It's hard to believe it was a full year ago when I launched my new single, Rocket. Since then, it's really been hard to focus on music. My parents both got really sick, which has meant a lot of trips back home (which is super difficult with all the travel restrictions during the pandemic), a lot of emotional turmoil, and working hard to pay for the additional travel costs.
Thankfully, I just got word I received an American Rescue Plan grant from the Nevada Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts. A big thank you to the goverment officials! Here's a letter I wrote the government to say thanks and help encourage them to continue supporting the arts:
LETTER TO ELECTED OFFICIALS:
To whom it may concern,
My name is Mike Field and I’m a jazz trumpeter living in Las Vegas. I was recently awarded the FY22 American Rescue Plan Grant for Individual Artists from the Nevada Arts Council, and I wanted to say a huge thank you.
Thank you!!! :-)
I’m using this money to help cover living expenses while composing new songs for my fifth album. I’ve been a professional musician for over ten years and have regularly toured through the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. My music is upbeat and energetic, a lot of fun to listen to, and deeply rooted in jazz.
As you know, making enough money as an artist to cover living expenses is very difficult, and so support like the American Rescue Plan definitely helps. Especially during the pandemic, where all touring came to a grinding halt and income streams dried up entirely.
When the government supports us like this, it really helps ease the financial pressure and lets us move forward with our creative projects. The support also shows other Americans how important it is to help artists and encourage new projects.
Finally, it’s very validating to know we have the support of our elected officials to pursue our creative endeavours. Artists often question the validity of their work, and to know that you’re out there and value what we do means a lot and helps us keep going.
Again, thank you so much and please keep up the great work of supporting the arts – it makes all the difference in the world to us!
Cheers,
Mike Field
info@mikefieldjazz.com
FYI, I sent it to the following people:
President Joe Biden Jr.
Vice President Kamala Harris
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto
Senator Jacky Rosen
Representative Susie Lee
Governor Steve Sisolak
Lt. Governor Kate Marshall
Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske
Attorney General Aaron Ford
Senator Melanie Scheible
Assemblyman Steve Yeager