Bright Lights Music

THE STORY OF

"Christmas In Connecticut"

By Judy Lemay

I think everyone goes through hard times in life and by the grace of God we find our way through. Three years ago my Mom became gravely ill and lost her eyesight. As her 24/7 caregiver, I never heard her complain even after many operations trying to restore her sight.  I watched her health deteriorate. Her faith and love remained steadfast till she passed away and I learned what "Amazing Grace" really was. The tough times continued with the loss of loved ones and friends.  Singing in Church and writing sustained me and that unexpectedly came to a halt. I felt like I lost everything and ended up sick in bed.

Prayer and listening to music on the radio was the gift God gave me to heal. I listened to WRCH Lite 100.5 because much like my mom, the personalities and words were always kind. One day DJ Joan Dylan suggested that someone write a song for CT at Christmas. It was the first time I picked up a pen in months and I sent her words. She graciously encouraged me to put them to music. Hence came the next gift, a piano teacher named Jason Stammen who taught me how to put what I heard in my heart on paper. I showed it to my musically gifted friend, Jared Lamenzo and he helped underscore and arrange it. I then shared it with Joan and she graciously asked fellow DJ Allison Demers, a professional singer, if she would sing it for me and hence another gift, she did. I have never met such wonderful people. I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

Thanks to them, life has come full circle and I have had the joy of working again with my extremely talented friends, Wendy and Jared as we all grew up as musicians at St Catherine's church in Broad Brook together. And from that comes this CD, "Christmas In CT", a community celebration of  talented singers, composers photographers, and friends of all faiths all from CT  joining together to celebrate our great state. I will be forever grateful to my family and everyone that participated in this. All of us share the same wish; that people will be touched by the words and music and feel blessed this Christmas in Connecticut. We hope to be able to make this an annual tradition and give to charity through the gift of music.
                                              I love you mom...
                                                                        Judy