During the spring of 2020 the world stopped. Theatres closed. Arenas were silenced. Small venues stood empty. But the artists never stopped creating.
Singers kept singing. Writers kept writing. Actors kept delivering stories to the public. My friends and I sang together on a distance. Mostly for our own sanity and entertainment, but also for the enjoyment of others. Many artist are not making a dime for anything created and performed during lockdown. Now is the time to support the arts and artists. Buy gift cards to theatres and orchestras. Then be there once shows are up and running. Buy independent musicians CDs. Don’t just stream. But, also do that. Stay safe. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Stay home if you are ill. And be kind to each other.

Here are some of our contributions during the first lockdown march-may 2020. Courtesy of Smule and Lockdown Duets, co-created with Petra Rauhala.

I’d Give it all For You – Songs for a New World, Jason Robert Brown / Seasons of Love – RENT, Jonathan Larson
When Will My Life Begin – Tangled, Alan Menken, Glenn Slater / Tango Maureen – RENT, Jonathan Larson
Some Things are Meant to Be – Little Women, Mindi Dickstein, Jason Howland / For Good – Wicked, Stephen Schwartz
Shallow – A Star is Born, Stefanie Germanotta / Maybe – next to normal, Tom Kitt, Brian Yorkey