring – I actually enjoy them.  I took time to make soup, read books and decompress.  I also discovered the ease of writing music on guitar in open tuning. 

Springtime

Flowers were blooming, allergies were raging, I did a packed outdoor show at Carmel’s Sunset Center and released the Life #9 lyric video. If you didn’t get a chance to see it, click HERE.

AND, I celebrated the release of Ballad of the Brothers, the latest from Kevin and Michael.  I am forever grateful that they included me on this record – I sing backing vocals on both “Dreams of the San Joaquin” and “We Belong,” with featured step out lines so you’ll know it’s me 😉 . Please check it out: We Belong,  Dreams of the San Joaquin

Summer

Summertime was a whirlwind.  My family went on our first vacation in many, many years to England and Spain.  We were fortunate enough to stay with friends and let the locals lead our exploration of the beautiful sights, sounds and tastes across the pond.  Aaaand, we came back with CoVid.  I’m starting to think airports are my enemy.   I kicked it fast this time and was able to meet up with the Bacon Bros. again on the East Coast to close out the season with a smile.  We performed “San Joaquin” as an encore and I jumped on Fitzy’s keyboard.  See if you can spot tiny me in the pic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also did a house concert tour, some charity and local events with the amazing Steve Fekete (on loan from the band America).   We are working together this year on a new project…TBA!  Here’s a pic of us at Studio 519, after a house concert for my dear friends and fellow Nuts, Don and Joelle Adkins.

Fall and Winter

Towards the end of the year, my focus was on my family and home. Teenagers…a LOT of work, a lot of drama, a lot of driving, and a lot of LOVE. I stayed off social media and out in nature as much as possible. I didn’t go into my career wanting to be an “influencer,” and that is precisely what labels and managers have steered artists to do in the ever evolving digital age.  It’s understandable, but just not where I’m at these days.  As sassy and off the cuff as I was early in my career (known for TMI), now that I am a parent, I am much more aware of the impact of each post and persona.  Maturity makes me more conscious of time and its value.  I don’t want to spend the hours making social media content.  I’d rather put my creative energy into my children and my relationships. And yes, my songs. Don’t worry – I’ll never give up music.  It’s as important as oxygen to me.  So is staying connected to you!  But I have other aspects of life that need a prominent seat at the table.  I guess I will make “Content” because I WANT to, not because I HAVE to – and I want it to always be authentic (an overused and exploited word, but appropriate in this situation).

What’s Ahead?

Although I am not on social media as often as I used to be, I DO post regularly on Patreon. If you want the nitty gritty of the “Process” of writing, performing, and behind the scenes, as well as zoom hangouts and serenades, this is where it’s at:  The Pnut Gallery on Patreon.   I try to stop by Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (my handle on the last two is @mylifenumber9) at least a couple times a month.  When touring starts back up in April, I’ll post more regularly.

Next show is Local:  Sunday, January 26th in Carmel by the Sea to benefit both the Breast Cancer Assistance Group of Monterey and the Caring Circle at CBI. Info: Songs of Hope Harmony & Healing.

I want to do more “Play it Forward” shows this year – using my gifts to give back to charities that are truly making this world a better place.  If you’d like to host a Play it Forward show, I’ll be doing house concerts Spring/Summer 2025 and would love to do one to benefit YOUR favorite cause.  It’s easier than you think.  Email me! cindy@cindyalexander.com.

Yes, a new record is in the works but here’s the question:  Who Am I Today?  I’m still trying to figure it out.  What about you?  Stay in touch!  Thanks for stopping by ~

Love,

Cindy