How did you discover Catie's music?

[Abby]

Here's my story (the very edited version)...I have been a member and moderator of this board from early on, but became a fan of Catie Curtis about seven years.  Catie's music came into my world when I was a closted lesbian living at home with my parents.  I was stifled and scared, living under the roof of people who would never accept having a gay daughter...still haven't.  Catie's music helped to save my spirit.  That is no exaggeration.  I had been a fan of the Indigo Girls since I was a kid, but I needed more.  I searched for lesbian musicians on-line and found Catie had won a GLAMA (Gay and Lesbian Music Award) for A CRASH COURSE IN ROSES.  I listened to a couple of songs and then went on the hunt for the CD.  I called around to various records stores and finally found a place that sold her music.  I bought A CRASH COURSE IN ROSES and listenend to it incessantly.  Reviews of the CD have said it is an album for "survivors" and I can truly say it has helped me to survive many challenges.  It's kept me sane, grounded and focused.  Whenever I am struggling with a situation I put in CCIR and it gets me back on track.  It is medicine and therapy for me.  All the other CDs are amazing, too.  Each one speaks to me in a special way.  When I eventually saw Catie in concert I was blown away by her enthusiasm and never wavering positive attitude.  Seeing her perform and meeting her made me the biggest of her admirers.  She is a true, genuine person who absolutely deserves all the accolades that go her way.  I can honestly say my life would not be the same without her.

Please share your stories, too!

Abby   

[CirclingTiger]

I first discovered Catie's music about 5 years ago during my first tai chi class.  My instructor mentioned her name after he had been to a free outdoor concert.  Later, I was in the HMV in Cambridge (which no longer exists) and I saw My Shirt Looks Good on You at one of the listening stations.  It was great!  I bought that CD and then proceeded to get the other 5 that were available at the time.  I was able to get Dandelion from someone on the catiecurtis.com website who was kind enough to make me a copy.  I really like Catie's music.  And I think it general transcends sexual orientation, except when she sings about someone with a female name.  And its very soothing.  I've seen Catie at Sanders Theater which is an amazing place to hear anyone.  I also saw her at Copley Square, but the acoustics there aren't great.  And I went to Club Passim in Cambridge.  That was a little close quarters for me, a straight woman, and I wasn't pleased with the probably lesbian women leaning their thighs on mine.  But the music was great as always.  All these places are in the Boston area.  Anyway, finding Catie's music was a great thing in my life.  Not quite as significant as Abby's experience.  But a great addition to my life.  And I'm looking forward to seeing her in Somerville next month.  But please don't lean your thighs against mine. 

[Abby]

CT-Welcome to our board.  Thanks for sharing your story.  I always like to read about how people found Catie's music.  I agree that Catie's music transcends sexual orientation, as well as age, sex, gender, etc.  It's just great music that anyone can get something out of, if they are open.  I hope you enjoy her upcoming show.  With regards to people leaning on you at shows, did you ask them to move?  I know many of the clubs Catie plays in have very close quarters and you have to make friends quickly.  Perhaps just asking someone to move a bit would be helpful.  I would doubt they did it just because they are lesbian and you are a woman.

Abby

[PaulAndRoy]

CirclingTiger,

Sounds like we've been to all the same shows!  I agree that Passim is a little too cozy.. we are also looking forward to the Somerville show.. lots of those who were on LNM will be there - I hope Mary Chapin Carpenter shows up - that would be the icing on the cake!