Songs make the season for me. They don't have to be filled with good wishes or holiday cheer. I like the ones with lyrics that tumble raw from the lips of the artist and make me smile or yearn.
Over the past year I've attended some major shows. We crossed the Roger Waters - The Wall concert off of my husband's bucket list and sat in the stands at an exhibition grandstand while Bob Dylan performed.
I finally got to see Leonard Cohen live and Buddy Guy played a guitar solo while walking through the crowd stopping and playing just a few feet away from us.
The Cohen show was the most amazing I've been to, but there were great minutes at many other small shows and festivals. I don't know if it is because I'm getting older and loud music is bothering me more or because as I mature I want to make a greater connection to the people around me but I find I'd much rather attend a house concert than a stadium show.
I'd rather pay 15 bucks at the door, park down the street and sit and listen to the stories and songs told by those who aren't making much money while they do what they love.
Music has the power to soothe and move me and singing allows me to reach out to others.
I've never really liked Christmas concerts but I do enjoy the ecumenical carol services held in so many communities. They remind me of our similarities rather than our differences and the harmony created by bringing the voices together is stronger than when we are apart.
This year my daughter is involved in a band program. We attended her first concert this week and although the group of fifth graders played with squeaks and some missed rhythm it was delightful. Several families hurried out of the auditorium after their children played leaving some of the best seats empty. Not only did they miss the songs the other groups had worked so hard on they also missed the opportunity to listen with their children to the possibilities they could achieve if they continued with the program for a few years.
I don't know if my daughter will stay with the band. It isn't quite what she expected and she says she would like to continue with piano instead. I will continue to provide opportunities for her to enjoy all types of music and when she sings I'll smile, I always do. Music brings me peace and hope and I look forward to a new year of experiences in song.
