Howard and I were invited by our friend Kevin Wasden to come to his house for a concert. He knows a couple of talented musicians and they performed for an hour. I didn’t go for the music. I went because it was a chance for Howard and I to go on a date. I hoped to have the chance to visit with Kevin, but I didn’t expect to be impressed by the concert itself.
Contrary to my expectation, I did enjoy the music. More than that, I was impressed by these two women. Stephanie Smith and Debra Fotheringham are both local, but they travel all over the country to perform at small concerts. They are both young musicians who are just beginning to spread their wings and fly. After the concert was over I got to talk with both of them. I got to hear about how they’ve arrived where they are and where they hope to go from here. They were delightful to talk to and I would love to visit with them more.
I walked away from the experience happy. I had never been to a house concert before. I love the idea that people can get together in a small social setting just to enjoy music and being together. I want to host events like that some day. I’m beginning to sense that there is this whole local network of creative motivated people. The more people in this network I meet, the more I am amazed. Without exception they have been fascinating and intelligent. Everyone is trying to help the others succeed. I know that not all creative communities function that way, but I love it.
I want to do more to build the local creative community. I want to be able to connect with creative people more often than twice per year at the local conventions. This is even more motivation to get my house into shape. I want to be able to entertain here. I want to do what I can to bring creative people together so that we can all help each other grow.
In that vein, you should all go check out Stephanie and Debra’s websites. They both have CDs available for sale. They each performed 7 songs and all were enjoyable, but four songs in particular really spoke to me. Stephanie’s “Self Portrait” and “Fragile Sometimes” both express things I’ve felt. Debra’s “Build me a Road” and “Waiting” had fascinating interactions between wordplay and music. They resonated for me by painting vivid pictures and moods.
Oh! I totally know Debra. She’s a friend of Isaac’s. I’ve only met her once, but I’ve been hearing stories about her for at least a year. They did the not-quite-dating thing for quite a while.
Oh! I totally know Debra. She’s a friend of Isaac’s. I’ve only met her once, but I’ve been hearing stories about her for at least a year. They did the not-quite-dating thing for quite a while.
Tapping the Local Creative Community
Sandra,
Thank you, to you and Howard, for coming to the concert. I really enjoyed the company of good friends and good music. I also finished the evening just feeling good.
Like you, I think there’s got to be more fun ways to tap into the local creative community and all grow together. I’ve thought about hosting art shows or different things, but I’m not sure how they would work. Perhaps book readings would be good. For instance, when your book is ready, maybe we could plan a book party with kids and games and stuff. Just a thought. Anyway, if I can help in any way, just let me know.
Kevin
Tapping the Local Creative Community
Sandra,
Thank you, to you and Howard, for coming to the concert. I really enjoyed the company of good friends and good music. I also finished the evening just feeling good.
Like you, I think there’s got to be more fun ways to tap into the local creative community and all grow together. I’ve thought about hosting art shows or different things, but I’m not sure how they would work. Perhaps book readings would be good. For instance, when your book is ready, maybe we could plan a book party with kids and games and stuff. Just a thought. Anyway, if I can help in any way, just let me know.
Kevin
Re: Tapping the Local Creative Community
A launch party for my book is probably something I should do. I’ll have to put some thought into it.
Howard and I have talked about arranging a quarterly meet and greet for creative people. We figured we’d just meet up at restaurants or other gathering places just for talking over the joy and business of being creative. We’d even thought about alternating between Salt Lake and Utah county so that the burden of driving far was more evenly distributed. We’re still looking at options for this.
Re: Tapping the Local Creative Community
A launch party for my book is probably something I should do. I’ll have to put some thought into it.
Howard and I have talked about arranging a quarterly meet and greet for creative people. We figured we’d just meet up at restaurants or other gathering places just for talking over the joy and business of being creative. We’d even thought about alternating between Salt Lake and Utah county so that the burden of driving far was more evenly distributed. We’re still looking at options for this.
Hmm, Stephanie Smith’s album is available on eMusic. *downloads*
🙂