February is freezing for my funny Valentine… but with stress and rough times, there’s some good music news: Thanks for the nominations in the 2021 Detroit Music Awards. I’ve received 4 nominations in the Rock/Pop and Classical category for Outstanding Instrumentalist for piano (Rock and Classical), Outstanding Songwriter (Rock/Pop) and Outstanding Vocalist (Rock/Pop). And Scott Dailey received a nomination for Outstanding Rock Instrumentalist for guitar. Thank you, it’s an honor to be among such great company. Congratulations to all musicians and artists on creating during the pandemic, too. https://www.detroitmusicawards.net/2021-nominees

Carolyn and Scott performing for “Sing it to Me” and for Italy tour

But stunned and so sad to hear we lost wonderful Patricia Izzo. Patty was magical and we worked together on many photos for my music albums and more. Patty’s friendship, care, artistic vision and warrior charm made Patty, and her art surreal and amazing with wildly original photo shoots! Besides being such a fabulous artist, Patricia’s family was the love of her life and the wonderful River’s Edge Gallery. Patty brought her heart to her art and life with madcap fun. I loved her, we all did – Patty made you feel like a million bucks, and she loved you right back!

From “Honesty” album cover- Patty Izzo
Crime of Passion – Carolyn Striho by Patty Izzo
Patt Slack, Carolyn Striho and Patricia Izzo – River’s Edge Gallery Detroit Maiden Energy Book Opening 2019photo: Stacey Sherman

So sorry to hear about Chick Corea and Mary Wilson (Supremes). It’s hard to believe we lost these magnificent trailblazers of music. I was honored to have seen Chick Corea up close and personal when playing the Detroit Jazz Festival in 2009. And we were excited to perform “Keep Me Hangin’ On” by the Supremes at the 2019 Don Was’ Concert of Colors. And sad news on Detroit DJ Jerry Lubin, a wonderful man on the air and off. Jerry was so influential when I listened as a little girl to WABX-FM

Union Street Detroit closed! We had album releases, New year’s Eve gigs, birthdays, music meetings, dragon eggs, marvelous drinks, dancing on the bar, the place to stop before/after shows at Majestic, Magic Stick, and C Pop. When John Belushi’s brother, Jim, lost his cell phone there and I found it for him when Detroit hosted the Superbowl. And of course the lunches with Patti Smith and Freddie Brooks and our “Secrets and Space” album release and photo shoots. Sigh…

I’m finishing up my song “I Will Rise” with Scott, with a video, some razor sharp guitar songs on electric, and can’t wait to record more! With shows slowly being booked at clubs late this year 2021 and a return to festivals with a full band., The U.K. festival is back on at Isle of Wight – but that could change too..

Will the Festivals go on in 2021? We’re on another amazing Isle of Wight Rhythmtree festival, July 2021 – fingers crossed!
Scott and Carolyn performing for virtual shows and Arts Beats and Eats 2020 – from Facebook Live
Carolyn in Snowy Michigan 2021

It has been almost a year since everything shut down, so we’re hopeful this Spring brings good days and nights! Stay warm xx

Love, Carolyn

Patricia Izzo photography (c)