Friday Night Music

Twice each month musicians gather on Friday evenings to play and learn together.  It is even more than that.  People love to come and listen and enjoy their talents and skills.  

Last meeting was also celebrating 25 years of Friday night music.  It was a super special evening honoring Sue and Monty Smith who were the first host at the Emma Chase cafe and Bennie Holtsclaw a well known musician who joined in for many years.  It was wonderful to again hear Bennie's traditional closing song the Lighthouse.
Annie Wilson shared with me her comments which were so well spoken that I wanted to share with you in this blog.  
“Culture” is a funny word.  When I was a kid, I wondered:  what does it really mean?  I’ve learned through life, it’s pretty simple:  It’s what people do with their lives, and how they do it.  This event has become part of the culture of the Flint Hills - a gathering of people to create and enjoy homemade music by local musicians.  It’s not rehearsed, not commercialized, not broadcast – we just come together and it happens.  In this day and age, that’s pretty special.  People have told us:  “There is nothing like this – anywhere else.” 
Together, we have created a “culture” – and a really positive one at that.
What has this event done for us?
We hope for our audiences, it has given you an authentic experience seeing performances that may not be perfect but are real. Musicians from this region sharing their love of music with you.  We hope you are entertained!
For us musicians, it gives us a chance to perform – in front of a kind, respectful, appreciative audience.  This isn’t like playing in a bar, where people are talking while you play, are barely listening, and seldom clap at the end of songs.
Instead here, people are quiet and listen, and even if you messed up a little, they smile and clap at the end of your song.  It means the world to us musicians – most of whom are actually pretty nervous and shy.  
So thanks to all you listeners for coming and supporting us.  If it weren’t for you, this would not be happening.  In fact, can I take your picture here for a minute? [snap photo]
So musicians, let’s all give a hand to thank our Friday Night audiences –the best in the world! [applause]
Another thing this event has done for us musicians is allow us to learn musically from others – new songs, new instrumental and singing techniques.  This is the best music classroom in the world.  

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