Last year, I was in the process of starting a new business and was unable to take any vaction. Instead, I decided I would take the time to actively explore the world of music in my own backyard. I volunteered as an usher at the Chauatauqua concert venue in Boulder, and served beer at my own hometown local Friday night music festival. I attended Rockygrass, and went to a variety of free music settings all over the area. As a result of this submersion into my local music scene, and after years of roots music and Americana appreciation, I decided I no longer wanted to be a spectator, and I wanted to be a musician. Now, I didn’t decide that I had any talent or ability, just that I wanted it. So, since August of 2009, I have been pursuing my chosen instrument, the mandolin. My only musical experience in the past, has been a limited bit of piano. The mandolin is a lovely instrument and I like it because it creates a fullness and depth that many songs would not otherwise have. I like it less as a lead instrument and more as a background instrument.
I will be attending the Folks festival this year as a musician (can I call myself that now) for the first time. Of course, I will look forward to any mandolin players that will be performing, and am really hoping Greg Brown bring musicians, because I like the way he uses mandolin on many of his songs. But I am trying to distinguish between the afficianado and the musician. If I become so focused on the notes, the rythm, and the technique that I can’t just enjoy the folks festival, then my desire to learn to be a musician will have spoiled one of my great loves for me. I will definitely be listening with different ears, but intend to go and enjoy, and dance and chill with other music loving people. Thats what a music festival is all about.
