Music to My Ears

One of the great ironies of my existence is my love for music and absolute lack of musical abilities. I sang in the church choir when I was younger, but never had a solo. It’s just not one of my talents. Like, I’m not even “okay” at it.

Trust me, it’s really, really bad.

I tend to sing in the shower or when I’m working in my office all alone. I definitely sing in the car or when I’m riding…much to other motorists amusement if they have their windows down. (Oh, you mean you can hear me through my helmet? Oops.)

As a kid I was fortunate enough to see two amazing artists in concert, even though I didn’t appreciate it at the time. I was a bratt. I wanted to see NKOTB, but my parents wouldn’t buy me tickets. Instead, I had to watch the Charlie Daniels Band (“Devil Went Down to Georgia”) and Johnny Cash (“Boy Named Sue”) at the local fairs.

I wore my NKOTB t-shirt and pouted the entire time. At both concerts. Looking back, I’m slightly amused but more disappointed in my behavior. I definitely didn’t appreciate the opportunity I had been given, or make the most of my circumstances.

These men were both inducted in the Grand Ole Opry due to their contributions to country music. They both won Grammys. And who knows what other awards. They are both legends in their own rights.

I have my preferences in music, just like everyone else. However, I have come to appreciate different genres that I might not have been open to before. 

I finally started going to live musical performances of my choosing in 2019. Since then, I’ve said “yes” to every opportunity to see a concert or go to a festival that I possibly can. Most of my favorites are in the R&B or Hip Hop genres, however I’m finding myself at more and more country and reggae events as well.

One thing this has taught me is that I might not be quite as open-minded as I liked to think I was. 

A group of friends wanted to attend a country festival. I didn’t recognize most of the artists on the lineup, but decided to go anyway. It was more about spending time with the girls. Even though I didn’t know most of the music, I enjoyed myself.

I realized that being with people I care about it, watching artists put their heart and soul out on the stage for the crowd, and being among a group of people genuinely enjoying themselves was enough. I didn’t need to know the music, I could just enjoy being.

Since then, I decided to go to a reggae festival with my brother and son as well. I don’t know much reggae, but I did recognize a couple of the Hip Hop artists who performed. Looking back, I’m so glad I said yes.

Similar to my experience with the country concerts and festivals, I enjoyed being with my brother and watching him in his element. Hanging out with him and my son, vibing to the live music, and soaking up the California sun couldn’t have been a better weekend.

Don’t get me wrong, I still have my preferences. But I’m much more likely to say “yes” to live music even if I’m not familiar with the genre. (Except Death Metal…that’s just not my jam.)

Have you said yes to something that isn’t in your normal wheelhouse that opened you up to a new hobby, genre, etc?