Cellist Joshua Roman articulated this truth in an interview: Music as a performance is beautiful, but music as a way of being and communicating, being in community with other people and that connection and shared experience…is very powerful.
With warmth, playfulness, and chemistry among performers, live music can offer an experience that crosses generational boundaries. Our JazzLove Trio initiated that kind of group vibe at French Park in Minneapolis last week. Toddlers and kids invented new dance moves; adults joined in singing classic Motown tunes.
And check out this audio clip where teenagers guess the jazz standard and start singing before I do!
If the gathering is willing, a bridge can be built through storytelling and encouraging all to sing, dance, or drum on a lawn chair. Even relaxing into the sound after a long work day is a valuable contribution.
Most believe music happens on the stage and broadcasts to an audience that participates only by listening. As a longtime performer in both music and theater, I can tell you that the individuals who attend greatly influence the total experience. Are they open?
In an act of giving and receiving, a kind of energetic figure eight begins to dissolve the fourth wall, opening into an expanded sphere of community adventure. And with an outdoor event, the sky is literally the limit. It’s like flying.
In rare cases, a collaborative event takes shape that’s magically unforgettable.
For us, patio and hillside resonated with a rare joy carried by music, a celebration of the moment.
Try noticing next time you witness a live performance if the players are inviting a different kind of participation, even energetically. Join in, or initiate your own!
That is living as music.
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Comments:
Light and lovingly given! I thank you all for the blessing of your music and how you pass it to us!
Great quote of truth from Joshua Roman Emma. I love the sound of the beautiful group energy at your performance, it is so special transcending generational boundaries and also social barriers, I have found people from all walks of life are united by the shared experience of making and appreciating music together. Well this has been my experience during the past year when I go to a Community Music event near by. It is well organised but there is always space for spontaneous improvisations between musicians, sing alongs, young singers trying out new songs - well everyone has a great time. Love the soothing vibe of your performance.
I'm delighted to hear you attend a Community Music event, Beth! It sounds fabulous. Multi-generational, spontaneous improvs included, singalongs, new material. Just the best. I can picture this free Aussie vibe. And thank you for appreciating ours! 💛🎶
Thank you, Emma! I knew the song after the first 5 notes as it was one that my father used to "break into song" to, and every time I hear "Come Fly with Me" I think of his happy voice. Thank you for providing that happy memory for me today! When my niece was in college in California, and my father was in hospice care in a Buffalo hospital, she sent an audio clip of her playing "Come Fly with Me" on her trumpet—A soothing lullaby for him on the night before his passing, keeping us all connected. 💙
Peggy, that is such a sweet story. How wonderful that you had a father who’d break into song, especially jazz! And your niece must’ve given him the greatest gift in that moment. What an act of love to send a trumpet lullaby. Thank you for sharing that memory.🩵
Love the loving vibe in your performance..looking forward to hearing more!
Thank you, Elizabeth! It was a loving vibe from the start. As soon as I introduced that we’d be performing all love songs, a teenager in the audience shouted out “Yay, love!” And we were off and running. 😃🩵