Straight from The Horse’s Mouth

I was fortunate to grow up in a home where music was appreciated. My mom is a very talented pianist. Here in Buffalo, she plays for Stewart United Methodist Church where it is said she doesn't simply play the notes, but conveys the message in the music. It is a gift of the heart which cannot be trained into the fingers or learned in theory class. She is a blessing.

When I was young, instead of hearing the Beatles, Cher, Hank or Elvis, I heard Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart, played by ear. I learned how to pick out melodies for myself and took piano lessons at age 5. However, most of you know that my M.O. is adventure...not sitting on the piano bench for hours. I took a guitar lesson too, but it didn't stick, either. I took voice as well, but stage fright is a terrible eater of dreams.

From our living room entertainment center (an old school hi-fi record player) there was the occasional marching band and story teller. I think "John Denver's Greatest Hits" and Souza's "Star and Stripes Forever" were the only albums we had in the house. Oh, how I wanted to be on country roads and hear windsongs. Mostly, I wanted to leave on a jet plane and feel the sunshine on my shoulders.

As a teenager there was rock and roll, but I always stayed true to my classical and folk roots. This is why the Open Mic Nights at THM thrill me so! We are blessed with tremendous local talent. The genres range from Gospel, Blue Grass, Classic Country and even some Rock 'n Roll-Dave Parker style. And who could forget the fabulously talented Nix's; Buffalo's own von Trapp family with their unique sound of music?

This Friday evening, at 6:00pm, is our fourth live music event. Make sure to mark your calendar. It is said that music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life; we could use a break from our routines. My soul is primed and ready to enjoy a little Arty, Glenda and Nick with John Easterling keeping the beat. Perhaps we will have an impromptu performance by some incredibly talented drive-by like last month's Ashley Sheridan. Since I cannot play or sing for an audience I will live vicariously through my musical friends. I hope we get to hear a few "Poems, Prayers and Promises".