Indie music, pets, cooking: What quarantined creatives are doing
The commonwealth might be getting back to a more normal-feeling pace of life, but many residents are sticking to their quarantine routines to avoid the coronavirus.
It’s been about two months since Gov. Ralph Northam issued the stay-at-home order and one thing is clear: We’re all finding silver linings and reasons to smile in the littlest things.
This week, we checked in with a range of musicians from Hampton Roads: an indie rock and punk guitarist in two Hampton Roads-based bands, and two more Virginia Symphony Orchestra musicians.
Here’s what they’re doing to stay sane at home.
Zach Gehring
Guitarist for Hampton Roads-based bands Demons and Mae
What songs are you listening to?
I recently read a book called “Untypical
Girls” by Sam Knee that focused on the indie music scene from the late ’70s to the early ’90s in the U.K. and U.S. I made a playlist of the bands featured in the book: The Delmontes, Au Pairs, Altered Images, The Avengers, Talulah Gosh, Skinned Teen, and others. Oh, also the new Mountain Goats.
What books (or other reads) are helping you make it through the day?
“Love’s Grateful Striving” by M. Jamie Ferreira. It’s a commentary on Kierkegaard’s “Works of Love.” “Mr. Palomar” by Italo Calvino, and “Our Band Could Be Your Life.” Combined, they all touch on aspects of my life that offer consistent inspiration and joy.
Is there a film or series you’ve watched recently that left you hopeful?
The new adaptation of “High Fidelity” was fun. “Unorthodox” was wonderful. Watching “Peaky Blinders” as well. I wouldn’t say these are instilling hope, but they are offering meaningful and productive distractions, which is equally valuable.
Who are you reaching out to and how are you communicating with them?
I’m talking with my brother via text and phone, that always helps. The Mae guys and Demons guys as well. Dave (Elkins) and I have been excited about the new Michael Jordan documentary coming out — being able to talk about things we love is always helpful. Chris Mathews will hit me up out of the blue with a band he thinks I’d be into. I love stuff like that, especially now.
What can you do to help others who are also struggling right now?
I think the most important thing is to offer empathy and patience. I’m disappointed when I see people dismissing others who express their stress or anger via social media. Saying something like “it could be worse” or “be thankful for what you have” is gaslighting. I think that what is most important is to seek understanding with one another and allow space for us to absorb all of this craziness.
What are you finding joy in during this time?
My daughter is learning how to express herself with tone, with how she says a word to assign it more meaning, and that’s always endearing. I enjoy being able to commiserate with friends, express anger and find humor in all of this. I think hope is encouraged and identified in our social relationships with one another.
Stephen Slater
Sight: Seeing artists come out with creative and new ideas. I believe artists create their best work during times of difficulty.
Smell: I have the privilege of living two blocks from the ocean here in Virginia Beach, so the salt air on the boardwalk has been my therapy.
Hearing: Lately, I’ve been listening to opera performances that have blown my mind in both musical and theatrical ways, especially l’Opéra de Paris’ “Les Indes galantes” by Rameau.
Taste: I can’t stop cooking. Seriously. It’s for a party of one, but having the time to cook from my 10 or so cookbooks that I’ve been meaning to get to has been a treat.
Touch: This is an interesting one, considering how much I’ve missed holding my friends and family. Being devoid of that has been difficult.
What are you finding joy in during this time?
The idea that swimsuit season may be canceled, so … more food? But seriously, reconnecting with long-time friends and regular chat sessions with family have been incredible, and I’m thankful and blessed and lucky to have that time now.
Allegra Tortolano Havens
What songs are you listening to?
I have been part of some remote video recordings including the song “From a Distance” with my own Harbor String Quartet ( includes members of the VSO). The next week or so will also include remote videos with Carbon Works music and will include players from Hampton Roads, Washington, D.C., and the singer out of Rome.
I play music that I have always wanted to learn. I read through difficult orchestral or quartet music if I know that it’s on the program for next season’s VSO concert series. I put together ideas for recitals. And I always put in a little Bach solo violin music during my practice. Bach challenges me constantly in both technique and musical style. I always learn and improve when I play Bach.
What books (or other reads) are helping you make it through the day?
I tend to like long-term novels about adventurers. I love indulging myself in lands and places that are exciting and new, including our own United States. My most recent adventures took me from St. Louis to the West Coast of the United States with Lewis and Clark. They are intriguing journals about their travels, the people they met along the way. I have also enjoyed biographies of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his love for the outdoors. I am finishing up “1001 Arabian Nights.” I am hoping by the time my 1001 nights are over, so will our social distancing.
Who are you reaching out to and how are you communicating with them?
Every day I contact a family member or friend to see how they are doing. I talk to my 90-year-old father who lives alone in Vermont. He is always first on my list with whom to check in. I talk to my brothers, both musicians, living in Toronto and D.C. How are they coping? What are they doing to keep themselves musically active? And I call a friend, maybe in New York City or California, or Germany or Italy. Maybe right here in Hampton Roads. Staying in touch with so many people helps me feel connected on a very personal level, much more than any Facebook or texting or even emails would do. A friendly voice or face on the other side of the phone is often what others need when they’re feeling down.
What can you do to help others who are also struggling right now?
Routines and daily goals help me, personally, to get through times such as these. The first thing I do in the morning is go out and walk my dog. I have a golden retriever who is also a registered therapy dog. She is sure to wake me up early, eager for her day to start. Pets are known for their ability to make us feel better and relieve stress. They brighten our moods, give us a sense of being loved and needed. We make their day, just by a simple pat on the head and an extra treat. My days always start out well when I enjoy a brisk walk with my four-legged friend.
Each day then, consists of several goals, both for mind and body. Every day I exercise either by a home work out, running, walking or biking. And every day I practice.
What are you finding joy in during this time?
I am an optimist. I make the best of a situation and always see the positive lining. In this time of little social interaction, I have found that families are coming together like they never had before. I am seeing friends and neighbors walking or biking together, talking and laughing, smiling, saying hello to whomever they pass. I see parents with small children creating colorful murals in chalk on the sidewalk. I see families sitting outside in their driveways, waving to passersby. I have even participated in an occasional social distance happy hour with our neighbors, gathering in the cul-de-sac, with chairs and a beverage. We share stories and hope.
I have personally been grateful for my family at this time. My daughter was studying abroad in Canterbury, England, and had to come home on very short notice. Her experience in England was cut short, but I am relieved to have her home and well. My husband, my daughter and I spend time together biking or walking. Lunch is served al fresco on the deck. Every evening we have a delicious dinner followed by movie night, where each one of us takes turns choosing the film to watch. Our days are not what they once were. Our interactions with others are limited, but we are connecting on other levels. We just have to seize these opportunities because they are everywhere.