Saying YES to playing opportunities!
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September 2022 was a big month for me. I finally played out again after a period of hibernation. It all began when out of the blue I received a call from a bass player I had played with in the past. He was looking for a guitarist to jump in for a performance only a few days away. After a phone call about the details, I was reluctant, and thought it would be a better idea to postpone until we could at least rehearse once as a full band. The next morning I woke up convicted thinking: “You want to play out again, right? So why didn’t you just say yes, thank you and look forward to making music?” Well, I know why: Self doubt, the need to feel really prepared and the risk of not performing as well as I’d like.
Fortunately, I arrived at a point where I knew that hiding in safety is not a healthy alternative. I sent off a quick text: “If you still need a guitarist for this Saturday, count me in, I’d love to play with you guys!”
A few days later, I found myself performing an unknown repertoire outdoors on a beautiful early fall evening. Thankfully, I was able to navigate through the set using my ears and some guidance from the bass player. All in all, it went well. Seeing joyful people dancing and laughing washed away any earlier conviction that playing it safe might have been the better choice. I felt great finally playing out live again, accepting compliments from musicians as well as audience members, and perhaps most importantly, saying YES to an invitation. I was also thrilled that I was playing an amazing electric guitar hand built by my very good friend and best man, Dustin Busch. I loved playing with it live for the very first time!
Oddly, or is that how things go, not too long after this came another playing opportunity. It was our neighborhood’s local front porch music festival where musicians of all sorts perform by their doorsteps as people stroll through the neighborhood. I decided to grab the bull by the horns and play for the full duration of the event in my front yard. This time around, it was me reaching out to other players seeing if they could jump in last minute and play without any rehearsing. Most of the attempts were fruitless, simply because musician friends already had gigs lined up or other Sunday afternoon plans were scheduled.
Nonetheless, it was another step in the right direction of reconnecting with musicians. The Front Porch Music Festival ended up being a huge blessing and a blast. I mustered up playing a whole lot of improvised solo guitar and then reunited with Iowa City singer songwriter Dave Moore. The performance far exceeded my expectations, and not only did I feel very fortunate to have played with such an amazing musician, but again, it felt wonderful to meet new local musicians, exchange contacts, receive positive feedback from a very grateful audience and pick up new guitar students.
Saying YES and participating is not only beneficial to the growth of an artist but equally douses a wave of good fortune on others! Sharing whatever lies within you is a wonderful thing especially if you find yourself surrounded by folks who appreciate this mysterious realm we call “the arts”. For me, these live music events were such important reminders that playing music in front of an audience is a two way street. Sharing something meaningful and beneficial is a rewarding and worthwhile endeavor.
Sending you much courage to say YES to your next invitation, no matter how small or big it may be.
Chris
