Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Written By Lindsey Morano

Dear Friends,

Many of you were a part, in one way or the other, of the launch of this new phase of my music endeavors in 2025, arising out of the release of my new album, “Tip of the Spear.” I wanted to fill you in on some of the highlights of 2025 and some exciting events already scheduled for 2026.

The Rockwell presented “We Hold These Truths: July 4th at Norman Rockwell Museum”.  I sang three “mini-sets” while standing amidst Rockwell’s “Four Freedoms” and his civil rights illustrations.  Later, community leaders read the Declaration of Independence, followed by music by Annie and Abe Guthrie.

I did a (sold out) album release concert at my beloved Guthrie Center in Great Barrington, MA in a benefit for the Center. That would have been gratifying enough, but I was joined by my special guest and good friend Christine Lavin. 

The next week, I was back at the Guthrie Center to join the High Peaks Festival of Close Encounters with Music to close their evening of folk-inspired classical music by performing my Woody’s Children with a small orchestra of High Peaks students.  I told those gifted students that they’ll all eventually play with more distinguished musicians, but they’ll never play with one more appreciative.

  • August 26, 2025 – House Concert, Becket, MA

Friends of mine hosted a house concert in Becket, MA.  The concert was a benefit for the Berkshire Immigrant Family Relief Fund of Volunteers in Medicine.  We were delighted to raise $6,000 from those in attendance and numerous others who couldn’t be with us.

I sang If They’d Been Black, my song about January 6, at the invitation of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets as part of their “Songs of Social Change” program.

I sang for the first time at the iconic Bitter End in Greenwich Village as part of the New York Songwriters Association showcase hosted by my old friend (and gifted singer-songwriter-producer) Peter Bliss.

A few years ago, my dear friend Marissa Levy lost her mind and started “The Listening Booth,” a club for original music on the Delaware shore. It has quickly established a reputation as a first-rate venue.  I had the privilege of sharing the bill with the terrific Alex Radus.   

  • November 1, 2025 – House Concert, Washington, DC

Friends hosted a house concert in Washington, D.C.  My performance was a benefit for the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights. I’m thrilled to say that we raised over $15,000 (and we’re still counting).

All in all, I couldn’t have been more pleased with the opportunities that came my way in 2025.

 And here’s what’s upcoming (so far) in 2026. (Stay tuned as I add more events on my website.)

January 10, 2026 Congregation Gates of Heaven, Schenectady, NY

For me musically, 2026 got off to a great start with my concert at Congregation Gates of Heaven that drew about 200 people after some great support from local radio. It was part of my scholar-and-artist-in-residence weekend there, the kind of engagement I’ll be doing more of in the future.

  • March 7, 2026 Chicago Sinai, Chicago IL

I’m doing a concert hosted by Chicago Sinai, a Reform synagogue, as part of another weekend residency.

I’ll be back in April, this time as part of the “On Your Radar” series hosted by John Platt, the long-time folk music DJ on WFUV-FM in New York City. If you’re in or around NYC, don’t wait to get tickets. It’s a small club, and my initial email to NYC-area friends and family promptly sold about 40 tickets.  I have a special affection for WFUV, because for many years it was the home of the “Woody’s Children” radio show hosted by the late Robert Sherman, the show that inspired my song “Woody’s Children.”

I’ll be back at The Listening Booth, sharing the bill with the wonderful Sue Horowitz.

I’m delighted to be part of the Guthrie Center’s Troubadour Series this summer and thrilled to be sharing the bill with Sam Robbins, an extraordinary singer-songwriter.

So—thanks to all of you who’ve been a part of this in any way, shape or form. I hope to see you at some venue sometime in 2026.  And—if you’re interested in hosting a house concert, I’d be happy to talk to you about what’s involved.

            Best wishes for the rest of 2026.  We’ll need them…

Doug

Lindsey Morano