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Notes from the Road: Canada, Yale Venture Labs, & Upcoming Music

Oct 9
3 min read
CT State Troubadour Charlie Widmer with Canadian singer/songwriters Leah Holtom and Shjaane Glover at the Gayety Theater in Collingwood, Canada
CT State Troubadour Charlie Widmer with Canadian singer/songwriters Leah Holtom and Shjaane Glover at the Gayety Theater in Collingwood, Canada

Hi everyone,


I am just back from my first ever solo trip to Canada and what an amazing experience it was. Me and 44 other artists were brought into the beautiful town of Collingwood, Ontario for a weekend of endless music with the Nashville Takeover. It's a great concept--shut down an entire town, provide concerts all weekend long in multiple venues, give artists the chance to make new fans and network, rinse and repeat. I was gone Friday through Sunday, so it was a whirlwind 48+ hours, but not something I will soon forget. Here's what's around the corner:


Recent Highlights

There have been so many moments lately that it is hard to keep up, but here are a few of the biggest:

  • International Travels: I took my first solo trip out of the country as your CT State Troubadour! I headed up to Collingwood, Canada, for the Nashville Takeover for a fantastic weekend of songwriting and representing our state’s creative community across the border.

  • CollectiveCT: I am thrilled to announce my inclusion in this year's CollectiveCT incubator program through Yale Venture Labs and the Seven Angels Theatre. I am the first troubadour to be involved in this DECD-funded initiative, and I am excited to explore the intersection of arts and entrepreneurship to bring fresh ideas to the New Haven area and beyond.

  • Open Mic Signup: Our monthly community open mic and bluegrass jam series in Seymour is rolling right along, and the signup is officially live on my website. Grab your spot and come play!


Upcoming Performances

"You and I" Multi-Genre Recital with Eric Trudel

November 7 | The Granite, Redding, CT 

As part of The Granite’s Cabaret Series, Eric and I are presenting a highly unique musical program that jumps seamlessly across multiple genres. This setlist was built specifically for this collaboration, showcasing a blend of styles you won't hear anywhere else. We are also finalizing plans to have this special evening filmed.

 

"Where We Live" 20th Anniversary Episode

November 12 | CT Public 

I am honored to be joining as a special guest for the 20-year celebration episode of Where We Live. It is a privilege to be part of this milestone broadcast being recorded at CT Public.

 

On the Trail: Live Album Recording 

November 28 | Parkville Sounds, West Hartford, CT 

On the Trail is recording a live album, and we need your energy in the room. We are doing a live-tracking session at Parkville Sounds, and we want to pack the space to capture that live show magic for the record. Come out, make some noise, and be part of our next release.



New on the Website

I’ve been busy updating my digital home! Have you seen the new sections? You can now find dedicated pages for:




Lessons & Education

I am always looking for new students! Whether you are looking to learn a new skill, refine your current craft, or just want to see how we can work together, I’d love to hear from you.



A Final Thought

If I'm completely honest, Canada was a double edged sword. For everyone moment of strength and security I felt, there were equal parts doubt and insecurity. I learned a lot about myself, as my mind jumped from one emotion to the other throughout the weekend. Imposter syndrome is a real thing, but through it all, one thing held true: I was what I focused on, nothing more or less. I'll keep growing every day on this new journey, and sometimes growth isn't comfortable, but it certainly is necessary.

 

Hope to see you at a show sometime soon.

 

With love,

Charlie


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