Cassie Boettcher: I wanted to play at Mile of Music because I went to the first-ever Mile of Music, year one. And I was a student at UW-Oshkosh, and it was so much fun, and ever since that, it had been a goal for me to play as a musician and a songwriter.

And take a few things here and there For a simple price

Cassie Boettcher: It’s just so welcoming. I get to see so many familiar faces, meet new people, just have a great time, and drink Wisconsin beer. Because Wisconsin beer’s the best! [laughs]

“New York Minute” by Cassie Boettcher

[gentle acoustic guitar music]

I always knew you loved out East Much more than you’d ever love me

So I’m glad we never tried

Different coasts and opposite directions

Not like I fantasized

So, go, go through this open door

You dream of leaving for the lights of New York

Meet a pretty girl, fall in love Give her everything, I know she’ll be enough

But if you ever get sick of the coffee runs And the accents and the arrogant suits

I’d find you in a New York minute

Well, I’ve heard the coast is beautiful So I guess that means I’ve gotta go someday And see it for myself

Maybe sing a song or two, just listen If you’ve got a few to spare ‘Cause you carried my heart there

So, go, go through this open door

You dream of leaving for the lights of New York

Meet a pretty girl, fall in love Give her everything, I know she’ll be enough

But if you ever get sick of the coffee runs And the accents and all the arrogant suits

I’d find you in a New York minute

And if you’d love me, I’d love you in a New York minute

[gentle acoustic guitar music]

[audience applauding and cheering]

Cassie Boettcher: The crowds at Mile of Music actually listen to you. And as a musician, so much of us are so used to people drinking and laughing and having a good time in the background and not caring about the words and the songs that we’ve crafted. And music is my passion, along with so many, all these other artists who are here, and for people to be quiet and silent in a room and listen to, like, every word you’re saying, is amazing. It’s like, every songwriter’s dream.

“Estate Sale” by Cassie Boettcher

That first set of china

A wedding gift for them Her mom insisted on the finest

For their happy end

It only came out once or twice a year They kept it for the kids ‘Cause that’s what you do

With certain gifts

[gentle acoustic guitar music]

Painted gray with a red door

On that corner block

Always filled with laughter

And neighborhood small talk

They grew old like we’re all going to And left the house to the kids

With one final wish

Let the door open to strangers

To step into their lives

And take a few things here and there

For a simple price

A world we only make to be

Reduced to a couple dollars That’s what happens when life becomes an estate sale

There’s seashells in the basement

From their honeymoon

And Christmas decorations

That no one cares to lose

What happens to the memories

That no one wants to keep

And what happens to family

With the door open to strangers

To step into their lives

And take a few things here and there

For a simple price

A world we only make to be

Reduced to a couple dollars That’s what happens when life becomes an estate sale

Watching people come and go

I think I finally know

That all they ever wanted

Was to give their memories new homes

With the door open to strangers

To step into their lives

And take a few things here and there

For a simple price

A world we only make to be

Reduced to a couple dollars

That’s what happens when life becomes an estate sale

[audience applauding and cheering]

Cassie Boettcher: Thank you.