PAGE TITLE think that makes me want to be more open. I think if people were vulnerable with what they are feeling, we would be able to connect a little bit more or be there for each other a little bit more. If we were more vulnerable, we wouldn’t have to sit alone in the darkness that we’re feeling, or the fear that we’re feeling, or the grief that we’re feeling. We could be there for one another.” Korte recalls being an audience member, where she felt seen by the performer. She has been at shows where the performer’s music spoke to her spirit, and she felt free to dance and escape. “I think that as musicians and artists, it is our job to emote,” Korte said. “We emote for people in ways people may not be able to themselves. I hope I bring that myself for audiences.” This experience is symbiotic for Korte because as she emotes and performs, she feels more alive than at any other time in her life. “On stage, I feel freedom. I feel grounded and alive. I am in my element, giving and receiving,” Korte said. Korte’s generosity as an artist is sometimes rewarded. Korte traveled to LA for her 40th birthday in June. In another moment of vulnerability, she shared with fans her dream to rent a sailboat to celebrate the milestone. She admitted she couldn’t afford the cost and asked for donations. Money trickled in through Venmo, slowly at first, but then, the donations swelled until she had raised more than $1,000. She performed live from the rented boat to reward those whose financial support helped her realize her dream. Korte said she isn’t afraid she is getting too old to perform. Instead, she speaks enthusiastically about starting the second half of her life and believes her best work is ahead of her. She just isn’t sure what form that work will take. “I’m torn between wanting to create an opus, or go get my boat captain’s license and work in a different field, where I don’t have to create to live and pay my bills.” Korte has always dreamed of being a boat captain. But she still has some rock and roll dreams as well. No matter her decision, Korte will likely bare her heart on her sleeve an share it with her fans, once again exposing her vulnerability. Korte will be performing at the Denver Underground Music Showcase July 29-31 and the Down in Denver Fest August 20-21. For more about Jen Korte, visit jenkorte.com. ■ Plenty of time To pass on Deliver us from evil we find Take new spirit by the arm Lead her to victory Placed one above Bled from society Bled for love Scarce to believe Unable to see Unable to breathe Under a knee Tempers erupt Unjustly corrupt EDWARD CURLEE rivers and streams There are rivers to the streams, Rivers of hope, loss, loneliness. Rivers entangled in drama, decadence, Inner outer communiques of breathing, ‘cause that’s what life’s for. So we wiggle and wrangle our way to the truths that we perceive And share them with the streams, Connecting over dirt and rocks, Hoping that from the mud Sprouts seeds to a flower or 2.... WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES COURTESY OF DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LIGHTHOUSE WRITERS WORKSHOP BENJAMIN T ERIC NELSON ake New Spirit by the Arm The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. It’s open to all members of the public, especially those experiencing homelessness. Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from these workshops. Virtual workshops: lighthousewriters.org/workshop/denver-public-library-hard-times More writing by these featured poets: writedenver.org CREDIT: GILES CLASEN July 2022 DENVER VOICE 11
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