Our lives have been changed in light of the Covid-19 virus. This has been a very challenging experience for many people in our country AND around the world. Music has always been a lifeline in helping people to get through tough times. However, with our music venues closed and social distancing a priority, musicians have had to get creative with ways to share their music with the world.

Live-Streaming has taken the place of live music. It is an entirely different experience in how we share music; however, it seems to be working and helping those of us who rely on live music to get some relief from our lack of shows. On St. Patrick’s Day, I was able to listen to 5 different live-stream performances throughout the evening, more than I would ever be able to do if I were going to these shows in person.

Throughout last week, we took the time to highlight some of the many artists who treated us with live-stream performances during this difficult time. You can check them out by clicking here. Many artists are creating regular schedules and even digital tours since their shows and tours have been canceled. Cathy DiToro is one such musician. She along with her partner, Chris Kamsch, have been taking this situation and turning it into a positive experience.

Cathy DiToro is a favorite among the D.C. area musical community. She is the founder of ProjectHERA which promotes female musicians in the area. Her yearly HERA Fest is always a big hit (you can check out our coverage of these events here), and she participates in several musical endeavors including The Legwarmers, RoseRiot, and So Fetch. Chris Kamsch is also a regular in the music scene with his band, Dingleberry Dynasty, as well as managing D.C.’s favorite music venue, the 930 Club.

I was able to chat with Cathy and Chris last week to get their take on live-streaming and how these current events have forced them to think of alternative ways of sharing the music that they love. Cathy and I share the need to control a situation and desire definite answers, but like Cathy said, “At this point, I don’t have the answers. No one does. So I’m just going to let go.” This event has provided an opportunity for people to reflect and face the music so to speak, forcing us to “get to who we really are”.

Chris and Cathy have just launched their new project, “Sugar Highway”, which will feature the two musicians collaborating together combining music and comedy. Here’s what Chris and Cathy had to say about their new endeavor and keeping things positive in light of a negative situation.

Shantel: What is the Sugar Highway project and how has this new way of life help the two of you think creatively?

Cathy: Chris and I, since we met, have always wanted to collaborate. Chris comes from a comedy and musical background and I have such a musical background. We always made silly videos at home, we even talked about doing a musical or some kind of show, some way to combine the music with the comedy.

Chris: We wanted it to just flow, be very in the moment, just hit record and show people, ‘This is what it’s like to hang out with us every day of our lives’.

Shantel:  It’s nice to hear positive stories come out of a situation that’s not so positive. I think these are the kind of stories people need to hear. Like when life throws you lemons, let’s make lemonade. What can we do to make things better?

Chis: Right. That’s exactly our point, everything is doom and gloom when you look at the internet and we’re just trying to find a way to brighten it up.

Cathy: Chris and I are naturally positive people so we’re just trying to be a bright light. Our mind immediately goes to ‘what can we do to help’. So, providing comedy and music is just something that will help get everyone’s mind off of the negative.

Chris: Just trying to keep it light.

Cathy: This situation has really lit a fire under us. We’ve been working hard on our individual careers and now the universe has said, ‘nope, you guys are going to do this’. And we feel it now more than ever. We are really excited to share our life with everybody.

We are excited to follow Chris and Cathy on this new adventure. Be sure to give them a follow on Facebook and subscribe to them on YouTube. They will be live tonight (Monday 3/23) at 7 PM. Click here to join the event on Facebook!