Heather Stearns: a modern bard

I have debated long and hard about posting this. I do not wish to offend anyone, but I would like to share with you a few personal observations regarding audience etiquette…

THE RADIO:

• Plays constantly
• Can be turned off and on at will
• Inanimate
• Has no capacity for higher thought or feeling
• Is entertaining… Sometimes
• Can be stuffed in a closet
• Only talks about news, politics, and current events
• Is free
• Is courageous only in the face of a power surge

THE MUSICIAN:

• Plays constantly
• Turns on and off at their own will
• Living, breathing, animate object
• Cares what you think and has emotions
• Works hard to be entertaining
• Deserves respect
• Loves to talk to you about music, or other things you may have in common
• Is paid… Sometimes
• Is courageous in offering a part of their soul with every song

Musicianing is hard work. It’s an art that takes countless hours of preparation for only a few hours of entertainment. At the base of it, it makes my day to see you relax and take solace in my music after a mind-numbing day. I don’t care if I’m the main attraction, so long as somebody connects, feels, understands. I’m more infamous than famous, and this little dive is not Carnegie Hall. I know that. It’s painfully obvious whenever I glance at the tip jar…

But regardless, these are my few hours, and I want to share them with you. Consider it a date of sorts, if you will. Would you shoot your date a dirty glance for wanting to converse with you, face-to-face? Is a cell phone shouting match with your mother that important? Does hanging onto the miserable events of a miserable day help you in any way?

Let me play for you. Let me see if I can make you smile, forget your cares for a while. Let me try to show you that I get it, that I’ve been there, too. Let me give you my undivided attention. Let me in, just for a little while.

Give me a chance. That’s all I ask. And if you find a little peace while you’re in my care, let me know, even if all it is is a smile and nod as you leave.

I am not a radio. I’m a human being.