       My friends!
Wow, the last 6 weeks have been an absolute whirlwind! Just when i think things are slowing down into a routine, I'm wrong. But that's ok...because variety is the spice of life!
Lets see...got to be a professor for 3 hours and taught a few classes on using art as a way to dialogue about conversations of race, culture, and injustice in Tennessee, played an awesome show on an alleyway loading dock in Ohio, and had an unexpect post house-concert I Like Ike T-shirt scribbling party with a bunch of 6 year olds in New Jersey :)
As each day passes, i feel more and more blessed to embark on this music journey with you all. I never know what each day will bring. THANK YOU thank you thank you for showing up and giving meaning to what I do!
IN THE STUDIO...
 Now, I'm highly biased, but...it's sounding soooo good! I wish you could hear what I hear! As I dive deeper into the recording process of this next album, I am absolutely in awe of what these new songs are turning into. And guess what....we're almost DONE!!!! Just some backing vocals, harmonies, and then onto the next step of mixing and mastering...etc.
I've begun the early stages of talking to a publicist and laying out a plan that serves the album best in terms of finding the best release date and deciding how to marketing and publicize everything.
Kickstarter backers! If you have not heard from me yet, you will n the next 7-10 days. Stay tuned!
FOOD FOR EVERYONE!
 I spent most of last week in Nashville at the annual Food for the Hungry independent artist retreat. This year's retreat gave me a chance to connect with other artists who also work with FH. We talked extensively about storytelling and using art as a tool for advocacy and change.
I am so happy to partner with an organization that believes so strongly in advocating for those who can't speak for themselves. And so proud of my fellow indie artists and all they pour out creatively. This year, thanks to the above faces and all of YOU who come to our shows, countless children and communities have been sponsored across the globe. That means clean water, lower rates of infant mortality, schooling, agricultural education and so much more! THANK YOU for sponsoring. If you have sponsored at one of my shows you are probably part of the Facebook "Wall of Fame" :)
UPCOMING SHOWS
 Hey, if you're in the Northeast and would like to book a house concert for this fall, just reach out! I'll be staying on the East Coast for the most part.
Sep 30: Camden, NJ | Vox House Concert Series [RSVP for address] **
Oct 7: Claymont, DE | Darley Beer & Wine Festival [facebook] **
Oct 14: Pittsburgh, PA | Private House Concert
Oct 28: Philadelphia, PA | Awbury Harvest Festival [details TBA] **
Nov 4: Charlotte, NC | Private House concert
Nov 5: Charlottesville, VA | Eunioa Creative Community [details]
Nov 9-11: Stamford, CT | NERFA
full show details: www.joyike.com/shows
Oh...also, it's my birthday tomorrow :)
Joy
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