New Music from Janet Planet Carries a Spirit of Hope and Joy

The Wisconsin-based jazz vocalist pays tribute to a breast cancer survivor’s journey using music as a positive vision for life

The story behind Janet Planet’s new project, Hope Springs, is as inspiring as the music itself. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Janet’s friend and voice student, Susan Weinschenk, faced a harrowing battle with breast cancer, undergoing a full mastectomy. Despite the darkness, Susan found solace in songwriting, creating pieces that spoke to the endurance of the human spirit. Her ultimate goal was to record these songs, but as the time drew near, she found herself unable to do it. Janet graciously stepped in to give voice to Susan’s beautiful and hopeful creations.

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The result is a collection of songs that resonate deeply, not just with those who know Susan’s story, but with anyone who listens. Backed by the talents of Mark Urness on bass, Ryan Korb on drums, and Matt Buchman on piano, Janet brings Susan’s songs to life, infusing each one with a sense of joy and reverence. 

These songs are more than just music. It’s also a tribute to a brilliant woman who faced one of the darkest times in her life with grace and creativity.

Jazz vocalist Janet Planet

Janet Planet, a seasoned jazz performer who has toured the world, will be sharing the stage and her voice at the upcoming Oshkosh Jazz Festival on August 24th. As both host and vocalist, she sees this as a perfect opportunity to connect with audiences who truly listen, something she cherishes in the jazz community.

Janet’s journey in music continues to be one of exploration and evolution, from her early days playing guitar and being inspired by Frank Zappa and Joni Mitchell, to her later immersion into the Great American Songbook and the improvisational world of jazz. Now, with Hope Springs, she continues to push boundaries. 

“I want to bring others into the moment,” Janet explains. “And these songs are stories that resonate on a deeply personal level.”

Having called Northeast Wisconsin home for many years, Janet and her husband are now embarking on a new chapter with their studio, Steel Moon Soundstage. This space will not only serve as a recording studio but also as a venue for intimate concerts and educational events, further cementing Janet’s commitment to her craft and community.

In every note and every word, Janet Planet delivers a message of hope, joy, and the power of music to heal. As the interview closes with a performance of “What Greater Joy,” Janet leaves you with a sense of connection and a reminder to cherish those moments when the world feels right. And as the song suggests, it is in those moments, you find your greatest joy.

If you enjoyed this story, originally airing as part of the NEWisco Weekend show on Civic Media stations WGBW 97.9 FM/1590 AM in Green Bay and WISS 98.3 FM/1100 AM in Oshkosh, you’ll find a new show on-air every weekend, Saturday mornings at 8 and Sundays at 11.

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