Every June since 2006, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin has seen a collection of over 50 songwriters and instrumentalists gather at the Holiday Music Motel for a week of writing, recording, creativity, and madness. These artists come from across North America and in some years, across the world to participate in this festival of original music and community building. We have had the pleasure of performing for this community since Sugar Still began in early 2015, but this last week was the first time we experienced the Construction Zone (the writing/recording portion) as a performing duo. Charlie has participated since the event’s birth 11 years ago, and this year was my first time.
Such a loving, encouraging network of musicians, I’ve never seen before. Everyone comes from a different background, setting the table for amazing, innovative collaborations that get captured and repeated on Steelbridge Radio and on the annual record. After seeing 50 musicians live together for a week, I’m surprised the place is still standing, in beautiful shape, nonetheless. Behind the ambition, and drive, and ability, there is a safe space to express your emotions and fears and strengths to people who have done the same. Some of these songs will rip your heart out of your chest, make you dance, make you squirm, and drop your jaw to the floor. Sugar Still’s new summer song will definitely have you whistling the chorus for days. Please check out some of the songs, and the radio station. You can listen online here:
http://steelbridgeradio.com/

Otherwise, Charlie and I are getting ready for our trip north this weekend into La Crosse, WI and Minnesota, our trip to the East Coast in early July, and Colorado/New Mexico for August. Hope to see some of you on the road!

Highlight of Steelbridge was playing with @cathygriermusic three times! This woman is exceptionally fun on and off stage. #sbsf2016 #doorcounty #moreblues #girlpowerblues #happybirthdaytonymenzer A photo posted by Sarah Blick (@fiddlerblick) on Jun 13, 2016 at 8:42am PDT

#nistebox #northbynorthmex #soyummy #sturgeonbay #sbsf2016 A photo posted by Sarah Blick (@fiddlerblick) on Jun 11, 2016 at 2:33pm PDT

The man. The bridge. The sausage. #makinsausage #sbsf2016 #studio A photo posted by Sarah Blick (@fiddlerblick) on Jun 9, 2016 at 10:52am PDT

Steve Hamilton of Makin' Sausage Studios in his new lair...

Sugar Still is ready for Steelbridge Songfest! Stay tuned for the weekend schedule! #sbsf2016 #steelbridge #doorcounty #moresugar #awesomehair A photo posted by Sarah Blick (@fiddlerblick) on Jun 5, 2016 at 11:39am PDT

Tips for surviving marathon music days (writing/recording/playing):

Iced coffee (refreshing and caffeinated)
WATER: I can’t stress this enough
Less whiskey than normal
More WATER
Eat fruits and vegetables to balance out all the readily available carbs
PROTEIN
Even more WATER. In fact, go get a glass right now.
Sleep is pretty important but some days you just don’t get to sleep. That’s ok.
Don’t be an ass. If you are, recognize and admit that you’re being an ass.

Cheers,

Sarah Blick