Those who know me know that I never shy away from an opportunity to talk about my book and mission. My husband, Mike, is always amazed and yes, a little uneasy at times about my ability to walk up to total strangers and engage in, shall we say, stimulating conversation. But…identifying important and meaningful connections with people is my main focus.

During our time in Wisconsin this past summer, we traveled to Appleton, WI for the twelfth annual Mile of Music Festival. According to their website, the “Mile of Music is a free music festival featuring original music from hundreds of emerging artists each summer. The festival is located in the heart of Downtown Appleton, a walkable mile of restaurants, coffee shops, retailers, bars and more.”

For anyone who has not experienced this festival, it really is just that, an experience.

After listening to a few of the festival’s artists, I did my thing…

Our first stop was the historic Lawrence University Memorial Chapel. We stopped to chat with Jerry who was stationed at the Appleton Community Music, Inc. donation table. Jerry explained that this organization provides fundraising support to sustain the Mile of Music festival. He also explained that in addition, the Mile of Music Festival supports all of their featured artists through what’s known as the Artist Care Program.

My generous husband pulled out his wallet and made a donation. And when Jerry learned that we were from out of town, he asked if we’d be willing to do a brief video describing why we came to the festival. I volunteered…because why not? And because of what I do, I can always use the extra practice! I then left a bookmark with Jerry while explaining what my book is about.

Joan Treppa, Katie Boeck, and Clare Martinson

The musician at this venue was Katie Boeck, a wonderful singer and lyricist whose voice is considered “earthy and cosmic.” She spoke about the challenges of being called to write and the importance of writing meaningful lyrics. Those words compelled me to introduce myself after her performance. When she stepped off the stage to greet her supporters, Mike, my sister, Clare, and I approached her. I shared that I was a different kind of writer and handed her a bookmark. I explained that this was a book about my meaningful journey. She appreciated the gesture and posed for a photo with us. 

We then listened to Jacob Fannin on the Jim’s Place/Wooden Nickel Back patio. Fannin, an energetic Folk vocalist and guitarist, shared what an underachieving student he had been in grade school. Full disclosure; so was I. And the message behind the words to the final song of his set, Bulletproof, deeply resonated with me because of what I had experienced as a child and my journey of overcoming bullying: “Cause I am Bulletproof and nothin’ that you say could ever hurt me. Take your shots I’ll still be standing here…”

Jacob Fannin’s latest CD: Lemonade

Afterward, I approached the table where Fannin was selling/signing merchandise. I shared my thoughts on his final song and how much I appreciated his candor as a student. I then said, “In 5th grade, I received my first really bad grade; an F.” I added, “I didn’t know then that it stood for things like Feisty, Free, and Fabulous.” I handed him money for the CD, then one of my bookmarks, and told him that this was my accomplishment despite my failing grades.

                                                                              Natural Satellite in Tito’s Song Lounge Hilton Appleton Paper Valley hotel, 12th annual Mile of Music Festival Saturday, 8-2-2025, Appleton, WI. Photos courtesy of Dan Powers, USATodayNetwork

Regrettably, not on the schedule the only day (Friday) we were able to attend was one artistic duo we had hoped to see. Karli and Jason Reisdorf of Natural Satellite had performances scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Their music, which they describe as an “indie folk sound with lyrics centering on themes of self-love, reflection, and personal growth” is exceptional. In fact, they recently won a well-deserved  WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) award for Classical, Jazz, New Age Album! Bravo!

In the coming months I will be collaborating with this dynamic duo on an event that we all are very excited about!

And in other somewhat  related news, I included the below comment in a donation to 91.1 The Avenue during their recent pledge drive. This image was posted on their FB page:

With this response:                                                                                                                               Thank you, Joan ❤️ We can say the same about you! There’s none better than Avenue listeners

This non-profit radio station is located in Appleton and is unique in its programming. I recommend that you check them out when you have a chance. And…know that they sometimes support their listeners in various ways… 

Please stay tuned…