The adversity stage was set for a beautiful Oregon afternoon in the woods.
Why adversity?
Cannonball Adderley:
You know, sometimes we’re not prepared for adversity.
When it happens sometimes we’re caught short.
We don’t know exactly how to handle it when it comes up.
Sometimes we don’t know just what to do when adversity takes over.
And I have advice for all of us.
Me: You have advice for all of us on the adversity stage?
CA: Yes, everybody. It comes from my pianist, a tune that sounds like what you’re supposed to say when you have that kind of problem.
Me: We all have that kind of problem most of the time.
CA: Mercy Mercy Mercy.
The adversity I faced Saturday afternoon was packing and unpacking the stands, chords, and amp for the adversity stage.
The music gear I’ve collected over the years filled the back of the car.
It’s been a while since the last gig.
The Music Question
Where is the adversity of learning songs and practicing enough to stand up and play?
If you’re asking, maybe you haven’t done it?
Luckily there are music people out there who know the answers.
One is my bandmate David.
He was one of a group who met at a storytelling workshop.
He told a story that included playing his saxophone.
Saxophone? That caught my attention.
With the last class on the horizon I asked if he’d play back-up to my last story while I played guitar.
He agreed.
We rehearsed for ten minutes before class and pulled it off.
We put in more rehearsal time before taking the adversity stage together.
Ten songs and stories later, we pulled it off.
Half the class came with stories.
They inspired the audience to share a story.
I was inspired to stay in tune and on time.
What else made it special?
David said, “This is what people did before everyone had a screen in their face.”
Setting up a show in the woods took some doing, although it was only five minutes from my neighborhood.
Clean off the tables, blow off the floor, hook everything up. (I forgot my backpack full of cables. Hey Elaine.)
Months and months ago, maybe six months, The David set a show date. Plenty of time for things to go wrong.
But they didn’t. I see that as an omen.
Instead of a Saturday afternoon of drinking weekend beer, watching Book TV on C-Span, and doing yard work, we somehow made it to the date.
With the Music- Story – Music format it had the feeling of ‘Let’s put on a backyard show.’
Building Community
The adversity stage transformed into the hope stage as the show progressed.
I was already in the hope stage after breaking the music down to what I can play, then adding some swing.
My kid: Don’t do too much. Be a listener.
That was a fun Saturday afternoon, listening to music and stories, and catching up with friends. Thank you for setting it up and making it happen.
We crossed the line from audience to performers. Then crossed back. Showtime.
The power of planning took hold. Now, for the next time . . .