Family passes time with music shows

The Pine Knot News contacted Lyz Jaakola and asked her to describe her life at home after staff members discovered her family in humorous musical performance on Facebook. The Jaakola family joins a growing trend near and far of people offering their talents for all to see while "stay at home" edicts remain.

Every night after dinner, I ask the kids: "So what song are we going to livestream tonight?" Being a music teacher and having a bit of a music habit, of course my family has a band. We usually play as #theindianheadband by adding a couple of extended family members. But since we've been isolating since March 14, it's just my husband Jackson, three of our kids - Hunter, Xander and Jagger - and me.

I had a gig with the Houston Grand Opera on March 11 singing at the Houston Rodeo, which meant I traveled through two international airports on March 13. When the Houston Rodeo was cancelled due to COVID-19, I knew I wanted to get home right away. It dawned on me when I got back that we would want to self-isolate since I read in the news that a person could be asymptomatic and still contagious. My octogenarian parents live next door, so we decided to quietly hunker down, preemptively.

By March 18 I talked the kids into going on Facebook live and doing "COVID-19, Stay at Home" to the tune of John Denver's "Country Roads." Since then we've done some more parodies, like "Crazy Strain" and "Don't Worry, Be Healthy" and originals by the kids, like "Don't Live Like a Couch Potato."

Here is our reworking of "Don't Stand So Close to Me":

Our household, the subject: our freedom fantasy.

Kids want to, so badly, go where the others be.

Inside here, belonging, It's like a hamster cage

After two weeks, we're so close now. Our basement is a stage.

My husband has never really sung in public. Tonight he agreed to sing our version of "I Got You, Babe."

We are trying to make the best of this situation. I am lucky I can work from home. The kids now get school packets and online homework. Staying home is a challenge but we realize we are lucky to have our health and each other. We're trying to do these songs as an opportunity to bond with our kids, learn some new skills, and convince others the importance of social distancing so we can flatten the curve.

We also recognize that isolation might be lonely for others, so we try to use humor to lighten people's mood and encourage isolation for those who are able.

That said, we also know there are many community members who can't stay at home. Essential workers need to put themselves in harm's way so if anyone needs food or help, that is available. We are so grateful for those in our community who do that important work. We love our neighbors very much and wish everyone good health and happiness throughout the rest of this difficult time.

Check us out on my Facebook page, "Lyz Jaakola." We might even take requests.

Lyz Jaakola

Cloquet