Megan Saunders grew up in Vermont and, after a circuitous route that took her through Colorado, Washington, North Carolina, Ontario and California, she settled in Chattanooga.
A lot of that travel was for schooling (she has a doctorate in biology) and research, but it came to an abrupt halt seven years ago due to severe chronic pain from degenerative disc disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
"As a result, I was forced to leave my job as a genetics researcher with the National Science Foundation four years ago," she says.
She could have been bitter about her circumstances, but instead turned to the emotional release of music, her lifelong love. Her music, combined with the use of mindfulness-based techniques as coping mechanisms, proved to be her Rx for living with chronic pain.
Megan Saunders"I have been playing music professionally for most of my life, and am more thankful than ever to have music as an outlet now," Saunders says.
"I have been composing since I was a kid, so I don't know what life would be without writing. So much inspires me to put in the effort: the glory of the natural world, intensity of heartbreak, the often ridiculous worries of everyday life. Being a human being in this insane world is enough inspiration for countless lifetimes.
"Writing keeps me grounded, and the process of continually relating to different characters helps keep things in perspective. For me, writing is an exercise in empathy," she explains.
Hear Saunders' music Saturday night, Aug. 5, at Puckett's, where she'll be joined by Jason Reed and Jonathan McWilliams for a show at 9 p.m.
She says they primarily play original music, "but can't resist playing a few covers by some of our favorite artists, such as Elton John, The Band and one of my old-time banjo heroes, Ola Belle Reed."
The band's shows are very audience-interactive, and she jokes that the three of them thoroughly entertain each other and she hopes the audience as well.
"I envision each show as a house party, except instead of passing hors d'oeuvres we play songs, share stories and encourage general merriment. Folks are encouraged to dance, tell stories and ask questions. We even have kids come onstage to sing and dance with us pretty often."
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.
If you go
› Where: Puckett’s, 2 W. Aquarium Way› For more information: 423-708-8505The Young Fables› When: 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4Megan Saunders Band› When: 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5› Admission: Free for either show, but tips accepted