Spring Sharing

We are half way through the Spring – the point in the year when most places have Goldilocks weather – not too cold, not too hot, not too wet. It’s time to take it outside!

During the lockdown, some of us took to our porches to share music with neighbors and friends.  We were staying apart and we did all we could to help each other from a distance.   It wasn’t fun and we were all delighted when it was over.

But that time is over (thankfully!). We’ve gone back to our regular lives and try to forget about that ickiness. Blech – leave it in the past.

Except one thing – that time sharing our music really helped people. It brought music – which always eases hearts and minds – to people who needed it at the time.

Let your “harp” grows three sizes!

What I have learned is that those same people would love to continue to share that time.  I was fortunate enough to have neighbors mention how much they enjoyed the covid concerts. That they missed them, that they kinda hoped I’d start again. (insert slightly exaggerated happy dance here)

So, you know what they say, give the audience what they want!  I’m excited to be returning to my concerts – without the covid this time!  These concerts aren’t big events.  I play for a small group and for about 30 minutes or so.  The audience enjoys a bit of culture and time together. 

What do I get? What a good question!  I get a warm, supportive, test audience! Because we’re close together and it’s so informal, we’re very relaxed.  I can test out new material on them and they give me immediate feedback.  Big corporations pay a lot of money for this kind of focus group – and I get mine for the small price of tunes in plein air!

What’s the point? I want to encourage you to do the same thing – go out and play on your porch, sidewalk, or cul-de-sac.  Invite your neighbors. Let them know you miss seeing them and that you’re using playing for them as an excuse to have a get-together. People are still lonely and wanting to have community and you can help build that! That is a superpower!

If you’re not a party planner, you might not know how to make it happen.  Here’s what I do – I send out an email (once I made little flyers – the point is to get the word out). In that, I encourage them to bring a chair and a beverage and tell them what time I’ll be starting about-ish and where. Remember it’s casual, so -ish is timely enough. Then I go out and do the thing.  Sometimes it feels like it’ll be just me and then suddenly, there’s loads of people there. 

What to give it a try?  Here it is step by step:

1. Decide to do it (yay!)
2. Invite people (see above)
3. Make a set list – 25 minutes is about 8 – 10 tunes
4. Practice
5. Go out, do the thing, make some friends
6. Feel your heart grow three sizes 😊

So, what do you think? Will you join me in going out to share some music with neighbors?  Let me know in the comments!

This week, Spring is trying to hard to break forth!  The time has changed (and so we’re probably logy as we have discussed here and here.   It’s never a great time – we have to adjust to the change in the daylight and the clocks, and our schedules and our rhythms and the apparently never ending discussion of disposing of time changes all together.

But this year also continues the ongoing pandemic with the promises of vaccines and longer days and potential end to the ridiculousness all around us.  But the reality is that it isn’t over yet.  This gives us the opportunity to ask ourselves how we can contribute – to make this Spring a little easier for those around us. 

Now, I know that Spring isn’t ready to burst out everywhere, but in my little corner of the world, the days are growing more glorious, sunny and warmer.  And I’m excited about inviting my neighbors to join me for regular weekly concerts #LiveintheDrive. My neighbors are stalwart, coming out each week to share time together while I played – just short, informal, but fairly regular, concerts – just me and my harp – for friends. 

So, I’d like to encourage you to do the same thing where you live (when the weather is cooperative – it is Spring after all – possibly the most contentious season!). 

There’s something in you that the world needs.

Before you begin the litany of NO, I made you a little plate of courage (below) to which you should feel free to refer if your resolve wobbles. It’s really just meant to remind you that you have a gift and the sharing of that gift just might improve someone else’s day.  It is your opportunity to do something to care for others.  Don’t just spend time – invest it.

If you’re really enamored with this graphic, leave me a message and I’ll send you a full page printable of it*.  Or you can leave it here and visit the site when you need a reminder to overcome your practicing hiccups, your performing woes, your fears, your insecurities…and just share your music with those near you!  I hope you’ll put yourself out there to care for others.  And if you’re willing, send me a photo of you sharing, or just tell me here what you decided to do!

*I’m sure there’s some law somewhere that will require me to tell you that if you are not currently subscribed and would like the printable version that I will add you to the subscription list. But hey, you’re already here and that will just save you a step.