Why I Play Music

Sometimes music can give an extra special gift to people.  As a musician I have the pleasure of getting to interact with the impact of music from both perspectives (the listener and the musician).  I frequently experience the effect that listening to music can have on me and I feel like I often describe and communicate my interactions with music to everyone.  However, it is pretty special for me as a musician to connect with someone from the other perspective.  I got a really awesome moment at a show the other day.  I want to share this story as something for me to look upon for inspiration in the future and hopefully an encouragement to others who may have similar experiences . . . especially those that may ever consider sharing their feelings about a song with an artist.

At a recent Cafe Ipe gig, a woman was walking by the show, passed and then re-appeared around the corner of the neighboring building.  I was playing the song "For A Moment".   That song in particular has an intended message of love and hope in times of struggle.  When the song was over, this woman spoke up above her applause and said "I was having a really rough day, I was walking with my head down...my husband is sick with cancer and that song is what I needed to hear, it made my day.  Thank you, God bless you."  

For someone to verbalize that type of emotional response to my music was something really special.  It was a heartfelt reminder of how music can impact others.  Not that I ever doubt it, but sometimes you can get wrapped up in how fun it is or the entertainment element of it all, and it is so nice to feel that emotional connection of your intent for a song resonating with someone's life.   As I go on and remind myself that I want to give back all that music gives to me, these types of experiences make it so joyful to be part of that journey.  To whomever it was that stopped to listen and share that comment, thank you.  Thank you for expressing and sharing something that personal and vulnerable in a public setting.  If you ever come across this page and this post, I truly hope that your husband's condition improves.  Thank you for helping to remind me one of the main reasons why I play music.

Thanks for listening as always.

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