VERMONT VOICES : GRACE POTTER
to cement the understanding in my heart of exactly what this place that we have built in Vermont means to me and why it matters to me . I need to do some deeper exploration into that , and yet , I don ’ t judge that impulse . I very much enjoy the process of exploring what it means to be a Vermonter who is proud of coming from Vermont , and who is certainly “ of ” Vermont , but who has also been touched by places and cultures and people who don ’ t necessarily have the understanding of the place where I come from . I hope the project will provide some truth and texture for everyone , but if nothing else , at least it will for me .
Q : I think it can be argued that any worthwhile journey involves some degree of deconstruction and rebuilding — both in a literal and metaphoric sense . Coincidentally , Vermonters all around the state are channeling their industrious , creative , and hopeful energy into rebuilding their communities in a different way after the flood . You performed a beautiful , livestreamed flood benefit concert in partnership with Vermont Community Foundation less than a week after the waters receded . What inspired you to partner with them for that livestreamed engagement , and how did it feel to give back to your home state in such a time of need ?
A : It was devastating to see what happened to the place where I grew up . I didn ’ t understand until I felt it and was really there . Landing at home after returning from California in the wake of the flood , I could sense the difference . I felt the stinging urgency to get home , much like when we came back in the midst of the COVID pandemic . I needed to hug the people that I cared about and see , feel , and touch my home state . It was such an instant physical and emotional reaction that I don ’ t even remember calling my management about planning the livestream , but I reached out to Vermont ’ s Senators and everyone else who I could talk to in order to