Music Brings Us Together

Saturday was my birthday and my fiance put on a great party for me (just like every year).  While I was there enjoying the time with my friends and family I began to realize how many friends I have made simply playing bluegrass music.

I speak on what I know, so I can't say other musics are this way but with bluegrass it always feels like everyone is family.  We perform for people but it doesn't stop there.  We meet and greet, we jam, we go out to dinner, we just sit together and enjoy other bands as they play.  I have met so many wonderful people this way and I am thankful for that.  I had so many facebook birthday posts and people saying they "Loved me" who weren't family - but they might as well be.  I love them too and the love we share is all because of this wonderful music that seems to bring people together. 

When we are younger birthdays are about presents and getting to do things we don't normally get to do.  When we get a bit older our birthdays are about the presence of people - friends and families and about reflecting on your life up to that point.  There are things I miss; my dad and my grandma mainly, but I am so very thankful for the many people, experiences and opportunities I have met and had throughout my life thus far.

Of all the hobbies, jobs, whatever - that I have had in my life, music is the most rewarding.  It has given me so many friends and fans, many, many memorable moments, laughter, joy and peace.  Moreso than the others.  From the playing to the listening, music is a means of bringing people together.  That same music serves as a bond to those involved.  We are closer, I think, than friends.  We are more like family.  That is one of my favorite things about this music - companionship.

So a big "Thank You" to all of my friends, family and bluegrass buddies out there for making my life so great up to this point and an extra big "Thank You" to my fiance Tiffany for planning a party for me.  I am so glad to have all of you in my life and I hope the next section is as good as the first!