It’s an easy thing to cozy up to a fire that is already blazing. But it’s much harder to start a fire from scratch, to nurture the embers, and to help guide the fire to its full potential. Building a fire is hands-on and takes patience, time, and a bit of skill.
There are generous people in the bluegrass world who have fanned a spark in others, myself included. They’ve encouraged me in my writing and music, included me in their jams and gatherings, and offered guidance. They took time to share some wisdom, welcome me, and yes, they definitely put up with me. They took the time to fan a spark, a spark I didn’t even recognize was there. I call these people Fire Starters and here is a sampling of that Fire Starter wisdom in my life:
Roland White taught me about GRACE AND HUMILITY. It’s been my experience that the more of a bonafide star a person is, the more class and modesty they possess.
Rick Cornish taught me that EVERY STORY IS WORTH SHARING. Storytelling is an art that is already present in each of us.
John Reischman taught me that WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW IS VALUABLE. Start with that and build on it.
Rick Rinehart taught me the value of a GENEROUS HEART. Go full throttle or not at all.
Wayne Nolan taught me that ONE KINDNESS CAN CHANGE A KID’S LIFE. I picture him smiling from bluegrass heaven every time I play a G-run.
Cliff Compton taught me to INCLUDE EVERYBODY. Cliff is gifted in the art of bringing people together.
Kids on Bluegrass taught me EVERYONE HAS TALENT. And everyone deserves their moment in the spotlight.
Bill Wilhelm taught me that EVERYONE IS WELCOME. Bill was a natural bluegrass ambassador who helped newbies feel at home.
My mom taught me that EVERYONE MATTERS. She has shown me how each and every person is necessary for the whole.
Open the door.
So, next time you attend a bluegrass event and have a closed-jam area, or a “by invitation only” gathering, consider opening the door now and then in a different way. Open the door to newbies, to the shy bluegrass fans, to the people who are not players. Open the door to the people who aren’t fans yet, and to the people who are afraid they won’t be accepted. To the screechy Old Joe Clark’s and the self-conscious singers. Open the door to the people who are just waiting to be invited in. These people might be our future members, friends, fans, volunteers, benefactors, and bluegrass enthusiasts.
Open the door.
“Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
(Cameron Little promises to keep the door open as often as he can, and wishes everyone a warm, bluegrassy kind of holiday season.)
