It’s hard to believe we’re already over a month into 2025! One month down, eleven to go—so what’s the plan? I hope everyone is finding a little peace during these dark days of winter, whether it’s through a good book, music, writing, meditation, Watching tonights Super Bowl or maybe a mix of all of the above. The start of a new year is always a perfect time to take stock of where you are and how you’re feeling. What do you need right now? What do my neighbors and friends need right now? Perhaps it’s connection and good conversation with others, a moment of quiet rest, or some time away from the constant buzz of news and social media (I mean It’s good to be in the know but at the same time take care of yourself and know when its time to to take time for yourself). Personally, I love to plan for the year, month, or even day ahead by asking myself, “What do I truly need in this moment?”

As for me, my inner inventory has led me to dive headfirst into music and creativity this year—even more than in years past. I’m excited about writing, performing, recording, and stepping out of the solo space to collaborate with some amazing musicians. Some cool stuff is on the horizon and I can’t wait to see where this takes me and I look forward to sharing it with you.

I’ll be adding plenty of new dates to my calendar and would love for you to join me at a performance near you. I have some new dates posted below. If you have some favorite venues where you’d like to see me perform, please let me know—and don’t hesitate to share your suggestions with those venues, too! Many of my favorite gigs have come from word of mouth and support from wonderful people like you.

Below you’ll find some upcoming show dates, some video, a link to what I’ve been listening to over the last month, some poetry that landed for me at the start of this new year, a cool way to help Western NorthCarolina as they continue to heal, and how you can support a local musician who needs some help right now in a big way.

Here’s to a year filled with music, creativity, love and positive connection. Let’s make it one to remember! Here on substack I’m going to start sharing some new posts this month so if you aren’t subscribed yet, click that subscribe button so you can stay In the Loop…

Upcoming 2025 Shows!

Sun. Feb. 16th – 1-4 pm

Saudé Creek Vineyards
16230 Cooks Mill Rd,
Lanexa, VA 23089

Sat. Mar. 1st – 6-9 pm

Frothy Moon Brewhouse
1826 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Thu. Mar. 6th – 6-9 pm

Two Drummers Smokehouse
8864 Richmond Rd, Toano, VA 23168

Fri. May. 2nd – 5:30-8:30 pm

Jolene Family Winery
2750 Pocahontas Trail,
Quinton, VA 23141

Check Out This 2016 version of my song “Slow Down”

Look For New videos real soon!!

What Am I Listening To?

What have I been listening to lately? Check out this month’s loop playlist to get a sample of some of the great artists I’ve been listening to.
Check it out today!!

Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon

I love hearing the inside scoop on what created a certain song or hearing others thoughts and ideas on an assortment of topics such as music, creativity, meditation, wellness & much more.

To hear a few Podcasts that I enjoyed this month Click here.

Dreams by Langston Hughes:

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird 
That cannot fly. 

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow. 

Support WNC through Music

Wanted to run this one more time as a great way to support WNC and get some great music at the same time. As Western North Carolina continues the challenging recovery from Hurricane Helene, it’s clear that support will continue to be needed for the long haul. Communities here are in for a tough journey, especially with winter here, and any help you can provide will make a real difference. One way you can help is buying some music.

Musicins Rising Appalachia released Drenched in Place, a heartfelt compilation album created in response to the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This collection features 50 incredible artists, 39 tracks, and over 2 hours of music—a mix of unreleased gems and reimagined favorites—all coming together to drench our hearts in beauty after the high waters. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to three amazing nonprofits Beloved Asheville, NanoStead, and River Link, all whom are working tirelessly to rebuild and support communities here in Western North Carolina.

This Compilation is only on Bandcamp and you can purchase it there.

Help Justin Golden Beat Stage 4 Cancer

Richmond-based guitarist and songwriter Justin Golden is facing a serious health diagnosis and needs the support of his community. Unfortunately Justin is having to cancel his upcoming show dates while he moves his focus to his health and wellbeing. With that means a substantial loss in income as he is a full time musician. Click below for a GoFundMe page to see how you can help monetarily as well as in other ways. Want hear Justin Golden check out his track featured on this months playlist.

I’d love to hear what you think of this new format and I hope to see you out at show in the near future. If you want to get more info in-between these monthly emails consider Following me on Substack as well as my other social media platforms which are linked at the bottom of this email.

As always, Many thanks for your support!!
With Peace and Love, Scott Varney