The call of Autumn is in the air (or at the very least in our hearts). BUT August has been a peach of a month: filled with stone fruits, nostalgia inducing scenes, and it definitely flew by. We hope that you were able to bask in moments of it.

The season is beginning, and we have our first concerts coming up in October and November in Tulsa, OK, Tallahasee, FL, and NYC. So much to be excited for, and we cannot wait to play and hear so much new and fabulous music this Fall.

As always, take care + may you be delighted by a september breeze~

Maya + Hannah

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things~

Maya…

• In May I purchased a very cute duck umbrella in a bright blue. It reminded me of the one I had as a kid that my mom got me, and I love this new one. It is a tad heavier because of the wooden duck head, but I think the joy it brings makes it worth the tiny bit of extra weight in my bag.

• I purchased my first pair of Komono sunglasses in Brussels, and they have so many styles! I had a blast trying on a ton of pairs and choosing a frame that felt right at home on my face. Never underestimate the pep a new pair of sunnies can give your step!

Hannah…

• I am back in my air fryer era with a new-to-me (facebook marketplace purchase) Ninja Air Fryer. I love it so far (especially because it only cost me like $30) and it’s been getting almost daily use. It takes away a little of the cooking obstacle because it feels like so much less effort to throw some veggies or tofu inside the air fryer instead of heating up the oven…

read~

Maya…

• Near Distance by Hannah Stoltenberg was such a beautiful short novel about a mother-daughter relationship. I loved the nuance of their interactions and the ways in which they reverted to old habits and rehashing old grievances yet were trying to form new pathways together. It was messy but felt very real.

• Life of M by Rachel Cusk! I need to discuss with someone who is open to a convo both gossipy and thoughtful. I loved and felt so connected to some of of the sentences that I read them over and over.

• I have a few half finished books from this month, but it is all so fantastic—cannot wait to share more next month as I finish everything. Reading has been such a joy this month!

Hannah…

• I’m coaching the graduate string quartet at my school this semester, and I encouraged them to start reading The Art of Collaboration: Chamber Music Rehearsal Techniques and Team Building by Cavani Quartet violinist Annie Fullard and Dorianne Cotter-Lockard, a former professional violinist turned leadership PhD. While the topic might not sound the most exciting, I’m very curious to dig into this with my students, especially because my fondest chamber music moments of my undergraduate degree at Oberlin include being coached by members of the Cavani Quartet.

eat~

Maya…

• This zucchini and crispy chickpea recipe has so many of the summer flavors that I love, and it became a bit of a staple this month. I definitely messed around with the recipe as well and made pastas and cold salads, but this base was a go-to.

• I encountered the thinly sliced rye bread at two friend’s houses in the past couple of months and decided to buy some of my own. I looked it up and learned why it can come in those bags and has a longer expiration (not because of preservatives but just because of rye and how long it can last and stay moist away from air). It also has a good bit of fiber and even a little protein, and I really love it toasty with cream cheese and jam or a nut butter!

Hannah…

• A few weeks into the start of the cyclosporiasis chaos, I realized my fear had truly impacted my eating habits, and I was not feeling so great. I mentioned last month that I started shopping my local farmers market more, but I went even further and started a CSA with a farm that does pick-ups at my farmers market. It’s a little different than the CSA I used prior (you can basically build your own box, so I’m saying no to that kohlrabi every week, phew!), but it’s been a great way to get some fresh veggies (had my first fresh salad in a month!) and try some new foods with Mira (pineapple tomatillos, cucamelons).

• As my semester has started up again, I’m attempting to do a big 2-hour cook every weekend while Mira is occupied with by a mother’s-helper. I’m trying to do less of cooking full meals, but more cooking ingredients that can be mixed together in different ways (ex: sautéed peppers and onions that I used in both shakshuka and quesadillas). I’m only in week 2 of this plan so far, but it’s going well, I think! Some (actual) recipes I’ve enjoyed include this sweet corn and zucchini pie and lunchbox harvest muffins.

listen + watch~

Maya…

• I watched The Bride!, the Frankenstein’s bride film directed by Maggie Gyllenahaal on a plane earlier this month and really enjoyed it. The performance by Jessie Buckley was absolutely phenomenal, and after seeing her in Hamnet earlier in the year I know that I just want to see absolutely everything that she is in.

• I finally watched the Japanese film, August in the Water, by director Gakuryū Ishii with my partner. We have been listening to the soundtrack for so long, and I loved knowing the music and seeing how it pairs with the actual film. It was such a mystical and quirky film about a teen diver and discovering your place in the world.

Hannah…

• Curious how everyone is feeling about the new season of Ted Lasso! I’m a little mixed, mostly positive? It feels fun to see the characters back on the screen, and I love the new coach addition, but sometimes it feels like it’s missing the spark of earlier seasons. Still enjoyable to watch!

do~

Maya…

• I am SO close (only the collar left) to finishing my Lakes sweater by Ozetta, and I could not be more thrilled. I started this in the Fall and for some reason took a long break, but I started back up this month and am getting close to being able to wear it! Next up is the Rolled Raglan in a beautiful navy that I think will be a perfect staple sweater.

• I finally started selling things on the used clothing/home goods app, Vinted this month and it has been so fun and easy. I have been avoiding it for literal years, but once I got past the initial fear of it I had a great time and actually made a good chunk of change this month! Also, it helps clear my brain to have things out of the house that aren’t being used.

Hannah…

• My life is back into full “go” mode now that the semester has started and I’m trying to make sure I maintain some sort of “balance” (however that can be defined). So far, I’m trying to use my 10 minutes between lessons as an opportunity to do a lap around my building, instead of just getting bogged down in emails immediately. After working so hard to build an exercise routine over the summer, I am trying to prioritize movement when possible!

intentions for september~

Maya…

• I have been attempting some semblances of routine the past month, and even carrying into my life away from home when I am working, and I would love to continue it this month. I would like to not get too rigid about it, though. That is always a risk for me—I would like to be open to spontaneity while still keeping to a loose routine.

Hannah…

• I’m taking the Kimmy Schmidt approach - you can do anything for 10 seconds! The semester is only 15 weeks, and while what has to happen in the next few months feels impossible, I’m trying to think just one week at a time. Everything that needs to happen will happen!

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We hope that you have had a gentle July filled with many of your favorite things. It has been quiet in the public facing andPlay world, but like ducks we have been diligently working beneath the surface to build an exciting season.

We will be heading to a lot of new-to-us places during the 2026/27 season which is thoroughly exciting, but we are also returning to places that we have been before with new programs which will be an utter joy. We would like to remind you that if you are excited about the work that we do and would like to support our upcoming season please donate here or become paid subscribers of this newsletter.

As always, take care + may you be peacefully snacking on some seasonal (parasite-free) fruit while gazing upon a body of water~

Maya + Hannah

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things~

Maya…

• I bought myself a metal shaker (secondhand!!) and have been making fantastically delicious shaken beverages this summer! I used to do this in a glass jar, but the metal is just a better experience. I remembered how much I love a “shakerato” whenever I am in Italy, and the obsession continued from there. My home is basically my favorite coffee shop at this point…

• I have been loving a think hand cream at night and while traveling this spring and summer. My long-time favorite that I have used on and off for many years is the L’Occitane shea butter hand cream, but have recently tried the Trader Joe’s version as well. People call them a dupe but the Tj’s one actually smells and feels different than the Loccitane. I like them both, and have so many different sizes at this point.

• I purchased the Jayne Matthews hair cutting video tutorials during a big sale that she did a couple of months ago. I bought the razor that she recommends and let the two sit for a couple of months while I gained strength. The class was fantastic and very detailed, and I decided to start small just with my bangs, and I think I might be addicted to razor cutting my own hair. Sometime in August I am planning on trying my hand at adding some more layers to my hair…

Hannah…

• I’ve started using the Foqus app which is a free iPhone alternative to the Brick. If you aren’t familiar with the Brick, it’s a device you can use to essentially block access to certain apps or uses for your phone (most commonly, social media). With the Brick, you pay for a physical item you use to lock and unlock your settings, but Foqus is an open source app that essentially does the same thing, using a NFC tag or QR code of your choice (I created a free QR code). I’ve been using it to block my access to social media apps during the day and it’s resulted in a much happier and more productive state of mind! It’s both amazing how automatically I scroll to my TikTok, but also how easily I can just move along once I see it’s blocked…

• I learned to sew with zippers this month! It was much easier than expected, but I am now the proud owner of way too many random-sized pouches.

read~

Maya…

• I picked up The Hearing Test by Eliza Barry Callahan at the most wonderful independent book shop in Chicago called Sandmeyer’s Bookstore (across from fave coffee shop, Cafe Deko). They had fantastic recommendations and really interesting people working at the shop to talk to about books. This book was recommended and was absolutely phenomenal about a woman in her late twenties who is a film composer and begins to lose her hearing out of nowhere. She talks about the process so vividly and has beautiful passages about the sounds of everyday life (and a lot of classical and contemporary classical music references that were so beautiful). I am really looking forward to her publishing her next novel.

Hannah…

• Maya recommended this book about 6 months ago, but a second andPlay thumbs up for Virginia Evans’ The Correspondent. It’s fun - yet emotional - to track the main characters life story as you discover it entirely in letters and emails, and it reminds me of enjoying The Jolly Postman as a kid (where you literally took letters out of envelopes in the book!).

eat~

Maya…

• Local fresh strawberries have been my absolute food love this month and I have been using the cut tops to make a strawberry syrup by adding a teaspoon of sugar and some boiling water to them in a jar, giving them a shake, and leaving them in the fridge for a day or two. I have been using the syrup for shaken iced strawberry matchas, and they are heavenly.

• I visited family in Italy this month, and after hanging in Calabria for a while my dad, brother, and I went up to Parma to visit the area. We went on the most fascinating food tours to see how Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma are made. It was fascinating to see the care that goes into making these foods, and I came home with some AMAZING 36 and 44 month old parmesan that I will be using for the upcoming months.

Hannah…

• We are geographically very close to the epicenter of this cyclosporiasis outbreak, which has inspired me to use my local farmers market as much as possible. We are eating delicious Ohio corn, our fill of tomatoes, and we even got our first cucumbers from our garden! It’s not a great feeling to not be able to depend on our food sources (or our air - we also got hit HARD by the wildfires, AQI in the 800s!), but it’s a great reminder that looking to your local community is always a great first choice.

listen + watch~

Maya…

• My partner and I watched Offside, an Iranian film directed by Jafar Panahi about young female soccer fans that try to sneak into the 2006 qualifying game between Iran and Bahrain. It was so human and beautiful, and funny at times, and was the perfect companion for the World Cup this month.

• The David Sedaris episode of the podcast How I Write was an excellent reminder to be curious and appreciate everyday human interactions. I really loved it, and it reminded me of reading my first book of his many years ago. I started keeping an observation journal for a couple of years where I just wrote down interesting/strange/funny things that I would see in my day-to-day life. Maybe I should pick it back up?

• This episode of Culture Study about How to Fall in Love with a City is an absolute gem. I have been thinking about these topics so much in the past years when visiting cities and it is wonderful to have the topic discussed so beautifully. It addresses expectation when visiting a new place and the anxiety of having to see it all. I truly will be talking to friends about this for the rest of the year…

• I started watching The Celebrity Traitors: UK (who can resist Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie, Nick Mohammed, and Cat Burns on the same show?!), and it is SO fun. Definitely a great summer watch, and now I desperately want to be invited to be a part of a murder mystery soiree.

Hannah…

• I’ve enjoyed listening to the podcast Dish, which is produced by a British grocery chain and hosted by Broadcaster Nick Grimshaw and Michelin star chef Angela Hartnett. They have a different guest every week, and simply talk about food while eating food they cooked - it’s essentially a pleasant 45-minutes of people babbling on in soft British accents about food. Very comforting to have on as you do random house tasks.

do~

Maya…

• I have been making these cute bandanas in cotton yarns this summer! It is my first time reading a pattern like this, and I LOVE it.

• I am continuing my love of water and trying to get in as often as possible. I really want to see how long past the summer I can keep this up!

Hannah…

• I’m in the back to school doom period where I feel everything started to encroach on my summer bliss. I’m trying to balance feeling the urge that “if I only could organize everything perfectly, my life would be perfect” with the reality of juggling too many balls at one time. At the moment, I’ve settled on trying to create a habit of a 10 minute cleaning rotation (different room every day for just a small amount of time), and outsourcing my lawn care for the rest of the season since my free time begins to be more limited. My goal for this upcoming school year is to find ways of incorporating moments of “summer bliss” throughout the school year - we will see how I do!

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We hope you are staying cool. We hope you are staying fresh. We hope you are staying hydrated. We hope, hope, hope all of this for you and so much more. <3

andPlay has been apart this month, but lots of planning for upcoming seasons is underway in the background. We are organizing a big premiere of a new concert-length work by Sarah Hennies later in the fall in NYC, and we cannot wait to share more details as the summer progresses!

We will keep this note short for now, but we would love to hear what you have been loving this summer!

As always, take care + may you find a cool spot in the shade to sip on a refreshing beverage and people watch~

Maya + Hannah

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things~

Maya…

• I have started dry brushing again (on a bit of a whim if I am being honest) and it has been doing doing wonders for me skin. I brush before the shower and then lotion after and my legs and arms are already feeling so much smoother as a result. I had a brush that I bought from a Whole Foods probably between gigs at some point, so I honestly don’t think there is a specific one that I can recommend, but the actual act of it has been great (the fact that it scratches summertime mosquito bites in the process is just an added bonus!)!

• In the early spring I finally upgraded my travel exercise mat situation. I have had the Superlite travel yoga mat from Manduka for ages (and love it), but I purchased the Gaiam knee pads to supplement for when I am traveling and have to be straight on hard surfaces with such a thin mat. It is great for elbows and knees, and I also use for some elevation when I don’t have a block or a head rest when doing a lie down. This purchase has meant that I am so much more regular in my practice and am feeling loads better in my body when away from home!

Hannah…

• I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned this, but I started working with a personal trainer this summer to get more into strength training (have to build that bone density - 40 is coming for me this year!). While it’s easy to fit in during the summer, I’m trying to figure out how to keep this sustainable during the academic year, and part of that was designing workouts I can do at home. It’s necessitated buying a little bit of equipment, but I’ve found most of it on FB marketplace for way cheaper than buying new. Just another plug for the secondhand market — someone is usually getting rid of something that you need (and highly likely when it comes to exercise equipment).

read~

Maya…

• I have read a lot of buzzy new books this month, but honestly can’t recommend any of them EXCEPT Whistler by Ann Patchett which I absolutely adored. I didn’t want it to end, and it was both nostalgic and matter-of-fact in a way that really moved me. The writing was excellent, and I just can’t recommend it enough.

• Currently reading an older novel by Maggie O’Farrell (of Hamnet fame) Instructions for a Heatwave which felt fun since I am currently living through an absolute nightmare heatwave in Prague. The descriptions of life during obscenely hot days is absolutely accurate and the writing on family dynamics is impeccable.

Hannah…

• Maya and I had differing opinions on this memoir, but I really enjoyed reading Lena Dunham’s Famesick. She’s a celebrity that I feel like I’ve tracked for decades - we overlapped at Oberlin, I remember seeing her first feature film Tiny Furniture at the IFC theater in the Village, and then like most 20 somethings in NYC in the 2010s, I consumed all of Girls as it aired. I found it fascinating to read about her experience battling physical and mental struggles over these decades, and it was a real lesson in how public perception and para-social relationships truly only see one side of a story.

• If you have a 4 year old and have not yet read BJ Novak’s (yes, Ryan the intern from The Office) “non-picture” book The Book With No Pictures, run to your nearest library or book store. Friend-of-andPlay Leah Asher gifted Mira this book this month (Mira already knew of it somehow) and never has my daughter laughed harder. It’s an instant hit!

eat~

Maya…

• I have been in the midst of a major heat wave the past week, so I can basically only think of cold things while writing this. Go out and get yourselves some tasty popsicles to stock your freezer and make this almond or coffee granita.

• Prague is a town of tasty lemonades with fresh fruit compotes, bountiful sprigs of mint, and fresh citrus! I am feeling very inspired to make them back home, and already have a plan for some strawberry tops that I can turn into a syrup!

Hannah…

• Jee Choe, a “tea sommelier” arrived on my TikTok page, and I was inspired to try some of her cold brew infusion recipes. They’ve been the perfect afternoon pick-me up, and are so easy to make. So far, I’ve enjoyed this Strawberry Basil Cold Brew Tea and this Cold Brew Chai Concentrate, which I used to make iced chai lattes. Looking forward to trying many more of her recipes!

• I’m currently in NYC for a bit and took myself out for a lovely solo dinner at one of my favorite Thai places - Pure Thai Cookhouse. Highly recommend if you are looking for something delicious in the myriad of Hell’s Kitchen restaurants. Especially if you love papaya salad - it’s the best I’ve had!

listen + watch~

Maya…

• Our long-time friend and collaborator, Nicholas DeMaison self-released an album of his music, and we have an andPlay track that we recorded at EMPAC 11 years ago! It is so fun to go down memory lane and listen to young andPlay recordings (we obviously still stick by it!)! Take a listen and support!

• The news that The Other Bennet Sister has a three episode Christmas special (like only a BBC show can do) has me absolutely in a state. I am already wanting to rewatch this delightful show!

• I finally watched a good bit of Starstruck (which Hannah recommended perhaps years ago), and while there are frustrations with the main characters I adored the writing. Each ep is under thirty minutes and the seasons are short—a joy!

Hannah…

• I’ve been enjoying the “We’re Here to Help” podcast, an absurd advice call-in show with Jake Johnson (Nick Miller from New Girl) and comedian Gareth Reynolds. If you are a New Girl fan, this show sounds exactly like if Nick Miller were giving the advice. Helpful? Not really. But always entertaining!

do~

Maya…

• I have been thinking a lot about foot health and toe independence, so I have been working on my ankle strength and balance this month. Send me your recs if you have any, but nothing too intense. I am trying to work on it in a way that has legs (hehe) and I can easily incorporate into my day. (Also, I just don’t see myself ever getting into barefoot shoes, so I draw the line there…)

• I have lots of listening to do this upcoming month for recordings in multiple states of readiness for public consumption. By putting this here I hope that next month I can say that every recording is in a different place than it is right now (note that I did not say finished…). Fingers crossed!

• For the past few summers my only bucket list item has been to get into bodies of water as much as possible (no matter the temperature—which is not always hot in Sweden), and this is the first year that I feel like I am really taking this to task. I have been going on walks near my house and bringing my suit and Turkish towel to make it mega easy for me to take a dip no matter the weather. It is exhilarating.

Hannah…

• The city pool is 2 blocks from our house, so Mira and I got a summer pool pass! We’ve only used it twice because it’s been chilly (and we are now out of town during this heat wave), but I’m looking forward to this as a go-to hot weather activity for the rest of the summer!

• I’ve started to slowly tackle the piles of random stuff that was unpacked in my house in October when we moved. I’m trying to not get too overwhelmed and pick a small section at a time. It’s revealed how empty parts of my house feel, but it’s also great to have some clutter disappearing!

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The end of May is here and what feels like real Summer is right around the corner for us Northern Hemisphere folks! We had a couple of beautiful days in Ohio rehearsing for next season and doing some duo administration work at Hannah’s house. It is always amazing how much we can get done with a can of coconut La Croix by our sides and a violin/viola duo in our hearts. This working period is closing out or 2025/26 season, and we are getting lots of things in order for the next (which might be one of our favorite yet)!

We want to thank each and every one of you that has come to a show or listened to our music in some capacity this year—it means the world to us! Don’t forget that if you love what we do you can always donate to help keep us bringing new and beautiful and strange music into the world!

As always, take care + may a warming sun shine upon your beaming visage~

Maya + Hannah

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things~

Maya…

• I had the absolute joy of popping into the Everything store in Chicago (in Pilsen) and smelling all of the Clue perfumes (a Chicago-based perfumery). I am already the proud owner of Morel Map and it is a wonderful earthy scent. I have really been wanted to smell and Dandelion Butter and Warm Bulb and I absolutely fell in love with both of them! I purchased the 5ml size just to wear them a bit and see how they fit into my scent life!

• I have been gifted multiple Chunks clips for my birthday by both Hannah and another dear friend, and I have been having a grand old time pinning back my hair with my fun new clips! People clearly thought I needed to be doing more things with my hair!

• A friend took me to an amazing stationary shop in Chicago called Atlas Stationers, and I am the proud new owner of four glorious new pens. It was so satisfying to doodle and try out so many different tips and colors before making my selections!

Hannah…

• I’m working on getting my porch life together because I’m happiest when outside on a porch. I treated myself to some adirondack chairs to bring a little bit of Avaloch Farm to my home in Ohio, and I’ve savored being able to sit out there and read, drink coffee, and relax. Plus, some cardinals built their nest in eye-level bushes in front of the porch, so I’ve been watching a very cute baby chirp away. I was skeptical about buying these polywood versions, because they seem inauthentic, but they are very comfortable, look good, and won’t get damaged in the weather. And, weren’t too hard to put together!

read~

Maya…

• I have read quite a bit this month, but can only truly recommend Olga Ravn’s The Employees which was a strange exploration of daily office work tasks in a futuristic sci-fi world. Trippy but really great, and I am also looking forward to reading her newer novel, The Wax Child about 17th century Danish witch trials when I get home!

• I also enjoyed Emma Straub’s new novel American Fantasty about a middle aged divorced woman going on a 80s boy band cruise. The tale is from multiple perspectives, and I loved watching the tale unfold. It was sweet and fun, and just what I needed during a tough week of rehearsals. It is worth mentioning that I love Emma Straub’s bookshop, Books Are Magic in Brooklyn and it is defintiely worth a visit. She has great author talks and wonderful recommendations in the shop!

Hannah…

• It’s been a long time since I read a book so quickly and intensely as I did Maria Semple’s Go Gentle. The emotional narrative hit home for me (and I learned a lot about the Stoics!) and her books are always balanced between vulnerability and wackiness. I’m looking forward to reading this book again soon!

eat~

Maya…

• A couple new favorite midwestern coffee spots have been added to my list… Cafe Deko (Chicago), Dogwood Coffee (Minneapolis), Earth Coffeehouse & Cafe (Toledo, OH), and The Greenhouse (Sycamore, IL).

• Gardens are starting to sprout their first veggies! I had the absolute joy of eating some arugula, basil, and radishes straight from the garden, and I have never been happier!

Hannah…

• Now that my semester is over, I’ve had more time to cook and really make intentional meals for myself. Nothing has been super complicated, but it’s felt great to make myself nice lunches to enjoy. Recent favorites have been this smashed chickpea wrap, spinach and goat cheese omelets, and even breaking out some fishwife smoked trout for a special treat.

listen + watch~

Maya…

• The new TAK album, Between the Air sounds great and I have enjoyed listening to in on an afternoon walk! They also have a concert tonight (5/31) at Fridman Gallery if you are in NYC and want to head on over to their season closer!

• Friend and collaborator, Etienne Nillesen released his second solo album, TWEE. It sounds fantastic and has a beautiful program note by Kristofer Svensson!

• I started watching The Other Bennet Sister on Britbox and it might be the most PERFCT show ever. It has everything that I love and is beautifully cast and acted. I never thought I would be obsessed with Mary Bennet, but it has happened. I know I will be revisiting this show for years to come.

Hannah…

• I have been binge-watching Kim’s Convenience this month - somehow I just discovered it and it’s being removed from Netflix on June 1 so I’ve been trying to beat the clock. Only one more episode to go! It’s such a lovely, heartwarming family comedy; I’m not sure how I never got into it before. I’m sad I won’t be able to rewatch, but am hopeful that it will someday return to a streaming service I subscribe to, as all these things all seem to cycle back around again.

do~

Maya…

• I have ben taking some exercise classes while on tour this month, and it has been fun and challenging to try out some different styles of classes and break out of my comfort zone a bit. I notice that I tend to have very similar tour exercise routines, and this has really been keeping me on my toes!

• I went to see the Matisse Jazz exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago and had a wonderful afternoon learning more about Matisse and his work. June is the perfect time to hang out at your local museum to look at art and enjoy a classy coffee in the museum cafe—nothing is better on a hot day than a cool museum and a tasty bev!

Hannah…

• This is more of a PSA, but if you ever wake up in a room and there is a bat there, the recommended health protocol is to get the rabies vaccine as if you have been exposed directly to the bat. It’s been a long week in my household…

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We hope that you this finds you after a beautiful jaunt outside basking in some rejuvenating spring weather. Holding on to the seasonal changes seems to be one of the things stabilizing our moods and keeping us present in all of the small and enormous tasks at hand.

andPlay has had a whirlwind couple of weeks together performing at Ohio at Heidelberg University, upstate NY at Hamilton College, in NYC for our Spring Gathering, and finally in Baltimore at Peabody. If we saw you along the way, we are so grateful to you for your presence and support!

We are finishing out the season with a self-made residency at Hannah’s new home in Ohio to work on an amazing new concert-length work for next season by Sarah Hennies. Stay tuned for news of the premiere and more performances in the US and abroad next season! Hannah is currently in search of Adirondack chairs for her porch so that we can luxuriate with coffee and cookies much like other residencies we have attended in the past.

As always, take care + may the fresh breeze briefly melt away your worries~

Maya + Hannah

performing a new work by Josíah Garza at Peabody.

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things~

Maya…

• A friend gave me a colorfully beaded necklace that she made and it has been the perfect addition to all of my simple outfits for a pop of color and spring-y-ness! It is oh-so special to receive hand-made gifts!!

• This eyeshadow stick has been my concert go-to. It is shimmery and adds some interest when performing!

Hannah…

• Maya has been bugging me forever, but I finally replaced all of our comforters with duvets and have no clue why I waited this long! They are so pillowy soft and honestly aren’t so difficult to put together if you use the inside out trick.

• Speaking of bedding, Mira upgraded to a “big kid bed” recently - hard to believe she’s almost 4! Fortunately, it gives her more space for her approximately 230498120394834057 stuffed animals.

read~

Maya…

• I absolutely adored and was sucked into Lauren Groff’s most recent book of short stories, Brawler. They were vivid and intense, and I have been thinking about some of them almost daily since reading.

• I am currently reading Good People by Patmeena Sarit about an Afghan immigrant family and their community dealing with a tragedy that is unfurled over the first section of the book. Sarif digs into the model immigrant family narrative and how perspective shifts from person to person even within a close-knit community. I have yet to finish, but I imagine that I will in the next day or two!

Hannah…

• Maya may have recommended this years ago, but I just read Olga Dies Dreaming by Xóchitl González and loved it. Not only were the many story lines compelling, but I also got a fascinating perspective on some Puerto Rican history that I was not familiar with. Looking forward to catching up on her other books ASAP!

eat~

Maya…

• My partner was in Japan this spring for a couple of weeks and brought back an assortment of goodies that we have been having fun digging into. I love all of the new chazuke spice packets, pickled plums (DROOL), green teas, matcha chocolates, and little mochi to go on the side of our matcha lattes. It has been a dream!

• Casual bakery/cafe visits have been the name of the game this month both when at home and away. If you happen to be in Brussels you cannot miss Aube and if you are in Baltimore grab coffee and a pastry at Ceremony Coffee Roasters and Cafe Dear Léon. In Toledo, OH grab a Yemeni coffee from Influence Café and in Paris get your baguette or croissant from La Maison D’Isabelle. Just a couple recs from this month to add to your maps ‘want to go’ list :)

Hannah…

• Baltimore turned out to be a foodie trip - even though we were just in the neighborhood surrounding Peabody! In addition to many coffees at Ceremony, we had the most amazing Himalayan food at Nepal House (I think our dinner conversation was 95% taking a bite and saying “MMM”) and enjoyed some tasty bowls from Cafe Fili. We had received a bunch of recommendations for other neighborhoods, so we can’t wait to go back and explore that city more.

• I’m trying to get out my rut of “quick meals need to be essentially toddler charcuterie.” This week, I roasted some store-bought paneer (that was miraculously hanging out in my Kroger) with some vegetables, and then quickly cooked it together with a jar of premade Spicy Tikka Masala sauce. Is it the gourmet cooking of my pre-parenting days? No. Was it better than another cheese quesadilla? Definitely.

listen + watch~

Maya…

• My trio with Kristofer Svensson and Erik Blennow Calälv just released our newest album, For a lemon tree on Another Timbre earlier this month with a composition that Svensson and I co-wrote and an improvisation! I would be so grateful if you would check in out and give it a listen!

• Linnea Talp released a beautiful new album on Thanatosis, Variations of Light Waves that you should really go take a listen to!

• I have been watching the Australian probate law comedy, Fisk and have fallen head-over-heels for these characters. What an absolute delight!

• In a similar light, I have watched the Shang Wang and Aaron Chen comedy specials on Netflix and really enjoyed both of their charming observational humor shows.

Hannah…

• It’s been a month of fun new seasons being released! I just binged the second season of Running Point during my finals week and loved it just as much as the first season. (Though I was highly focused on my puzzle, so it may need a rewatch soon!) And, Maya and I ripped through the most recent season of XO Kitty while on tour. Some easy TV has been just what I’ve needed this month…

• Mira has become interested in the radio so is happy to listen to the 90s/2000s “throwback” station while we drive around town. It’s been fun to revisit some songs I’ve forgotten about and introduce her to this music!

do~

Maya…

• The days are getting longer every day (and in Sweden we have already lost full non-illumination night), which is a thing to be celebrated. Enjoying the qualities of light as the day passes has been such a calming/stabilizing force in my day.

• Starting to knit a bit with cotton and am trying to find the same love that I have for wool with cotton. Any and all recs are welcome! Currently knitting this sweater in a single color cotton/merino version.

• Fresh tulips on my dining table and in the living room have been bringing me so much joy this spring, and it is amazing how many varietals there are!

Hannah…

• I had the most generous friend-visit recently (thank you, Ashley). She spent her entire time here doing home improvement for me and most importantly, helped me get my garden in order! Since this is the first gardening year I’ve had in this house, everything that is growing and blooming is a surprise at this point. I’m not an expert gardener by any means, and may accidentally kill much of what I plant this year, but I’m enjoying getting to understand how it all works. Any tips on when/how to harvest rhubarb are much appreciated! It’s slightly out of control already.

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We hope that you are all holding up, holding strong, and allowing for joys to peek through the gloom like the snowdrops emerging from the snow.

The coming weeks are particularly wild for us with a performance on the Heidelberg New Music Festival and Symposium in Tiffin, Ohio (March 27th) and residencies and concerts at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY (April 3rd) and the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, MD (April 8th).

Along with all of this, we have our self-produced, Spring Gathering performance in NYC on April 5th at Mise-En Place (mark your cals and grab your tickets!)! We are presenting Lamnth (Boston-based violin/cimbalom duo of Lilit Hartunian and Nick Tolle), Henry Birdsey (fantastic composer and bagpipe musician), and music by Angharad Davies and our very own Maya Bennardo!

As always, take care + may the hints of spring awaken your spirit~

Maya + Hannah

poster design by Pat Swoboda

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things~

Maya…

• I have been using the Super Milk Lush shampoo and condition for a while and absolutely loving it! The company is one that I am happy to support and all of the containers can be brought back to the store for a closed circle recycling program. I also love that my hair feels silky and smells good!

• I bought a reversible boiled wool triangle scarf on a used clothing app that has a little slit on one end that the other end can slip through, in this style but black and leopard, and it feels so chic and fun to wear! I think it would be really easy to make (if you are a sewer) if you found the right thick material!

Hannah…

• Not too many favorite items this month, but had a nice afternoon exploring thrift shops in Ann Arbor, MI. I had some good finds, including the oversized denim button-down (that had been on my wish list for quite a while now), a new black linen performance shirt, and some comfortable black summer cotton pants. I’m also slowly amassing thrift store art when it calls to me (Mira complains that there is not enough on our walls). I don’t often find anything that’s worth it, but recently found a beautiful winter woods painting that was signed as a gift to someone in 1966 by the artist!

read~

Maya…

• Most recently I closed the cover on the debut novel, Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash and I was smitten from page one. This one follows the Flynn family which is filled with dysfunction in a deeply regular and singular way along with their relationship to the community church. I don’t want to say too much, but I would be deeply curious if others found it as intrigueing as I did…

• I loved reading Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner about a very calculated and wry spy protagonist who infiltrates at French eco activist group. I loved being inside of her mind and how deeply relatable and unlikable she could be. This novel is from a couple of years ago, but I am glad that I finally got to it.

Hannah…

• Some favorite picture books recently include: The Giant Hug by Sandra Horning, The Day it Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond, and Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett.

eat~

Maya…

• February has a big Swedish food holiday, fettisdagen (Fat Tuesday/Mardis Gras) where everyone eats this treat called Semla. They are a cardamom bun (not overly sweet) with whipped cream and almond paste that are just purely decadent and adorable. When I go over to friend’s houses they offer it from their local bakery, and I have gotten to share a few with lovely people! I know that Fabrique sells them in NYC, but perhaps there are other Swedish bakery spots as well!

• I have written about this before, but Chazuke (rice with the special spice mix) with Japanese green tea or hojicha poured over it with a soft boiled egg and/or fermented plum) has basically been my favorite thing that I have eaten all month. My partner gave me the gift of some fancy chazuke sets for the holidays, and I have just come to the end of them. (Luckily they will be going to Japan later this spring and bringing more back!) It is so warming and delightful—any winter lunch can be made more comforting with a deep bowl of Chazuke. Please tell me where I can buy the chazuke sachets in nyc!

• andPlay was in Miami in January and I discovered the joy of the Cuban coffee drink, cafecito or cortadito and I have been making them at home for a fun afternoon pick-me-up!

Hannah…

• I spent almost as much time as suggested for Marcella Hazan’s famous bolognese recipe, and it did not disappoint! Definitely a luxurious recipe for a lazy day.

• I was served a barley/corn tea at a Korean restaurant recently and LOVED it. I bought some barley tea bags from a Korean grocery, which are almost doing the trick, but I think I need to figure out how to replicate that exact combo. It was slightly sweet and earthy - the perfect drink for a rainy day.

• I made this hamantaschen dough for the first time, and while it was a little difficult to work with (or may have been the toddlers who were “helping” me), it’s deliciously buttery and made an excellent hamantaschen.

listen + watch~

Maya…

• My first composition album, rustlings, is coming out on March 30th on Elsewhere (run by the fantastic Yuko Zama), and I am incredibly proud of it. dormant gardens i. with andPlay is on it along with a longer solo violin work, summer rustlings. I would be eternally grateful if you would pre-order or take a listen!

• A beautiful new kuyin album, Lampworking by Cassia Streb and Tim Feeney is coming out on March 20th and is really beautiful-check it out!

• I had the immense joy of being immersed in Morton Feldman’s For John Cage last month, and to finish off the week my partner and I were invited to a private atelier performance of two piano works performed by the fantastic Mats Persson and Kristine Scholz. The performance was truly exquisite, and their record from 2011 is definitely worth a re-listen during this 100the celebration year of Feldman.

Hannah…

• I know I’m ten years too late, but I finally started watching The Crown and am obsessed! Now I have a lot of thoughts on 20th century Royal British history that I’d love to discuss…a decade too late for the zeitgeist!

do~

Maya…

• I have had my fair share of train travel this month for work this month, and it has been so lovely! I have really enjoyed the space and the computer work that I can get done all while sipping on a little cappuccino that I got from the dining car. This is just to say that when possible/affordable the train is such a fantastic way to go!

• I am on sleeve island of the sweater for my partner, but I am determined to finish before it gets too warm for them to wear it! Wish me luck…

• There are birds popping up everywhere for spring, and Karl (Larson, who I play in a duo with) recently taught me to “bird every bird”, so I am admiring the songs and hopping/flying around of even the most regular bird!

Hannah…

• With the weather finally starting to get warmer, I’m remembering how much easier parenting is in warm weather. Outside as much as possible is the rule around here!

• I just had spring break and spent it doing “adult” things like taxes, medical appointments, changing light bulbs, etc. Not the most adventurous break, but it did feel good to get some of these things off the list!

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We finished out the month in Miami, Florida for a residency and two concerts at the University of Miami with composers in the Frost School of Music and a concert on New Music Miami. It was a nice respite from out respective cold climates and it was wonderful to work with so many curious composers. The absolutely beautiful wildlife didn’t hurt either!

On a different note, we hope that you are keeping a close eye on your communities and taking care of each other. We are watching on as our fellow friends in Minnesota are being terrorized without repercussion by ICE and the current administration, so we hope that you will join us in donating to the Twin Cities DSA or looking into this index of resources for more ways to help.

As always, take care + may the crisp air keep our eyes wide open~

Maya + Hannah

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things~

Maya…

• I absolutely love all of the little pouches from Hilda Hilda, a Swedish shop with woven bags, place mats, tea towels, and more. I have some little ones to pack my cords, and I gifted a pencil case to my partner last month. The shop is very close to my luthier, so bow re-hairs may gotten just a touch more expensive!!

• Two months ago in London I was at the Spitalfields Market with my dear friend Sarah, and she told me that I had to see this booth with these handcrafted jackets and skirts. I was very down to browse and lolligag, but once I saw Tanique Coburn’s designs I was hooked. I fell in love with a black skirt with these large black blooms and it not only came right home with me but I even wore if for my solo show the next day.

• I upgraded my travel routine a tiny bit by adding a trtl neck pillow. I had been fed many ads for these over the years, but a friend let me borrow hers for a flight to see if I liked it and I actually slept for over two hours which is highly unusual for me! It looks strange at first and has a bit of a neck brace vibe, but it fits easily in my bag and gives me some rest. So I am counting it as a win!

Hannah…

• I decided to revamp my skincare (and commit to doing it regularly) in 2026 and got some great recommendations from friend of andPlay, Ashley Windle. So far, I’ve been really good so far about doing my routine religiously (with some helpful late-night prodding by Maya in Miami) and am loving the new products I got from Paula’s Choice, especially the Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser and this retinol product that is very gentle on the skin. I am already feeling brighter!

• In the spirit of feeling better in 2026, I also got a stationary bike from facebook marketplace - found a great deal on the Bowflex i6. I know I had previously mentioned looking for a walking pad, but decided a bike was a more knee-friendly approach. I’m loving it so far!

read~

Maya…

• Wool Gathering by Patti Smith is a short little novella that I picked up on a whim about her childhood, and I thoroughly enjoyed the direct writing style and her pictures sprinkled throughout.

• I read this a bit ago, but I absolutely loved Orbital by Samantha Harvey and haven’t mentioned it here. It is quite slow paced and float-y following astronauts on a mission where they reflect upon the fragility of our planet and connection. It was really beautiful.

Hannah…

• I’ve been reading a lot in the past month, but the stand out was Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. The book is about a family that is the caretaker for a remote island in the arctic, and the mysterious woman who washes up on shore. It’s part mystery, part love story, part commentary on the state of our earth. Like her 2020 book Migrations, McConaghy crafts captivating stories with intricate plots that also address grief and stress around issues of climate change.

eat~

Maya…

• Give me all of the dal and warming spices! I have enjoyed this simple recipe but also if you have a favorite way to prepare a lentil please send it my way :)

• I loved this lemon chickpea recipe and i served it with sweet potatoes and some fresh fennel salad. Very yum.

• I just bought a big bag of marshmallows and am already awaiting the evenings when I can whip myself up a hot cocoa and throw one (or two) in!

Hannah…

• I had the urge to make a lasagna a few weeks ago, and made this recipe from Julia Turshen. It was incredibly simple, but felt decadent from the addition of creme fraiche. It was so delicious that I’ve decided this is my go-to recipe from now on - perfect for winter comfort food!

• While in Miami, we ate a lot of good food, but none as memorable as the amazing bakery Casa Bake. It’s unassuming nestled into some warehouses, but had top notch French pastries (we went three times and never were disappointed with our choices) and delicious, yet inexpensive, coffee drinks! Who thought there was still a place in America to get a cappuccino for $3.50? If you find yourself in Miami, please visit it for us so we can live through you vicariously!!

listen + watch~

Maya…

• Friends making and releasing great music alert! It is time to purchase the new record with Zosha Warpeha along with the fantastic Isidora Edwards on cello and

  Biliana Voutchkova on violin out on Relative Pitch called A Far Within and pre-order Sunder, the new Mariel Roberts on New Focus Recordings out next month!

• I watched the movie Splitsville on the plane recently and actually really enjoyed it despite the fact that I am generally a bit annoyed by Dakota Johnson. Curious if others have watched and what their thoughts are. I kind of felt that the cyclical, quite cynical ending was surprising but also pretty spot on…

• In December I went to see Sentimental Value with some buds, and it was absolutely gorgeous! The Oscar noms are very well deserved. I keep revisiting scenes and lines and hope to watch it again this month while it is on Mubi.

Hannah…

• Like most of the internet, I watched (and already rewatched) Heated Rivalry and was immediately obsessed. It’s a perfect love story with such well-crafted characters. It’s also amazing to watch a non-heterosexual love story where nothing horrible/violent happens. Thank you Canada for making such a flawless show!

do~

Maya…

• One of my goals this year has been to learn new knitting skills, and I have been wanting to try something with an all over texture. I didn’t want to start with a sweater, but this grid scarf was JUST the trick. There was some trial and error in the beginning (mainly because I would stop paying attention), but once I got the hang of it all was well!

• I still would like to attend an in-person knitting or language group in the month of February. I have been close, but haven’t been able to go this month, so we will see what next month holds. It can be so nerve wracking to go somewhere on your own for the first time!

Hannah…

• I started 2026 with a paper planner (not something I usually do) - not necessarily to write down my daily schedule, but to keep a running list of tasks that need to be done. So far it has been very helpful in getting some of the chatter out of my brain, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks (or, realistically, at least very little). Even though I’m writing it down, it feels a bit like outsourcing some of my mental labor to an inanimate book, and I’m a fan of that!

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The last day of 2025 is upon us and we are looking ahead to a new year filled with so much more music, togetherness, and hard work. We are so extremely thankful to have you along with us for the ride and not only love sharing music that we care deeply about with new and cozy audiences but also sharing this space here. We love when people talk to us about their favorite moisturizers, books, records, festive drinks, etc. and mention that they have enjoyed this little newsletter that we send out each month. It is honestly a warm, fuzzy feeling every time!

We are starting out January 2026 with our first time in Miami, FL with a Frost School of Music residency with concerts of student works on January 27th and 29th and a performance at New Music Miami ISCM Festival (premieres by Jacob Sudol and Orlando Garcia) on January 28th! Join us if you are in the area for great music and (hopefully) a spot of sunshine!

We would be remiss not to mention that any end-of-year support to andPlay whether it be becoming a paid subscriber to this newsletter, a donation directly to andPlay to support the work that we do, or words of encouragement are all greatly appreciated!

Raising our glasses to you and the new year ahead~

Maya + Hannah

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in for 2026~

Maya…

• cutting my own bangs

• dopamine dressing for the day (doesn’t always mean that it is colorful!)

• short check-ins with friends

• scheduling my doctor appointments

• long form pieces, movies, books, etc.

• taking my vitamin D

• stinky cheese

• luxuriating over an afternoon coffee

• novella length anything

• having a favorite color

• listening to friend’s records

• finding inventive ways to spend time with friends and loved ones

• complimenting (don’t keep them to myself, spread the delight!)

• knowing when to wear the ugly shoes and when to wear the cute ones

• walking circuitous paths

• finding the moon

• letting projects simmer

Hannah…

• cleaning the coffee pot before I go to sleep so it’s fresh for the morning

• creating a “home” for my phone in my house and trying to leave it there as much as possible.

• learning how to garden outdoors

• eating intentional breakfast/lunch/dinners that are not just Mira’s scraps

• also taking MY vitamin D

• realizing that being upfront about my capacity limits is not a negative thing

• keeping seltzer in the fridge ready to go

• attempting to use a paper planner again

• baking bread

• patience

• making snack plates for easy weekend lunches

• brightening the afternoon with a fun beverage

out for 2026…

Maya…

• back up products

• being bullied into silence

• letting food get moldy

• being taken advantage of (get out of there!)

• time stress (back on the list)

• comparing myself to anything or anyone

• taking forever to respond to messages

• impulsive shopping to fill a new-ness void

• stress over missed or minimal celebrations (some years things slip by or look different)

• rushing my knitting and making it feel like work

• backhanded anything

• using google maps for absolutely everything

• going to bed with dirty dishes in the sink (i just feel better in thee morning when they aren’t there)

• forgetting to stretch

• scrolling

Hannah…

• overconsumption via thrifting

• not having fun in the moment because I’m stressed about everything else I have to do

• mugs that don’t make you smile

• constantly arguing about screen time

• letting feeling guilty about not staying in touch perpetuate the problem

• being too tired to do night time skin-care routines

• overworking

• grocery shopping without a list/plan

• being pressured by a sale to buy something (there is always another one!)

a few 2025 faves…

Maya…

• I absolutely adored making my first sweater this year (and the subsequent ones, but the first is so so special to me and I wear it constantly), chrysanthemum tea in the evenings and the thrifted tea pot I found to brew it in, using the Too Good to Go app for baked goods from favorite bakeries and meals in between gigs/rehearsals, On the Calculation of Volume I-III by Solvej Balle (if you ever want to sit around and talk about these books I am your gal), and for beauty: lathering up with Curel Ultra Healing cream, curling my lashes with a Revlon curler (I am not convinced the the Shiseido one is any better…), using Merit matte lipstick in the color Maison on my lips, Davines sea salt spray in my hair, and a spritz of Hexensalbe by Stora Skuggan on my wrist.

Hannah…

• my new induction stove-top and how quickly it heats things; making and wearing my first items of “me-made” clothing; using big box store websites to decide what I specifically want, but then facebook marketplace for finding them secondhand.

do~

Maya…

• I love a NYE gathering with close friends, but I also love to sit on my balcony with my partner and watch all of Stockholm’s fireworks displays with a glass of something bubbly and a bowl full of Swedish candy! I hope this year to enjoy the latter or maybe even a combo of the two if we are feeling ambitious. I wish you all a very happy NYE of doing absolutely whatever you please!

Hannah…

• Looking into 2026, I’m working to figure out how to make my new house feel like a real “home.” I think this means some real reflection on my personal style and the spaces I want to be in (perhaps this requires a return to pinterest!), as well as patience in knowing that not everything can/should come together at once. It’s a long game, and I think we could all use that reminder from time to time!

above photo by Shervin Lainez

giddy after our final performance of the year and scarfing down some delicious soba noodles! HNY everyone and see you in 2026! <3

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Welcome to December! We hope that you have had a restful long weekend of late-Autumn activity!

We are currently gearing up for our final performance of the year at Fridman Gallery in NYC on their New Ear series on December 12th at 7pm performing our newest program, the willow bends, with new works (which we premiered and toured this past summer in Europe) by the two fabulous composers, Magnus Granberg and Angharad Davies! Purchase your tickets and come out for a 65 min. concert of delicious tones and sound worlds made to be relished!

As always, take care + may the crisp breeze bring fresh ideas~

Maya + Hannah

P.S. The gift guides are getting out of hand at this time of year, so we decided not to do that presently, and will instead do a round up of favorite things (in many categories) in 2026!

poster by the fantastic Pat Swoboda

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things~

Maya…

• This time of year all I want to do is layer a mock neck or low turtle neck under all of my shirts and sweaters. I love some merino wool options from Dilling (similar ones for less can be found at a Scandi store called Lindex—and probably lots of places!), these from Marcella in fun colors, I have a couple of Uniqlo heat tech ones in simple colors, and some fun mesh ones that I have thrifted and/or snagged from local shops during travels. Let’s all opt into fun layering this winter! If you have more ideas, please send my way!

• I bought some thick linen napkins to add to my collection from Merci in Paris a couple of months ago and they are so luxurious! I cannot stress how wonderful a cloth napkin is! A friend was telling me that she made hers (more of a cocktail napkin size) out of an old skirt and they look so incredibly chic!

Hannah…

• I moved into a new house last month, so I am constantly looking at THINGS (I have a lot of empty rooms at the moment!). But, I find it hard to actually decide on a thing, and generally go down an internet rabbit-hole of reading endless reviews and comparisons (spoiler alert: someone has always had a bad experience). One thing I did make a decision on and am happy with is my new bed frame from FlexiSpot. It’s Thuma-esque (but a little less expensive) and has been very comfortable so far! I would recommend!

• One product I’ve thinking about for weeks (and internet searching) is a walking pad. I would love to find a way to get more exercise, but can’t find a time to reliably fit it into my day, and I’m often home alone with my daughter, so I can’t leave the house for a walk early morning or at night. The problem is, the convenient solution of a small treadmill seems to be the least reliable product on the market. Everything I see has people talking about problems or how it wears out within months. If anyone has a walking pad they love, I’d love a rec!

read~

Maya…

• Wreck by Catherine Newman was a wonderful exploration of the messy bits of life in middle age. I love the way Newman deals with the hard things in life with humor and empathy.

• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is a new epistolary novel (that seems to be a word-of-mouth sensation) of a woman who spent her life most able to communicate via letter writing. There is something so cozy reading this book, and I was touched reading her communications through the last decade of her life starting in the early 2010s.

• I just finished reading Heart the Lover by Lily King before writing this and I loved it. I had the same feeling while reading it as I did when watching Past Lives by Celine Song. It is quick but packs a punch.

Hannah…

• I really enjoyed Loved One by Aisha Muharrar (she has been a writer on some of your favorite shows like Hacks, Parks and Recreation, and The Good Place!). It’s kind of a story about a love triangle, except the person in the middle has recently died. It definitely had some humorous moments, but really delved into how one grapples with feelings one never acknowledged and (as the book jacket said) “ambiguous loss.” It was hard to put down in the best way.

eat~

Maya…

• I have been LOVING Japanese Aubergines! They are just so fantastic roasted with olive oil and fleur de sel (until they get goo-ey) and then placed on a pizza or tofu bowl or just with a dollop of whipped labneh on top. I am in love.

• I have been on a tour this month and from it I can heartily recommend always buying the dark chocolate Ovomaltine bar in Switzerland for a square of heaven.

• In Amsterdam my best bud, Leah and I found the most perfect cozy bar, Café Kompleet where we could order old fashioneds in candlelight with a side of fries and chat all evening! Now, this isn’t based on extensive research and going into tons of bars, but the vibe was right and I will be back.

Hannah…

• I made Allison Roman’s Buttered Stuffing with Celery and Leeks for Thanksgiving and it was a hit! In the future, I would use a shallower pan so there is more surface area to get crispy, but the recipe has a nice contrast of a crunchy top and a custardy bottom.

listen + watch~

Maya…

• I have listened to some lovely interviews on podcasts recently that felt so honest and beautiful each for different reasons. I love Sam Sanders’ conversation with Samin Nostrat about community and her relationship to her depression, Amy Poehler’s talk to June Squib on working in her 90s, and Adrienne Marie Brown on Vibe check talking about exploring and sitting with darkness. Each was beautiful, and they were excellent companions on my daily walks.

• The Hidden Brain series Love 2.0 on sustaining relationship and intimacy was incredible, and I may go back and listen again.

• I was charmed by the new show on Peacock from thee writers of The Office called The Paper. It also happens to be based in Toledo, OH where I grew up which made it all the more fun (there are little city quips sprinkled throughout the show). I have yet to meet anyone else who has watched, so I am curious what the read is on this show.

Hannah…

• I have not had time to listen or watch anything recently, but I have heard a lot of the PBSKids show Weather Hunters in the background, and I am a fan. My daughter’s newest obsession is a show about - you guessed it - the weather, created (and has a character voiced) by America’s favorite weatherman, Al Joker. She has learned about how to protect your garden in a cold snap (we did a bad job this year), the Tuskegee Airmen, why lightning and thunder happen, etc. It’s a STEM-centered, not-super-high-energy-level show that is great for any kids curious about what happens outside!

do~

Maya…

• My partner and I have been watching the Morning Show (on AppleTV) for a while, and our favorite thing about the show is by far Billy Crudup and his enigmatic acting. We decided to go back and watch Almost Famous, a movie that made him a real name for him (“I am a golden god!”) and Kate Hudson, and we absolutely loved the feel of it. I recommend watching an old film of an actor that you love and having a cozy movie night (popcorn and candy recommended but still optional)!

• I am working on finishing up the could of knitting projects that I have started and left unfinished from the past few months, and it is feeling fantastic! I also have some non-knitting related projects that are in desperate need of the same treatment, and I plan on tackling them as well!

• This has really felt like a year of shedding and change, and I recently heard someone say (on Tik Tok) that it was the year of the snake in the Chinese zodiac (the wood snake to be precise), and that is a feature of this sign. I have been reflecting on this quite a bit the past few weeks and thinking about how I want to finish out the year and move forward in the year of the horse. I will read more on this and report back…

Hannah…

• I have been getting a lot of outfit inspiration lately from Lauren Owens’ TikTok account (@mamaindenim). She has gone a bit viral lately for her outfit formulas, which are super broad formulas she announces every day. You can always find something in your closet that works for it, but it’s made me try combining things in different ways and feel like I’m a little more intentional with my style.

Picture of all of the composers from our New Sounds New Sounds New concert at the end of October at Tenri in NYC.

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This month is slipping by at such a rate, and we are trying to savor every golden ray and beguiling leaf that there is to see before the gray/dark days arrive!

We are currently in NYC ready to kick off our season on Reiko Füting’s series New Sounds New Sounds New with seven premieres by Reiko and six of his past/current students. The concert will be tomorrow or today, depending on when you read this - Friday, October 24th (our very own in-house Scorpio, Hannah’s birthday) at 7:30 at Tenri Cultural Institute, and the admission is free with a reception after! We cannot wait to see you there if you are in town!

After this we are off to Michigan for a residency at Michigan State University, and a wonderful premiere by composition faculty member, Anthony Marasco. October is full of riches and we cannot wait to share music with you!

Take care + may you relish in the crunch underfoot~

Maya + Hannah

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things~

Maya…

• A quick rundown of some recent beauty faves— lips: Clinique black honey, Revlon rum raisin, Glossier crest, Merit maison, and the best chapstick is this $3 Lypsyl found in Scandinavian grocery stores! fragrance: Morel Map by Clue (very kindly gifted to me by a dear friend and is absolutely divine and earthy), Lover by the Maker, Amber oil (forever and always) by Nemat, and Hexensalbe by Stora Skuggan (suggested to me by friend of andPlay, Lilit Hartunian, and this is so mysterious, witchy, and magical just like Lilit herself)!

Hannah…

• This month has been especially chaotic for me because I bought and moved to a new house! Adding that full time job to my already multiple full-time jobs of teaching/parenting/etc. was not for the weak and I barely eked through. But, I’m here on the other side in a gorgeous house (if you ever find yourself in NW Ohio)! Downside…I have very few recommendations for this month.

read~

Maya…

• I enjoyed Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s newest spooky novel dealing with intersection of Mexican and New England witch stories, The Bewitching, and it was a delightful spooky October read!

• I also enjoyed The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar which is a folk tale of two sisters tending to ancient willows and choosing unexpected lovers. There is a bit of a murder ballad in here as well. Beautiful!

Hannah…

• I am almost finished with I’ll Stop the World by Lauren Thoman, which I am loving. It’s a time travel (kind of Back to the Future-esque), coming-of-age mystery novel. What could be better than that? Cautiously highly recommended (since I still have 50 pages to go).

eat~

Maya…

• Stewed apples (with cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and a touch of maple syrup) in a yoghurt bowl has been my absolute obsession this month. It doesn’t hurt that it makes my apartment smell fantastic!

• On the same autumnal kick, I made some pumpkin spice syrup (this is an approximation of the recipe I made up) to add to my afternoon cappuccino or black tea latte. It is a touch of bliss!

• I also made the nytimes chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookie bars for the first time, and they were delectable.

Hannah…

• Because of the move, my kitchen has mostly been in a state of chaos this month and meals have been equally chaotic. But, I did find a moment to test out my new oven with Julia Turshen’s apple crisp recipe, which was the perfect fall scent/taste to fill a new home!

listen + watch~

Maya…

• On my commutes I have been listening to classic violin concerti performed by some of the titans of the 20th century. It is so nostalgic to listen to Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Mendelssohn, Stravinsky, and more since those pieces surrounded me in my teens and young adulthood in violin lessons and conservatory. Not really a recommendation, I suppose, but sometimes it feels glorious to just listen to a soloist with orchestra—it is oh so grand!

• Adrianne Munden-Dixon released a beautiful new solo violin record, Vision Mantra, and Carrie Frey released an album of her string quartets, Seaglass for Rhythm Method and both require your ears!

• Have you listened to Cécile McLorin Salvant’s new record, Oh Snap?! Do it do it do it.

Hannah…

• I’ve been really enjoying Hayley Williams’ (lead singer of Paramore) new solo album: Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party. Maya and I saw her perform two summers ago and she is an incredible performer with a really interesting personal and musical history. This album just seems to be hitting the spot for me lately!

do~

Maya…

• After working on some bigger knitting projects over the past month I decided to make something more petite and am knitting the fat fur hat! I am hoping that it turns out amazingly so that I can gift a couple of these in the coming months!

• Voting on November 4th—don’t forget to do it!

Hannah…

• ‘Tis the season for fall activities! We recently met family for a Rosh Hashanah apple picking adventure. Turns out the kids’ favorite part was the “corn box”, essentially a sandbox (with a slide!) filled with corn kernels. If there weren’t kids to worry about, I would choose a farm with fewer activities, but it was fun to pick apples, pumpkins, and get in the fall spirit!

• I second Maya - go vote!

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We have entered the -ber months, and might we humbly say that we love it. September is a month of motivation and transition, and I hope that you are all taking life by the reins or being soft with yourself — whatever it is that you might need. We are certainly in the midst of some odd mixture of the two!

We are getting ready to enter the andPlay swing this Fall with an exciting concert of 6 new works on October 24th at Tenri Cultural Institute (NYC) on Reiko Füting’s series New Sounds New Sounds New, followed by a residency at Michigan State University where we will premiere a new work by faculty member, Anthony Morasco. It is only the beginning of our season, and we are looking forward to the US premiere of our newest program, the willow bends, in NYC in December!

Take care + big hugs always and forever~

Maya + Hannah

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things~

Maya…

• Over the summer I got these barrel leg cow print pants from the Gap (just hear me out) and they are some of the softest most lounge-worthy pants I own while still making outfits look like I have put some effort into them. I have a tendency to become hyper-fixated on a clothing item and wear it so often when I find it very comfortable and fun, and these have been that item for the past month and a half, and I have yet to see an end in sight.

• I have recommended these before but these small mugs from Eastfork are an absolute staple. I use one every single day for a morning or afternoon cappuccino and the size and weight are absolute perfection. The new guava color looks so juicy and fun!

• Candle season is back, baby! I have cracked open a new box of 50 taper candles from IKEA, and every meal is deliciously accompanied by candlelight. Cannot recommend enough to bring some elegance and delight to even your most basic meal.

Hannah…

• Now that my semester has started again, I’m no longer wearing lounge clothes all day. While my work clothes are basically lounge-adjacent, it does mean I’ve had the opportunity to wear some of the tops I sewed this summer! It turns out wearing a piece of clothing that I created makes me feel like an actual super hero and I can’t wait for a break in my schedule so I can make more.

• This is my first year having to pack lunches daily for Mira. I was worried about finding containers she could open, but we’ve been loving the bentgo kids lunch box (in unicorns and rainbows, of course), and these small snap containers for her snacks.

read~

Maya…

• I have read three novels this month that I cannot get out of my mind. The protagonists in each is discovering and allowing the ugliness that lives inside each and every one of us out in ways that were raw, occasionally relatable, and ultimately beautiful. The Coin by Yasmin Zaher, The Wedding People by Alison Espach, and Maggie; or a Man and Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee (who even mentioned some of my old favorite PLG haunts in her acknowledgements that made me surprisingly emotional). Excited for Autumnal reading!

Hannah…

• I’ve been working my way through a 500 page novel, and I read approximately 10 pages a day, so I have nothing to report at this moment, sorry!

• I teach a graduate class for music performance students that is part research skills and part career development. This is a surprisingly engaged group of students who have enjoyed doing some extra reading, so I’m on the search for books that felt particularly impactful/helpful for your career in the arts. Please send any recommendations my way! Thanks!

eat~

Maya…

• I have been sticking with a lot of old faithful recipes this past month, but this chickpea lemon pasta that my mom recommended to me the other day was just the tweak to an already beloved recipe in my house. I can tell that it will be in rotation this fall, and so many swaps can be made as well—already making it with white beans!

• Pukka After Dinner tea with cardamom, fennel, and anise seed has been a tasty evening tea. I have been drinking peppermint tea up until this point, but am now alternating between the two.

Hannah…

• This feels a bit too summery for the moment (though it’s still in the high-80s in Ohio!), but I meant to recommend the Beach Plum LaCroix flavor earlier in the summer! It sounds like it is not going to be good, but is surprisingly refreshing/delicious/not-artificial tasting? Though, I’ll warn you that Maya and I are huge fans of the Coconut LaCroix flavor, which can be very divisive. But, unlike Coconut, the Beach Plum flavor is very subtle!

• There were a few moments this past month where I felt so on top of my cooking - meals were planned and made, and I even managed to bake a few things. As I suspected, that sense of control has disappeared as my semester has intensified. One of the things I made (and loved) was a recipe from my tried-and-true Yossy Arefi (cookbook author of Snacking Cakes and Snacking Bakes). This Tahini cake was one of the most delicious recipes of hers I’ve ever made and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t tried it before now! It’s not too overpowering, and I added chocolate chips, because why not? Like all her recipes, it was quick, easy, and one bowl.

listen + watch~

Maya…

• I have been watching Platonic on apple tv with Seth Rogan and Rose Byrne who are over-40 friends who have rekindled a very close platonic friendship after some years apart. It is goofy and sweet, and I have been enjoying it while knitting!

• Close bud and former andPlay collaborator, Ryan Packard, released a beautiful new record, Garden Variety, on Dinzu Artefacts that you should all go listen to immediately!

Hannah…

• Now that I’m officially a “sewist,” I have been loving watching the newest season of Project Runway on Hulu. Heidi Klum is back (finally), Law Roach is an incredibly cutthroat judge, and I delusion-ally assume I could do everything they do in the competition!

• If you’ve talked to any educators recently, you may have stumbled into a conversation about AI use in the classroom. It’s been a really tricky topic to handle - every teacher has their own opinion, and in many institutions there are no codified rules regulating AI usage. I have a “no use” policy in my course, but I was still struggling to figure out how to explain and justify it to my students. Though I generally distrust the NYTimes these days, I really resonated with this episode of The Opinions Podcast “AI is Fueling a Poverty of Imagination: Here’s How We Can Fix It.”

• I didn’t know much about the comedian Zarna Garg, but loved getting to know her on this episode of Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang. She has an incredibly fascinating backstory and had some very relatable things to say about being a mother (and is funny!).

do~

Maya…

• I finished the body on my sweater from last month and took a bit of a break from it to make a new triangle scarf in this moss-y green baby alpaca (by lang yarns) that I bought last year in Vienna. I have been patiently waiting to make something with this yarn, and it is the perfect cooler weather replacement to my cotton moss green scarf that I wear in the warmer months!

• I have been feeling both highly motivated and unmotivated at the same time this month, so I have been trying to start some small but manageable new habits (like the same wake up time every weekday) and going for a nice walk to clear my head in the morning after breakfast or after lunch on days that I am home. They have felt really nice and I am approaching them in a less rigid way than I have in the past, so funnily enough, it makes them easier to keep up.

Hannah…

• We have been having so much fun every weekend with fall festivals! Between university and town activities, Mira thinks every weekend comes with food trucks, free cake, and marching band performances. Trying to enjoy this active busy-ness before it gets too cold/dark and everyone is hiding away!

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Wow, mid-August is upon us and a new season is just around the corner. While some of us are yearning for a steaming mug of coffee sitting outside on a wrap-around porch in a 58 degree morning (14 Celcius for all of our non-American friend-o’s) draped in a woolen blanket smelling a wood burning fire a couple of doors down, we are instead met with endless heat and humidity with the faint perfume of overripe fruit wafting through the air. Ah well, all in due time.

andPlay is gearing up for a year of exciting concerts and music making, but also togetherness. Now that we don’t live in the same city anymore, the time spent together feels even more special—finding a lifelong musical partner is never something to be taken for granted! We are excited to connect with home audiences in NYC and Ohio and head to some new-to-us cities. More on that later, but we hope to see you all along the way!

Take care + big hugs always and forever~

Maya + Hannah

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things~

Maya…

• I have finally found a good hair product situation for my semi-wavy hair when it is cut in a bob. I am back to this tried and true sea salt spray and curl cream that seem to be working overtime and sustaining volume for multiple days after a wash. I am also completely in love with the smell of both, so I continue to use them!

• This summer my skin started to feel a bit tight and dry despite the sweaty heat, so I picked up Cosrx’s comfort ceramide cream to use at night. I loved this way more than other thick creams I have used in the past, and it worked wonders. After I felt back to normal I switched backed to my trusty Vanicream (forever and always), just fyi.

• The lovely people in my life have been showering me with handmade items that are bringing great joy to me! My mom made me the most beautiful new afghan in a rich autumnal maple-y color, and it is cozy and ready to be snuggled up under come Autumn! andPlay’s very own Hannah Levinson has given me a county of fun, hand-sewn items this month including an adorable airpod case (with chickens all over it!!), a keychain, and an adorable bookmark! All of these items are being put to good use, and I cannot speak highly enough of giving people things that you have made with your own two hands!

Hannah…

• For Mira’s birthday, her grandparents got her this digital camera by Kidimento. I spent a lot of time researching kid’s cameras, and it surprisingly hard to get one that doesn’t come with games on the screens. This is advertised as the “game-free” camera, and so far it’s a hit. It’s durable, takes semi-decent photos, and Mira loves having her own camera to snap away with. Plus, since it’s digital, we don’t end up with a ton of horrible Polaroid-type pictures laying around.

• I know we all sometimes think “this one organizing system is going to change my life,” but honestly, I made two purchases that have actually immediately improved my life: a toy-storage bin thing similar to this, and a shoe rack! I found both on facebook marketplace and they’ve helped rein in the chaos of my combined front living room/playroom/entry room.

• I need to apologize for the tardiness of this newsletter. Maya is always on me every month about completing this, and I always save it until the last minute. But, when I was planning to do it last week, Mira got Hand Foot Mouth Disease. Then I got it. Needless to say, not a fun week in our house and not a lot of work was done. I don’t wish this illness on anyone, but if you do happen to have a child in daycare/preschool there is a high likelihood these days. After calling the 24 hour nurse line in the middle of the night when Mira couldn’t sleep, I found out that they recommend using Mylanta to ease the pain of the blisters/sores in the mouth. I guess the antacid neutralizes them somehow! Not a fun recommendation, but a useful one, should you find yourself in need. If you are old enough, you can use it as a mouthwash, but for small kids, you can dip a q-tip in and dab it on their sores.

read~

Maya…

• I really loved Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico about a couple of Italian (though always described as southern European) expats living in Berlin. It talks about the perception of perfection and the aimlessness in modern existence. I liked this interview with him in the Guardian, and really look forward to reading more by him in the future.

• I found refuge in this poem that Maria Popova translated by Mario Bendetti and posted in her newsletter, The Marginalian, called A Defense of Joy. I loved her little opening paragraph about it describing joy as “one of those entirely unnecessary miracles of consciousness that give meaning to survival with its bright allegiance to the most alive part of us.”

Hannah…

• Because I held up this newsletter (see aforementioned HFM disease), I actually managed to read a book that I thought was worth recommending! I have been loving (have about 40 pages left) All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman. It’s a mystery/thriller/dark comedy (actually similar to my TV rec - maybe this is my new favorite genre!) that somehow makes you laugh throughout a book about a missing child. I heard it discussed on the Bad On Paper podcast and it seemed a lot of readers didn’t like it because they couldn’t get past how bad of a mother she was, but honestly that hasn’t been bothering me/maybe my scale is different?

eat~

Maya…

• This recipe for limoncello soda inspired me to try a number of different apertif sodas with amari and digestifs that I have brought back from Italy throughout the years! A favorite has been a wild fennel soda!

• This lemon snacking cake has been my go-to dessert for summer dinner parties! It is light and tart, and seems to be something everyone agrees upon!

• All I seem to want is a cherry tomato pasta or some variation upon it. Just take this in and make it your own!

Hannah…

• I made some delicious chicken/vegetable kebabs last month on the grill from this recipe. They were super easy (though the threading of the kebabs was more time intensive than I planned for), tasted great, and looked gorgeous. The parmesan yogurt dipping sauce is also not to be missed!

• I’ve been loving the coconut Outshine fruit bar popsicle. It’s the perfect creamy and refreshing summer treat for this hot and humid weather we’ve been having!

listen + watch~

Maya…

• I really enjoyed watching Lena Dunham’s new show for Netflix, Too Much starring comedian, Megan Stalter (who I also loved on Hacks). It has moments that made my blood boil and characters that make you want to shake them a bit, but altogether the show was thoughtful and showcased complicated characters. Can we all start wearing adorable nighties layered with extravagant accessories out and about? Please and thank you.

• I attended many beautiful concerts this month including a very special one at MASS MoCA where Bearthoven premiered the program, A stony place where birches grow with two longer pieces by Kristofer Svensson and myself. It was lovely to work with them, and I look forward to hearing more of this program—I have been humming fragments of it for the full week after.

Hannah…

• Well, I was also going to mention Too Much, but that’s the risk of being second in the newsletter. Instead, I will highly recommend Sirens, a Netflix mini-series that I LOVED about a woman (played by Meghann Fahy) who sets out to unravel her sister’s bordering-on-creepy-relationship with her extremely rich boss. It’s a little bit mystery/thriller, slightly-bizarre, but also funny? If you need more convincing, both Julianne Moore and Kevin Bacon are in it. It was the ideal length for a mini-series — it did exactly what it set out to do without any lagging episodes.

• I’ve also become obsessed with the latest season (19) of the British show Taskmaster — a “comedy panel game show” with 5 comedians assigned (and then graded on) inane tasks. I think a lot of Americans got into this season because American comedian Jason Mantzoukas was on it. It’s a ridiculous show which I don’t think I would normally enjoy, but Jason’s energy is so insane (basically real life of his characters on The Good Place or Brooklyn 99) that I was instantly drawn in. Full episodes for free on YouTube!

• Mira has been obsessed with the kids singer Charlie Hope, whose vibe matches the soundtrack of Juno, the movie from 2007. Basically, it’s calm, folksy, a little manic-pixie-dream girl-adjacent, but I don’t mind listening to it on repeat. Somehow Mira has it in her head that it’s not Charlie Hope, it’s actually my friend from college, so not quite sure how this will pan out in the future, but it’s basically all she wants to listen to!

do~

Maya…

• This has become a chronicle of my knitting, and I am currently midway through the yoke of this sweater by My Favorite Things Knitwear in a bright cornflower blue yarn from Drops. I have learned a couple of new things and am loving the process!

• As the school year gets closer I generally like to give to some of the classrooms on Donors Choose to help with class supplies that are be lacking. I also hope to find ways to be involved or help those involved locally with getting more funding to schools, but for now this is a short term solution for a problem that has only gotten worse in the recent years.

Hannah…

• I’ve been sewing a lot and have now made a few shirts for myself. Honestly, I feel like a superhero when I wear them - like, I really made this? From not a shirt?? I was hoping to have more of my dream wardrobe finished before the semester starts, but I think it will be a slow process. I’m on my second shirt of this pattern, and then may venture into pants!

• I’ve been volunteering for the past 6 weeks or so at my local food bank, and it’s been a really great experience. It’s been a nice outlet for some of my frustration with our society/world - turns out helping out in your community really does make you feel better! And help others! Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m going to be able to keep it up during the semester, but I look forward to adding it back in whenever I can. I’ve enjoyed meeting the other volunteers, and doing some manual labor of unloading food shipments kind of reminds me of my Oberlin co-op days!

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This month has been a roller coaster of emotions for us as we look out upon an uncertain and ugly state of world and at the same time have some beautiful moments of togetherness with friends and family. We are trying to hold it all and have room for the full range of emotions that it brings.

Our newest program, the willow bends, with music by Magnus Granberg and Angharad Davies that we premiered and toured in Europe in early June has been such a joy to work on, and we are scheming to share it with NYC audiences late 2025. We were touched to be able to share this music with audiences in Stockholm, Cologne, Berlin, Dresden, and Vienna, and meet new and old friends along the way. These moments are so special, and we hold them close to our hearts.

Our performing season has come to an end now, but there is a lot in the works for the upcoming season—more on that later this summer! For now, we will continue to share little bits of our lives with you in this space and hope that you are enjoying some sun and staying in touch <3

Take care + big hugs always and forever~

Maya + Hannah

chatting away from the stage at KM28 in Berlin / photo credit: Jessie Marino

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things~

Maya…

• I saw one of these Sabre Paris striped cheese knives in a shop and have since become so taken with searching for second hand colorful dinner wear! I have yet to purchase anything, but I am still kicking myself for not pouncing on a green and gold secondhand set that I found while browsing in a shop before a gig!

• Hannah gifted me a couple of her hand-sewn items when she came to Sweden and I have loved using pieces that a dear friend has made for me! I have a set of four strawberry gingham flannel coasters which muffle even the heaviest glass and a little apple green gingham sleeve for my sunglasses that fit my sunnies perfectly! Now that we are a duo of a knitter and sewer, would you say that we are unstoppable?!

Hannah…

• Now that I’ve started a crafting hobby, I’m obsessed. Like, slightly-bummed-when- I-can’t-be-sewing obsessed. After getting back from our tour, I finally ventured into apparel and made my first pair of shorts. They are…ok. But, I made some adjustments and made a second pair of shorts from a beach towel (perfect for my current vacation), and they are much better! I find myself thinking all the time about ways to improve/what I can try to do next, and it’s really fun. This month, in addition to what I made Maya, I made myself a sunglasses case, a little pouch for my AirPods, and those aforementioned two pairs of shorts. Looking forward to my evolution as a sewist!

• I got Mira a $1 pinwheel from a dollar store and it has brought her so much joy. It’s a nice reminder of how something so small, but fun, can make a daily impact.

read~

Maya…

• I finally read Cleopatra and Frankenstein this month by Coco Mellors (after having on my read-list for a while). While I had similar critiques of the writing as her second novel, Blue Sisters (it felt a bit uneven), I overall enjoyed it and really connected to aspects of the inner worlds of some of the characters.

• I am already halfway through Ling Ling Huang’s Immaculate Conception and am loving it. I wish I was in a book club so that I could chat with people about this book! I also loved her first novel, Natural Beauty, and it is also worth noting that Huang is an amazing violinist and a friend of friends—it is thrilling to read and support the work of such a multi-talented human being!

Hannah…

• I spent our tour reading books I wasn’t wild about, but am currently reading Listen for the Lie, a mystery thriller that I would not ever put down if I didn’t have a child to take care of. Definition of a page turner! I’m currently on vacation on Lake Michigan, so I’m hoping to get a lot of reading done this week and have more to recommend next month.

eat~

Maya…

• I have been making a lot of lemon-y pastas with either zucchini or asparagus! They feel so fresh and summer-y, and you can really do so many variations on them!

• I have only recently heard of the Mexican cold brew and am very intrigued to try. Twice this month friends have referred to my home as a ‘beverage forward household’, and I plan to continue adding to the rotation!

Hannah…

• I made this tangy cucumber salad to bring to a bbq, and I think it will be my go-to bbq potluck dish from now on. It’s incredibly easy to make and is a nice, fresh bite at a gathering, which can be a contrast from so many other heavier bbq dishes. Plus the leftovers were great on sandwiches!

• I’ve been testing out a new way of approaching meals, because I’ve really been struggling with cooking motivation/creativity lately. I’ve set categories for each day of the week (my current categories are: eggs, pasta, sheet pan, Mexican-ish, rice, pizza, and grill) and then when I need to think about a dinner plan, one decision is already made. This method would’ve been extremely unappealing to me pre-parenthood, but it’s actually given me a little relief from the endless decision making. And, I’ve liked some of the things I’ve made, bringing back some joy to my former hobby. I’m now keeping lists of what I make in every category, so I can also look back when I need a little inspiration. It’s not the most creative way to cook, but it’s definitely helpful at this moment!

listen + watch~

Maya…

• We are on Zeynep Toraman’s new record, a lifetime of annotations out this past Friday on Sawyer Editions and I love the musical journey that the album takes the listener on! Definitely one to check out along with the rest of the Sawyer batch of releases!

• I have been doing a Twin Peaks re-watch with my partner for the past many months of the first two seasons which has been fantastic (and some of season 2 is honestly a bit of a slog, but did you know that Diane Keaton directed one of the episodes?!). We finally made it through and moved on to the 3rd season which I have never seen before, and it is so enigmatic and exciting!

• I have finally gotten around to a proper listen of Will Mason’s most recent album, Hemlocks, Peacocks, and it is fantastic!

Hannah…

• I recently realized that Mira is at the age where she can start enjoying kids podcasts, which is very exciting. So far, we’ve only listened to Super Simple Imagination Time. I can’t say I fully paid attention, but it kept Mira engaged while waiting for an oil change, and it wasn’t a screen! Looking forward to exploring more of this category — send any recommendations!

• My attention span for TV has been so short recently, but I watched the new season of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, so quickly! Something about this show really peaks my interests and it was fascinating to see the players, leaders, and organization have to adapt to the new world where the DCC became major celebrities after the first season of this Netflix show. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, I would recommend catching up with this essay/podcast by Anne Helen Petersen from last year!

do~

Maya…

• I am already feeling like transitioning out of summer knitting and getting back to a sweater for the autumn! I have been eyeing this turtleneck pattern for over a year and think it might be time to cast in on and have it ready for when the cooler weather comes back!

• I started doing some Move with Nicole pilates workouts on youtube a couple of times a week, and I am really loving the pacing and how I am starting to feel newfound core strength!

• I am trying to get an album of two of my compositions ready, and I have been doing a lot of procrastinating… This coming month I am trying to get it in a good spot!

Hannah…

• I spent a good chunk of time this month canvassing for a petition campaign that was really important to me. Unfortunately, the results didn’t go the way we hoped, but in reflecting on the process, it felt good to be out there doing something, especially when so often these days it feels like there is so little we can do to have any impact. I’m looking forward to getting involved more regularly on issues that matter to me, especially on a local/state level.

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Summer is almost upon us northern hemisphere little fawns! Though friends all over have been saying that the weather has been a bit gross and cold this month, we have been taking the opportunity to wear our favorite transition season outfits with shorts and sweaters and dresses with heavy socks and boots (only slightly delusional).

andPlay is preparing for our European tour at the beginning of June with shows in Stockholm (June 5), Cologne (June 7), Berlin (June 8), Dresden (June 9), and Vienna (June 11)! We are so excited to present our newest program, the willow bends with two big pieces by Magnus Granberg and Angharad Davies along with some new Austrian pieces in Vienna! This is our last tour of the season, so we hope that you will join if you happen to be around and come lend your ear and give us a high five and/or a hug!

Take care + big hugs always and forever~

Maya + Hannah

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things~

Maya…

• HELP! I need a new pencil case. Mine is actually disintegrating at this point. Can you help me find a cute/practical one?

• Do you get those tiny little gnats in your plants sometimes that fly around when you water them? I do, and I recently picked up these yellow sticky papers to stick in my plants (supposedly they are attracted to yellow), and they are amazing at catching them and getting them out of the soil.

• I imagined buying a lot of things this month, but if I shared these items you would see that I am, on occasion, completely delusional about my actual lifestyle and budget. Luckily I don’t usually act on them. All I need is a linen outfit, some coffee/tea with a dollop of foam, this everyday lipstick (to feel instantly put together), my violin, a gentle breeze, my knitting or a book, and hopefully some lovely company to have an absolutely pleasant/ideal/magical day! <3

Hannah…

• I’m joining Maya on the crafting train and got a sewing machine this month! While there are a bunch of sewing supplies that look appealing to me, I’m trying to be cautious about purchases until I know what I really need (though I did do some random buys at a Jo-Ann’s close-out sale, RIP). But, I’ve been having a lot of fun thrifting fabric (pillowcases, sheets, etc.) at goodwill to use for sewing projects. Especially since I’m making a lot of mistakes, it’s nice to not spend a lot of money on the fabric I’m using. I’m learning a lot about fabric choices and enjoying rummaging through racks for 100% cotton or linen finds!

read~

Maya…

• I was absolutely in love with Audition by Katie Kitamura. It is a short novel in two parts and touches on performance in the everyday life and the performance of motherhood. Super interesting read, and I wish I was in a book club so that I could talk about it with people.

• Has anyone made a summer reading list for themselves? I have been very curious about what others are wanting to read this summer and if it is a nice mix of new and back list reads? I have a list of things from the library to check out on e-book and a couple of paperbacks that I like to travel with, but I want to hear what is on YOUR list! Some things on my list are: The Colony by Annika Norlin, The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai, Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang, The Coin by Yasmin Zaher, and The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar just to name a few!

Hannah…

• I am finally getting into fiction audiobooks, but I’ve realized it really depends on both the genre of the book and the narrator reading it. So far, my favorite books have been Katherine Center romances read by Patti Murin. I really loved The Rom-Commers, which I would immediately rush to see if it was turned into an actual movie.

• Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera has become an almost daily picture book read in our house. It’s a children’s book I would describe as being “prose” rather than your typical kids writing and the pictures are really beautiful. It goes through the daily routine of a girl and her mom, and has been inspirational for Mira. She wants to eat the same breakfast as them, drink out of the same cups as them, have the same bedding, etc. It’s sweet to see her so touched by a book so I’m happy to keep rereading it!

eat~

Maya…

• I went to a local flour and saw mill in my neighborhood for their yearly open house, and it was such an exciting happening! There were so many people exploring how the mills work and we were being shown the whole process of getting wheat to flour. I really loved it, and my partner and I picked up some bags of the local flour. WOW, freshly milled flour makes a huge difference! I hadn’t thought of it so much before, but I was impressed by the flavor and texture difference in recipes that I make all of the time. Highly recommend if the opportunity arises!

• I am back on my pasta salad train! They are so delicious and fun to make. I basically just mix and match depending on what I have around and what sounds good! I generally do some sort of lemon, olive oil, parmesan, black pepper, chili flake mixture for the sauce since those are the main flavors that I want in my pasta salad! I have also been adding white beans and experimenting with nutritional yeast…

• This earl gray concentrate is perfect to make afternoon iced london fogs, and I am completely enraptured by them right now!

Hannah…

• I picked up a box of Effie’s Biscuits (Almond Flavor) that were on sale at my Kroger and they are delightful! They have a cardamom, almond flavor and are only slightly sweet, so they are the perfect cookie to accompany your coffee or tea. I’m looking forward to trying other flavors if I see them!

• We are back to grilling season! My first attempt was thwarted by my propane tank running out of gas, but after tour I look forward to fixing that and going full swing into cooking outside!

• I’ve been really getting into cottage cheese as an alternative to yogurt in the morning. I know people have strong opinions on cottage cheese, but I’ve been enjoying it with fruit and granola, and can also imagine it as a bed for savory flavors as well.

listen + watch~

Maya…

• Tristan Kasten-Krause and Sarah Hennies put out a beautiful record, The Quiet Sun this month! They performed on our Winter Gathering this past December, and it is so great to hear the recorded version of their work together!

• I loved this Culture Study episode about periods and everything we don’t talk about as a society when it comes to menstruation. I was also tipped off about the guest’s podcast, Cramped, and have started listening to that as well!

Hannah…

• This past month has been very uneventful for this category. I’ve been watching the last season of The Great British Baking Show occasionally, but have been so focused on sewing that I’m mainly watching youtube and TikTok tutorials. But, I’m looking forward to watching movies on my plane rides to Europe this month and so will hopefully have better recommendations next time!

do~

Maya…

• I finished my first knitted summer tank and am going to knit the same pattern (found here) again to practice my technique. Many knitters I see online are constantly trying new patterns after finishing one, but I find that the classical musician in me always wants to practice what I have learned to perfect my skills…

• I have been eyeing those beaded little geckos and fish that we used to make when we were in elementary school! I saw a gal about town with one on their bag and I was in love with playfulness of it!

Hannah…

• As I mentioned earlier, I started sewing and I am very excited about learning a new skill. Somehow I am less emotionally invested in my mistakes while sewing and am able to easily see them as learning opportunities - it’s a good lesson for the rest of my life! So far I have made some coasters, a pillowcase, some doll pillows (as a request from Mira so that she could have matching pillows with her beloved toys), and a Japanese knot bag (used this tutorial). I’ve got a long list of dream sewing projects and I think I will attempt a piece of clothing once I’m back from Europe! If anyone out there is sewing, I’d love to chat!

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April is coming to an end, and we are rounding the corner into full-on spring with even a hint of summer in the air! We had a wonderful time last month on our tour of the Midwest with performances in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. We were thrilled to work with students at Ohio State University, Heidelberg University, and Northern Illinois University and even had two events in Detroit, MI and Toledo, OH, where we shared the bill with dear friend and colleague Gleb Kanasevich, playing music by Catherine Lamb and a new-to-us work by Alvin Lucier (that we are hoping to incorporate more into our upcoming seasons)!

We have an exciting performance coming up on Bang on a Can’s Long Play festival (May 3rd, 9 PM, Irondale, Brooklyn, NY), where will perform Catherine Lamb’s Prisma Interius VIII three ways (large ensemble, quartet, and melodic duo) with an ensemble of absolute new music wizards: Thea Mesirow, Tristan Kasten-Krause, Karl Larson, and Corie Rose Soumah. If you are in the area we would love for you to join us!

Take care + big hugs always and forever~

Maya + Hannah

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things~

Maya…

• I read that in the summer months it is good to use tinted sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation, so I have been testing out and enjoying this one from Kosas (glowier) and this one from Beauty of Joseon (thinner and more matte)!

• My current scents (combo or separate) are the Merit perfume, Retrospect which feels like a bergamot-y musk (with a hint of juicy-ness) and the amber fragrance oil from Nemat.

• I got my hair chopped into a cropped bob about a month and a half ago (Hannah and I look ADORABLE together, btw) and I have been seeking some new ways to style it. These little french hair combs are the answer to all. It is like the look and volume of my hair being pulled back by sunglasses (which I do truly all of the time) without needing sunglasses, AND giving myself a small french doo-dad that makes me feel instantly chic! Hurrah!

Hannah…

• I’m still enjoying my second-hand purchase lifestyle, but I did purchase a few new East Fork (andPlay’s favorite pottery company) pieces this month with the help of a 6-month old birthday gift card. I knew I was going to be in Brooklyn, where East Fork has recently opened a brick and mortar store, but was disappointed that their store hours completely aligned with my “in-rehearsal” hours. Fortunately, thanks to an early release from rehearsal one day, I was able to rush over there and take in the “in-store” shopping experience, which was amazing. I appreciated some glazes much more in-person than I expected to from the internet, and it was really fun to chat with the person working there. I highly recommend checking out the store if you are in the area (it’s very close to Roulette, for new music folks).

• Mira has been on a fresh flower kick, so it’s been fun to have those more in our house lately. I’ve especially been enjoying putting a few stems in a bud vase made by my other favorite pottery company - my good friend who is the face and hands behind Penina Shoshan Pottery.

read~

Maya…

• I have been knitting more recently and I have been curious about wool production in general, but Vanishing Fleece: Adventures in American Wool by Clara Parkes is about wool production in the US in particular and even follows a small producing wool farm in upstate NY. It was incredibly interesting and I am eager to learn more.

• I purchased On the Calculation of Volume I by Solvej Balle on a whim at Books are Magic (fantastic local book shop owned by author, Emma Straub) in Brooklyn, NY last month and I both devoured and savored this novel reading passages over and over again. I love Balle’s ability to talk about time and the main character’s perception of it as she gets stuck in a loop of endless November 18ths. I have a couple of things to read first, but you best bet that I am eagerly anticipating my reading of the second novel in this seven part series.

Hannah…

• Every time I’ve been in Sweden visiting Maya, I’ve seen merchandise for this strange children’s book character, Moomin, everywhere. Moomin is a troll that looks like a hippo (?), and the slightly bizarre stories are filled with slightly bizarre characters. But, I noticed one of the books translated into English on display at our library this week and brought it home for Mira. She is obsessed! We read it multiple times a day, and while I still think it’s very strange, it seems totally normal to her. Looking forward to bringing her a Moomin souvenir from my trip this summer!

• I’m in the middle of many books at the moment, but am starting to enjoy psychological thrillers?? Shocking if you know me, but taking recommendations for *light on the violence* thrillers.

eat~

Maya…

• I was on tour in California last month and got to revisit my favorite burrito place in the entire world, El Charrito in Salinas, CA. This place knows exactly what is up and the food is fresh, flavorful, and absolutely perfect. I would recommend getting two burritos (one for now one for later) and an agua fresca (and maybe even a bag of their freshly made chips) for the absolute perfect order.

• I was craving muffins the other day and made this Allison Roman blueberry muffin recipe that turned out just great! I hadn’t made muffins in ages, and it really scratched an itch and made for tasty toasted left overs the following days!

• If you are a K-cup person (we have one in the work office), I highly recommend these La Colombe K-cups. Best I’ve found so far!

Hannah…

• I had a burger at the Ace Hotel in Brooklyn and it was the best burger and fries I have had in a LONG time. Definitely on the expensive side, but worth it if you want to treat yourself to a fancy meal out!

• My home food has been very utilitarian lately (lots of cheese, cracker, and cut-up crudités dinners at the playground), but we’ve also been enjoying Edy’s Outshine mini-popsicles (the mango, watermelon - or “pink” as Mira calls it - pineapple combination box). I’m usually not a huge popsicle person, but I’ve been reminded about how refreshing they can be on a hot day!

listen + watch~

Maya…

• I really enjoyed watching the newest Shondaland production, The Residence on Netflix! It is a bit of a who-done-it, Poirot-style mystery (in the sense that it is an ensemble cast and everyone is a suspect and kept together for the better portion of the show), and I watched it with a dear friend while in Berlin and then finished it while traveling! Kept me entertained for sure, and I want to see more with Uzo Oduba!

• I especially like two podcast episodes this month: one being, Are Influencers Ruining Italy on Jo Piazza’s Under the Influence podcast and the other is and year-old Hidden Brain episode, Why You Feel Empty about the feeling of emptiness we as humans can experience.

Hannah…

• My life is completely soundtracked by Daniel Tiger at the moment (an animated offshoot of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, if you don’t have a toddler in your life). The music is constantly playing in our car, it’s Mira’s frequent choice for her screen time, and she sings the songs by herself throughout the day. Though a friend-of-the-newsletter’s mom has referred to this show as the “sad tiger who has too many feelings,” it’s been incredible to see how much about life Mira learns from this show! It’s inspired her to make her own bed, try to pump her legs on the swings, go to the potty before getting in the car, and a reminder that grown-ups always come back (something that is very important in our household with frequently traveling parents). Screen time can be a real source of guilt for parents, but I feel much better knowing she is actually taking in these lessons, similar to how I experienced Mister Rogers as a kid!

do~

Maya…

• I successfully finished my first sweater last month and have been wearing it proudly anytime the weather is even the tiniest bit chilly! I have already started another one to keep practicing my techniques in a beautiful Matisse-blue color and am also planning on making this gorgeous yet simple tank in a cornflower blue color!

• This is the season for flower and fresh soil scent walks! Get out there and activate your olfactory senses!

Hannah…

• For a long time, I’ve been trying to plan some sort of get-away trip with two of my best friends from college. But, schedules, family obligations, work, etc. have made it nearly impossible to align our lives. We noticed that we had a 24 hour period that we could all possibly be in NYC this past month and decided to take advantage of it! We stayed in a hotel, gabbing away like we were back in college, and it was a really rejuvinating visit to be with such old and close friends in-person. It was a real reminder that holding out for what may feel like the perfect plan can sometimes lead to missed opportunities! I’m glad we decided to jump on this “small” version of our dream and hopefully it will tide us over until we can make a bigger one happen!

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Hints of Spring are popping up all over the place, and most importantly, the days are getting longer and our hearts are becoming more vigorous. Let’s keep up the good work.

We have a handful of events this month in the Midwest starting at Ohio Sate University (3/6), in Detroit, MI at Trinosophes (3/8), Toledo, OH at the Robinwood Concert House (3/9), Heidelberg College (3/13), and finally Northern Illinois University (3/18-20) and we would love to see you somewhere along he way if you are in the area! We will be playing music by Julie Herndon, Catherine Lamb, Alvin Lucier, Emily Praetorius, Leah Asher, our own Maya, along with exciting student compositions at the university residencies!

Take care + big hugs always and forever~

Maya + Hannah

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things~

Maya…

• I popped in at art effect in Chicago near DePaul and bought the most perfect ceramic cortado cups with dainty hand painted flowers on them. This is one of my favorite things to bring back when traveling, and though my cabinet is getting full, each mug has a little memory attached.

• While touring last month I got in to doing foot masks once a week, and it felt both a touch luxurious and mainly well-deserved. These masks were great at moisturizing if you too struggle with keeping your feet soft during the winter…

• A friend had me smell some of their Clue perfumes and I was blown away by the playful complexity of the scents and beautiful bottles. More Chicago makers to support!

Hannah…

• I’ve been cutting back on my purchases and it feels great! I needed some new pants and found some at Goodwill (even with getting them hemmed, they will be cheaper than new), and my new goal is to learn to sew so I can actually just make the pants I want. I’m on the lookout for a sewing machine, so I appreciate any recommendations!

read~

Maya…

• I read Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano while I was in Chicago (since it is set in Pilsen, and that seemed like a fun addition) and I really enjoyed the layered family dynamics and her depiction of the complications surrounding love.

• Currently digging into Butter by Asako Yuzuki and I cannot get enough…

Hannah…

• My reading is a little all over the place at the moment. I read The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoughe, which I enjoyed, but somehow am currently reading a thriller that was recommended on a podcast I listened to. That is completely out of my wheelhouse and is honestly stressing me out, but now I’m hooked and have to finish it!

• In the picture book categories, I’ve really been enjoying Some Bodies by Sophie Kennen. Not only is it short (parents, you know you love a short book for bedtime, especially when you are asked to read 5+), but it’s really inclusive and shows all different types of bodies, highlighting that they are all special. This is the second picture book we’ve had recently that shows someone in a wheelchair, and it meant that when we actually saw a girl in a wheelchair at a local playground today, Mira was excited and said, “I wish I had a wheelchair.” Now that we are living in a less diverse location, I’ve found that picture books are so key to exposing her to all different kinds of people, traditions, ideas, etc.

eat~

Maya…

• In Chicago I went to the Neapolitan pizza place, Spaccanapoli that my Calabrian dad could not stop raving about. The pizza was delicious and I loved that the vibe wasn’t a cookie cutter “hip” pizza spot. I was happy the entire time—worth a star on your maps.

• When I am cozy at home my morning routine starts with waking up with a matcha latte that I or my partner makes. I have been lamenting (for too long I should add) that on the road matchas are both too expensive and then wayyy too milky when I decide to actually spend the money, so my sweet partner suggested that I make a little matcha go-kit for traveling. I have a my favorite matcha powder, small whisk, sieve, mini spoon, and even some little oat creamer packs in case I truly am without everything. It is a beautiful and sweet little pack, and it is already coming in handy!

Hannah…

• These cottage cheese pancakes have become a staple in our house and remind me of my semester abroad in Russia. Simple to make, delicious, and with an extra punch of protein from the cottage cheese!

• First the first time in FOREVER, I meal prepped this week, and have been appreciating this baked oatmeal that is a quick breakfast in the morning.

• I was recently in Lexington, KY and got to reconnect with a few old friends, which was great. My friend’s family runs Kentucky Native an amazing beer garden connected to the family florist/greenhouse business. The food is incredible, as are the drinks (I had a grapefruit radler which was so refreshing!), so keep this place in mind if you find yourself in Lexington!

listen + watch~

Maya…

• So proud of our bud, Laura Cocks for releasing their beautiful new record, FATHM! You should definitely give it a listen if you know what is good for you.

• Excited for this new duo album by Zosha Warpeha + Mariel Terán, Orbweaver. Zosha performed on the andPlay Winter’s Gather show this past December, and I was absolutely mesmerized, so I cannot wait for this one!

• My trio with Kristofer Svensson and Etienne Nillesen released a new record on kuyin, for violin, snare, and kacapi and it would be an honor if you would take a listen. I love this trio and the music we are making together, and am looking forward to some live performances in the coming season!

Hannah…

• As frustrated as I get with streaming services and the pricing, Netflix has really been delivering its original content recently. I enjoyed the heart-warming Ted Danson show, A Man On the Inside, created by the same show runner as The Good Place. I also just devoured Mindy Kaling’s new show, Running Point, which combines the sports feel-good comedy of Ted Lasso, with all the best energy of 2000’s rom-coms, since it stars Kate Hudson.

do~

Maya…

• I am in the process of knitting my first sweater! I am doing the step by step sweater by Florence in a beautiful bright matcha green from Drops Nepal. Expanding my knitting to include sweaters and summer tops was a major goal for this year, and I will be obnoxiously flaunting my handmade goods in the months to come!

Hannah…

• The weather finally is starting to warm up here, and I’ve been reminded that parenting is SO much easier when you can spend time outside. I’m appreciating walks and playgrounds and looking forward to going less insane inside of my house.

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Wow, this has been a long and heavy month, and we can only imagine that the rest of the winter/spring will feel very similarly.

On a different note, we are looking forward to two residencies this coming month at Boston Conservatory (concerts 2/6 + 2/7) and College of the Ozarks (concert 2/11). If you happen to be nearby either place we would love to see you at one of our performances! We are so grateful to make music together and work with the students and professors at these institutions. We are continuing to look for inspiration and joy in all of the nooks and crannies, and as always, we hope that for all of us.

Take care + big hugs always and forever~

Maya + Hannah

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things~

Maya…

• This red nail polish has been a staple for me the past month and a half since I bought it on a whim in the duty free shop at the airport!

• I have spruced up the dining room table with a couple of additions. I thrifted a new hand woven table runner (love a table runner, and maybe so do you)! I also picked up a few new colorful cloth napkins in a post-holiday sale to add to the rotation. These small adds brightened up the whole room, and infused a bit of fun into the dark, candlelit winter dinners!

Hannah…

• I’m not sure if I’m putting this in the correct category, but I recently paid for a subscription (they have many different price points available) for MommaStrong, a workout program designed for the busy parent. There are different tracks available like prenatal, postpartum, perpetual parenting (what I’m doing), and peri-menopause, but the best part is that each track just has one 15-minute video offered every day. For me, like many moms, the idea of having to make one more choice/decision in my day might make my head explode, so I love that I can just wake up and click on what has been pre-decided for me. I’ve been enjoying the vibe of the HIIT style workouts, and it’s helped me get to a somewhat consistent routine, even if it’s only for 15 minutes a day!

• My mom gifted everyone this eyeglass cleaner gadget. It works very well and has made me want to wear my glasses more!

read~

Maya…

• I really enjoyed Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors about four sisters (very Little Women-esque) who lose a sister and are dealing with addiction and the aftermath of a major loss.

• Inside Out by Demi Moore was such an interesting read, and I was inspired after watching The Substance to check this out of the library. There was so much I didn’t know about her life (obviously) and career (apart from her role in my childhood favorite film, Now and Then), and I enjoyed learning more and being inspire to watch some of her films for the first time.

• I am listening to The Third Gilmore Girl written and read by Kelly Bishop and it is a warming tale of her life in and surrounding show business. Her perserverance and self assured-ness feel mega inspiring right now.

Hannah…

• I apologize if I already recommended this (I looked back at our recent newsletters, so I’m pretty sure I haven’t!), but I really enjoyed Holly Gramazio’s The Husbands. (FYI: There is another book called The Husbands which is a gender-reversal Stepford Wives and I accidentally read 1/3 of it before realizing I was reading the wrong book, so don’t do that!!!). It’s a book about a woman whose attic starts spitting out a new husband whenever she sends one up there. It’s a really unique story that kept me turning pages as quick as possible. Gramazio also has a background in video game design, and I think that came through a lot (in a good way).

• I’m going to start recommending picture books as well, I’ve decided, because there are so many amazing ones out there right now. Recently, a favorite in my house has been School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex and illustrated by Christian Robinson. It is told from the school’s perspective and so is a fun reversal of first day of school nerves. Would be perfect for any kid struggling with that situation!

eat~

Maya…

• This red lentil curry stew has been a constant this month ever since I made it for a NYE dinner (need to eat your lentils for the new year), and I have been making it once a week since…

• No knead bread rolls! Only four ingredients and they come out so pillow-y and delicious!

• These white beans are one of the most delicious ways to eat protein in the winter. Bonus points if you add the rolls…

• I made some cardamom simple syrup for my afternoon cortado, and it feels luxurious and smells divine!

Hannah…

• We bought some ginger lime mule polar seltzer for our December concert event in NYC, and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s such a fun treat to have a can now and then!

• We had a few different themed culture clubs recently, so I didn’t get to share this recipe from Thanksgiving that was a big success — bookmark this pecan pie coffee cake for next year!

listen + watch~

Maya…

• My partner and I are on a Twin Peaks rewatch right now, and I love to see something again and notice fresh details. Audrey Horne is still the queen…

• I went to see The Conclave and I loved it! A papal drama with beautiful visuals and fantastic acting was an absolute delight. It made me want to talk about people’s “ambition” more.

• I loved the ‘The Rise of Therapy Speak’ Culture Study episode. It made a lot of great points and articulated ideas that I haven’t been able to put my finger on, but I loved when they pointed out that “ therapy language talk and insertion is often distancing rather than relational rather than engaging…” It is worth a listen.

Hannah…

• I watched Thelma on a plane recently, and loved it. It stars June Squibb as an elderly woman who gets scammed by one of those scams that imitates a family members voice, but she decides to go Tom Cruise style Mission Impossible and get her money back. I do have a major complaint for Delta, because my in-flight screen did not list Squibb as one of the stars — some major ageism! But otherwise, a near-perfect movie that touches on some difficult issues re:aging.

• I really enjoyed a recent episode of The Sporkful podcast “Is Your Recipe Lying to You?” which discussed the false nature of cook times in recipes. I especially felt seen by Elizabeth Dunn, a guest later in the episode, who discusses her struggle with cooking as a parent and a former foodie.

do~

Maya…

• I made this hooded scarf that I absolutely love, this bonnet that is easy to wear when your hair is up, and other bits and bobs this month! I have my sights on making this sweater vest, this sweater, and this summer tank in the coming months. Any chance you are knitting or working with textiles as well? I want to know about it!

• I am also trying to build up the courage to go to a knitting circle near me, and maybe if we encourage each other to try out new group activities I will actually go!

Hannah…

• It’s a rough world out there currently, but I’ve started calling my representatives almost daily to voice my opinions. I’m taking the approach that however your values/beliefs may align (or not) with your elected officials, their job is literally to listen to you, so it’s the least they can do. I highly recommend it if you are feeling a little out of control these days. Don’t forget you can also call to thank them if you feel they’ve done something good!

• Mira is getting to the age where activities can really start being fun for both of us. They often require me getting over some initial inertia because the task seems large (going swimming at the pool, setting up painting at home, or choosing a baking project together), but for the most part, it always feels worth it. I often get dragged down by the immediate list of tasks at hand and have trouble keeping my eye on the bigger (and more fulfilling) picture. It’s been great to be reminded of this recently through Mira, so I just want to pass that sentiment on!

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We had such a lovely end of the year concert/gathering with sets by Zosha Warpeha, Tristan Kasten-Krause + Sarah Hennies, and ourselves performing Maya’s dormant gardens i. It nourished our souls and was a blueprint for the types of events that we hope to continue hosting in the new year!

We hope that you have a restful or eventful (whatever it is that you need) new year filled with warmth and tenderness and perhaps a shoulder shimmy or two. We are looking forward to a newly commissioned program coming this Spring/Summer with works by Magnus Granberg and Angharad Davies that we will tour in Europe in June! We will also have residencies this Spring at Boston Conservatory, University of the Ozarks, Ohio State University, Heidelberg College, and Northern Illinois University along with shows in Ohio, Michigan, and Brooklyn! There is a lot to look forward to, and we are honored to continue to share music with you.

We would be remiss not to mention that if you would like to donate to andPlay and the work that we do, you can always do that here. Every donation, newsletter share, concert attendance, or virtual hello means the world to us.

As always, take care + big hugs~

Maya + Hannah

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in for 2025~

Maya…

• complimenting freely

• hosting dinners

• trying out new knitting patterns

• cheekiness

• reading before bed

• being corny

• nourishing my plants

• joyously practicing

• wearing my nail polish

• taking a compliment

• moving on from toxic environments

• the forest

• walking with friends

• parmesan + fennel

Hannah…

• having “as-is” hangs with friends - don’t stress about the state of your home or the cleanliness of your hair!

• dancing to at least one song a day

• remembering that Ina never judges a cooking shortcut!

• playing board games with toddler-determined rules

• drinking a big glass of water before your coffee

• going to the movies

• adding toppings to your ice cream at home

• congratulating yourself for your achievements (no matter how small!)

• being honest with your friends

• thrifting to satisfy that “i need a new piece of clothing!” feeling

• Dairy Queen

out for 2025…

Maya…

• waiting too long to change my violin strings

• scrolling before bed or when I wake up

• time stress

• saving my nice candles

• aphids

• getting intimidated by new knitting patterns

• leaving lettuce to get old

• not getting the pastry I want

• dusty leaves

• untouched books

• toxic environments and the people that inhabit them

• inside crabbiness (the crabbiness that comes from not going outside)

• forgetting to write it down

Hannah…

• planning a set number of workouts per week

• stressing about social plans

• spending too much money on a treat you end up not enjoying

• forgetting to add something to your shopping list when it runs out

• uncomfortable concert clothes

• taking on other people’s emotions

• being sad about plants that don’t thrive

• ignoring health problems

• allowing your kid 100% control of music choices

• letting work stress consume you

• complicated recipes

do~

Maya…

• My favorite New Year’s Day tradition is that my partner and I go for a long walk around a nearby lake. We talk about the year to come and chit chat about nothing at all. It is something I cherish even though there have been some muddy years where I complain for half of the time!

Hannah…

• Clean out your freezer! What needs to go? What should you cook in the next few weeks to get it to a better place? Make it your own Chopped-style New Year’s challenge — stale bread croutons here I come!

photo by Shervin Lainez

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We are nearing the shortest day of the year and we can feel the downward march as the days get colder and darker! We hope that you have cozy lighting, plenty of tea, and some indoor activities occupying your days!

We will be in Brooklyn later this month for an end-of-year concert on Thursday, December 19th (7pm at JACK to be exact)! We are thrilled to perform, and to hear amazing sets by Zosha Warpeha and the duo of Tristan Kasten-Krause + Sarah Hennies. This will truly be a joyous event of music and merriment (as the poster would suggest)! Grab your tickets here and we hope to see you there!

As always, take care + big hugs~

Maya + Hannah

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Our mini gift guide/favorite things is here!

things~

under $50…

Maya…

• I have been lusting after these coasters and think that others would love them too!

• You cannot go wrong with a Moomin mug. There is a character and vibe for every single one of your friends and family, and they are just a delight to drink from!

• If you have a knitter or crocheter in your life I think these little tools from Degen are just precious! They are things that you actually need like small scissors and holders for needles and stitch markers, but they are just so darn cute!

Hannah…

• I’m sure many of us are struggling with dry, chapped skin now that it’s turned bitter cold! I’ve been loving using a lip mask at night — it’s like a luxurious upgrade from chapstick. Most recently, I’ve been using the Ilia Lip Wrap Overnight Mask, which I received for my birthday. It’s the perfect small gift to help someone through this dark season.

• I got a sample of this Youth to the People facial cleanser in my Sephora free birthday gift, and I’m loving it. Because of the price, I would never buy it for myself, but would be another fun luxury beauty item for a friend!

• While it’s fun to get gifts that you would never buy for yourself, it’s also nice to gift things that people need and would buy anyways - you are taking one thing off their list! This fun box of patterned bandaids is perfect to add to a gift for the kids in your life.

over $50…

Maya…

• These beaded necklaces are gorgeous and hand made by a Canadian maker. I love that she has a core collection and seasonal drops. The new January necklace/bracelet is gorgeous!

• These L.L. Bean slippers are truly the best and I am happy for them every winter when I pull them out!

• Current body red light led therapy mask (or similar one). This is a major splurge, but it was a gift for my birthday this year and I absolutely love it. It has become such a fun part of my routine!

Hannah…

• My bedside area is becoming a mess of charging cables, and it’s getting harder and harder to remember all the cables and accessories that I need to bring when traveling in order to charge everything! I’ve been eyeing the Anker 3-in-1 Wireless charging station as a way to address this problem. They are my go-to company for all electronic-related items - very reliable and unobtrusive aesthetically.

books, paper, etc.~

Maya…

• A Papier personalized calendar or notebook would be much appreciated by all of your paper nerd friends!

• Ina Garten book on tape. This is just the most delightful read and very inspiring for when you are feeling in a bit of a rut.

• Bethlehem: A Celebration of Palestinian Food by Fadi Kattan is a gorgeous book of story telling through food. The recipes are incredible and the book itself can be paged through like an art book.

Hannah…

• My favorite baking cookbook, Snacking Cakes, has a new follow-up — Snacking Bakes! Yossy Arena’s recipes are — in my opinion — the easiest, most consistent, and tastiest quick treats you could make in your house. I just received my copy yesterday in the mail and can’t wait to try recipes from her new book which goes beyond cakes to include cookies and bars. A perfect double set for your friend who loves to bake!

• You can now pre-order the book by the Kelsey McKinney, host of andPlay’s favorite podcast, Normal Gossip. You Didn’t Hear it From Me seems like it will be a deep-dive into gossip culture that will be entertaining while very insightful!

perishables~

Maya…

• A Rancho Gordo bean club subscription or their hot sauces are always welcome gifts in my home!

• Brooklyn made Tart vinegars are a delicious addition to beverages and salad dressings, and they are beautifully bottled so as to make them a lovely item to gift.

• My family in Italy owns a licorice company, and their Liquorizia (licorice liquore) would make an absolutely divine gift. I serve it whenever people come over, and it is not only a delicious digestive, but also a way to share a part of my family with guests.

• You cannot go wrong with an amaryllis. They are beautiful and low maintenance, which is the perfect combo in my world!

• I also think a panettone is a very fun/tasty host gift! It lasts, is tasty, and can be used for the most decadent french toast known to human kind!

• I know this section is getting long, but I love a perishable gift! I think a bottle or sampler of Enlightenment Wine would be amazing. The bottles are beautiful and the mead I have tasted from them was delicious!

Hannah…

• Now that I am a fully caffeinated person, I started a coffee subscription from Trade. It’s the perfect gift for the coffee lover! Trade sends you a fresh bag of beans from a different independent roaster every 2 weeks (you can always delay or cancel a delivery). It’s a great way to try out different beans and get introduced to a bunch of different coffee roasters/shops (I’m definitely adding stars to my google maps in case my travels take me near some of them).

music + media~

Maya…

• Subscription to apple tv. Some of my favorite shows and movies have been released on Apple TV including Ted Lasso, Bad Sisters, Shrinking, and Pachinko, and I think that this would be a much appreciated gift!

• Buy your friend’s cds! There are so many to be purchased! The last Bandcamp Friday of the year has passed but buy them on Bandcamp anyway or at in-person events. We really appreciate it! Here are some to check out by Clara Levy, Clara de Asis + Rebecca Lane, Zosha Warpeha, Lisa Ullén, Du.0, Scott Wollschleger, The Rhythm Method, Anthony Vine, Kory Reeder, Nick Dunston, Sarah Saviet + Joe Houston, Sarah Hennies, Etienne Nillesen and oh so much more!

Hannah…

• This is media adjacent, but I think the best gift for a kid is a subscription to their age-appropriate Cricket magazine! Kids love getting mail and it’s so fun for them to get their own magazine in the mail multiple times a year. They have different options for ages from 3 months to 14 years old.

experiences~

Maya…

• My partner and I went to a couple of comedy events this year and are looking for more in the new year. I think a stand up special taping or show would be a really fun gift and something that you could do together with your loved ones! We all need some belly laughs right now…

• If you are in the NYC area you should treat someone to a haircut/color by Pixie Ruth. She is the best, and being in her studio feels like being part of a family (plus she is an absolute hair artist)!

Hannah…

• I am all about returning to the movie theater experience. Gift a friend some ticket coupons and a basket of snacks — that’s a true luxury experience these days! So many of us are used to watching movies at home while also being distracted by another screen. I love going to the movies because it forces me to fully engage with what I’m watching, while completing dis-engaging from all other work/life stress for 1.5-3 hours!

• Also, it’s been a rough month for so many of us. I know my body is tight, aching, and just yearning for a massage!

Thank you as always to inimitable Pat Swoboda for making the beautiful poster for our winter event!

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Diligence and focus seemed to be key for us this month. We kept our eyes on the prize(s) and did what we could to make it happen (civically, professionally, and personally). We are proud of the work that we are doing, and mainly hope for ourselves and others that we all take moments of rest so that we can keep going long term—this life of ours is not a sprint but rather an ultramarathon.

In concert news, mark your calendars for December 19th in Brooklyn at JACK for what will be a wonderful evening of music by us and others. Basically a new music holiday party vibe where we can all hang and be merry in the midst of friends. More details to come!

Take care + big hugs always~

Maya + Hannah

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things~

Maya…

• Last month, I started using this toner/hydrator before moisturizer and it is really helping give my skin an extra little boost as we head into the driest months of the year (at least in the areas I live/have lived).

• I haven’t purchased much of note this month, but I CAN tell you the favorite items that bring me comfort/peace of mind on long tours: this autumnal burning cherry scent, this pajama set, these beautiful beaded necklaces, these socks in fun colors (since I basically only pack black clothes, these amazing tights that don’t rip (perfect for concerts—and I have truly had mine for years), and this candle for some relaxation after a long rehearsal/performance/travel day!

Hannah…

• This month has felt very chaotic for me; I spent the first week in Italy performing at the Venice Biennale, and have been playing catch-up ever since. And on top of that, we’ve reached that hectic post-midterms time when the semester feels like it avalanches to the end. But, it was also my birthday month, and I got an Apple Watch SE from my parents (thank you!). It was a purchase I’d been debating over for a while, because even though it is slightly ridiculous to get ANOTHER piece of tech, I felt like somehow it could make me feel less dependent on technology. And, so far, I’ve proven myself right! It’s been really nice to have while teaching because I can surreptitiously get notifications (just vibrations on my wrist) when I get texts/calls and make sure that they aren’t urgent (i.e. sick kid at daycare). I probably use 5% of the features available on the watch, but I do feel like it’s been a good thing for me!

• I had to emergency purchase a new umbrella before going to Venice, and good thing I did — the first 3 days were NYC style sideways rain, my socks were soaked, and I felt perpetually damp. But my umbrella worked very well and sustained the crazy winds, so I highly recommend it!

read~

Maya…

• I had the pleasure of being gifted Madison Greenstone’s essay, Calculus, and it is wonderful to read. Thoughts on resonance and space to luxuriate in!

• I currently reading the new Sally Rooney, Intermezzo (which has my heart) and Sably Yong’s essays on the beauty industry Die Hot With a Vengeance (which is fantastic)!

Hannah…

• I’m starting to read Molly Gebrian’s Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician’s Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing to use with my students and it is a fascinating read for any musician. Gebrian is a violist who has also studied neuroscience and has combined her work to look at the actual science behind effective practice. Unsurprisingly, we are doing/teaching a lot of it wrong. I know some students at my school have already found this book to be life-changing for them so I’m looking forward to incorporating these ideas into my teaching! The viola community has been aware of her work for a while, but she just joined the faculty of NEC this year to teach courses in the science of practicing, so I think her ideas are starting to catch on in the music community-at-large.. I highly recommend checking this book out if you are a practicer or teacher-of-practicers!

eat~

Maya…

• I have been on the road all month except for the 24 hours in the middle where I was at home. And you know what I made during those quick 24 hours? The herby sweet potato soup with a peanut topping! I have told you about it before, but it is a flavor I crave when the weather turns chilly.

• Delicious moments from this month include: this spot in Vienna for french baked goods, this delightful bar in New Orleans, this amazing Middle Eastern restaurant and grocery in Toledo, OH, this appelstroop in Nijmegen, this coffee shop in Brooklyn (always and forever), and a delicious new-to-me restaurant/coffee bar in Boston, Cicada!

Hannah…

• Food this month was amazing because of my week in Italy, where I stuffed myself with pastries, pasta, and everything in between. I was fortunate to eat multiple times at one of the most popular restaurants in Venice, Nevodi, and loved every meal. Check it out if you are in Venice but make a reservation ahead of time to make sure you can get in!

listen + watch~

Maya…

• My plane trips have been little blasts from the past and I have watched Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice, and Before Sunrise + Before Sunset. It has been fantastic to delve back into some classics and feel the slower pacing from 80s/90s movies!

• I performed Mamoru Fujieda’s Patterns of Plants (The Fourteenth Collection) for solo violin a few times this month, and I have been loving listening to this album of some of the other collections. Absolutely gorgeous.

• The Vibe Coven episode of the podcast, Vibe Check is fantastic, and I am excited to listen to some eps of the Witch Wave podcast on my next flight!

Hannah…

• The second season of Shrinking is back, which has been very exciting, even though I’m already behind. I also watched a lot of movies on the plane, but can’t remember any of them right now, oops!

do~

Maya…

• Allow yourself to take the day off and really decide that it is off. I was talking to a friend about this, and it inspired me. I intend to take more intentional days off over the coming months for mental health and physical health. I am looking forward to seeing how I do with this…

• Step on some crunchy leaves if possible. Your heart will not regret it.

Hannah…

• I think I wrote recently about looking for a to-do/project management system and I tried out a bunch. But, I finally found my calling: scrawling chaos across a legal pad. For some reason, it feels much more effective than any more organized system for me at the moment. It just goes to show that sometimes the flashiest, solutions are not what you need!

• I did my civic duty this past week by voting and getting my flu/COVID boosters. It felt great! Make sure to schedule the time to support yourself and your communities in these easy ways!

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