My band traveled up to Northern Virginia to play for an inaugural-type event yesterday (inaugural day). This event was booked BEFORE the election so I was curious what was in store for us. When we arrived at the Hyatt we found our ballroom and realized we would be playing for the organization People to People. Our audience was 300+ young screaming teenagers (who had all flown in from all 50 states to see Obama take the oath of office. The evening dance was their inaugural ball.
I was somewhat concerned at first because (although our band is fantastic) we do not play any hip hop or teeny bopper music. My concerns were put to rest as the teens swarmed the dance floor on the first song (RESPECT). The din from the screaming was amazing --and they danced ALL night without stopping (with no alcohol!!) This leaves me wondering... Why don't grownups have this kind of fun? When the dance was over we signed autographs and posed for pictures. A perfect gig on a perfect day!
Have an great day!
-Claudia Carawan
www.claudiacarawan.com
I have to wonder if the reason that most adults don't have that kind of fun is that they head out with preconceived expectations of their night out. They know what they will probably order for dinner and what the premise of the movie is, so they will probably be setting themselves up with certain expectations to be delivered to them.
Young folks, however, are seeking stimulation and adventure, not exactly sure what they might find, but filled with anticipation that they will have a great time. They bring it with them. They are open to receiving the experience in the process of creating memories.
One example that comes to my mind of adults having fun is when we go to songwriting camp. We know we'll see some old friends and meet some new ones, but we are filled with excitement over what new and creative ideas we are going to be exposed to. We ourselves also take part in the creative process, surprised at what we might discover about ourselves, the world, and others around us.
We receive new ideas, we break new ground, and when all is said and done, we're smiling and telling people how much fun we had. We bring it with us.
I wonder if that is why some folks are hooked on shopping - because they think they'll find something new and attractive in the stores waiting for them ... unfortunately, it's stimulation that comes from outside of themselves.
Maybe that is why sports is attractive to others. They have an idea of the quality of each team/participant, but they really won't know what to expect until the event starts and don't know what will happen next. They are looking for the excitement when a home run is hit, a touchdown scored, a record broken, and when it happens it's a rush. But again, it's stimulation that comes from outside of themselves, though at least it engages the mind to some point.
My current excitement as a songwriter is the February Album Writing Month challenge. aka FAWM.org I know 9 other songwriters participating and there are over 2000 others from around the world. The premise is to write 14 songs in 28 days and so every few minutes, a new song is posted online - mostly rough draft forms and in every genre. But it's exciting to check in a couple of times a day and share what has been written and challenge myself to write my own. The songwriters interact with one another, too.
It almost takes me back to those nights many years ago heading out with friends and finding the kind of fun that only comes when anticipation meets participation!
So I guess the bottom line is we have to bring it with us, to take responsibility to participate in our own good time, and to look beyond our own desires and expectations, and share the joy!
Wow!
Preparation for a performance at a political event before knowing the affiliation of your audience, or even their age group, sounds very tricky indeed!
Congratulations to you and your obviously talented and versatile band!