Growing up as an artsy kid, for as long as I can remember, I have always found a sincere fascination by the artistic zone that musicians, artists and even scientists share. That space between thoughts that brings us ideas and visions and songs…it’s magical. It move mountains and shapes memories. We should all listen to the inspiration that comes to you and stop worrying about the next 10 steps.
Focus on how you can contribute with your work or your job or your family in the most pure and loving way possible. Everything else will fall into place. Be a clear receiver for the goodness surrounding us and amplify it to as many people around you.
Anyone that personally knows me, knows how I wear my heart on my sleeve. I sometimes get overwhelmed by feelings of gratitude , inspiration, friendship and human potential. I’ve never been so good at the whole “being cool” thing, I prefer being comfortable to just be me, corny jokes, lots of hugs, praise and finding fascination in the small things.
Becoming a parent and having the opportunity to achieve my dream career as an artist has helped me be more present than ever before. None of these roles are easy but they happen with ease when approached with heart and soul. This past week was the perfect example of this.
I had recently connected personally with Stefan Lessard, the bassist for Dave Matthews Band. We share a mutual respect of what each other create and he was kind enough to invite us to some shows as his guest. Â After almost 20 years of going to DMB shows with my little brother Eric , I got to share another evening of music with him and my beautiful wife Chelsea and friends on June 10th with backstage privileges that my younger self may not have believed.
The passion that is behind the music keeps it fresh and inspiring. Each show feels like the first one. I am so blessed that my dedicated pursuit as an artist manifests other like-minded souls around me. It makes our mutual path of creatively & contribution that much more fulfilling. This music has carried me through so many phases of life , played in the background as I painted and inspired me to learn guitar during college.
A few days after this show Stefan invited us back for dinner. I brought my baby daughter Summer Emerson and wife Chelsea. It was Friday the 13th, 2014, a full moon as well. Â The weather was stormy but it cleared up as we got there. Summer made a grand entrance as we met backstage with a loud baby cry that turned heads. She’s quite good at making first impressions. It was a very enjoyable dinner conversation with a new friend and so nice to be able to connect.
It was Summer’s first concert ever, Â which seemed appropriate for a child of mine. Â She had bright pink ear-protecting headphones that we borrowed from the band and she was creating smiles on everyone we walked past with her cuteness. Despite our great seats, we walked back to the grass section and danced around with her for a bit during the opening acoustic set.
I had my little tiny pocket sketch book with me at the June 13th show. During some of the songs, I felt so inspired that I had to capture it artistically. Here’s some of the quick sketches I made.
Please seek opportunities to share what you do with others and help people around you become their best.  No matter what our jobs are or levels of  perceived success, We are all branches of the same tree… Shade and support each other and enjoy the magic moments that happen everyday.
“Turns out not where, but who you’re with that really matters” – DMB
