Farewells... and new beginnings.

I’ve been putting off this post for a while.

When we started Orbit 17 back in 2022, I had no idea what was ahead. I just wanted to make a little noise. Then I met Misha, then Ryan, then Mary… we played a few shows, then a few more, and somehow we found ourselves in the middle of something I never could’ve dreamed up.

These last three years have been unforgettable. Making music with this group has been one of the great privileges of my life, and I haven’t taken a single rehearsal, show, or late-night hang for granted.

And the Bay Area music community… that’s its own kind of magic. You’ve shaped me, supported me, challenged me, inspired me. I could never fully describe what it’s meant to feel part of this scene.

So with a lot of mixed emotions, I need to share that Lee and I will be moving to Portland after the holidays. It’s the right decision for us personally and for our families, though not an easy one by any stretch.

But this is not goodbye. Think of it as chapter two. I fully plan to bring Orbit 17 to life in the Pacific Northwest, and Portland isn’t so far away — you can absolutely count on future Bay shows.

And we’re not done here yet! We’ve got one last big blowout at Yearbook Night at the Rickshaw Stop. Plus… we’ve been quietly finishing our next full LP. The masters landed this week, and let’s just say: a listening party may be in order.

Also, Ryan, Misha and Mary all plan to stay active in the Bay Area scene, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re in need of some killer musicians!

To everyone who’s been part of this community — thank you. Truly. The music has been amazing, but the friendships have been the best part of this entire journey. I hope I get to see as many of you as possible before we head north.

See you at the next show.

—Jamie