I don’t often get the chance to chat on the phone with an artist I’ve admired for more than 15 years, but two weeks ago I found myself receiver-to-receiver with the gorgeous and gifted Jewel. A fan since my school years – I may know every lyric to her “Spirit” album by heart plus about two dozen other tracks – I did some deep breathing once her call came in (composure, people) and answered with my coolest, “Hello?”
“Hi, this is Jewel calling.”
After I just about died, I reeled in my dose of fan flattery and got to my assignment, interviewing the singer-songwriter for the cover story of our April “Animal Magnetism” issue. Stay tuned for that to hear of her humble beginnings – from living on an Alaskan homestead with horses and an outhouse to later living out of her car – and her still grounded life as a new mom living on a working ranch in Texas.
In the meantime, fans have two opportunities to get facetime with the songstress. First, in 21st century digital style, watch this video Jewel shot as a shout-out to The Ridgefield Playhouse where she’s taking her “Greatest Hits” tour at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 18. Second, hit the playhouse to see her show in the flesh. In the clip, she talks about how to get tickets and VIP packages that include a backstage tour and meet-and-greet with photos.
Better than a phone call, for sure, though my stomach is still slightly a-flutter.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cswl1ZGC_U&w=320&h=240]
– Andrea Kennedy