by Peter Banker

FATE

I’m unclear on the concept of fate of late and have only recently put it into question because of the drive I have to be the best musician I can be in the time that I have left. It’s come upon me late in my life, for certain. Those youngsters who sit in their bedrooms and play their instruments until their hands bleed, who–seemingly wayward–defy all societal and parental expectations and run toward the music—they are more brave—even smarter than many give them credit for. I’ve come to know that it’s not about becoming a rock star, but rather it’s just about improving; it’s about reaching into the music in an attempt to draw forth a temporary little piece of magic and, for me, it’s also in the collaboration that I share with Wendy in making songs come alive for an audience, big or small…..or even none at all, to be truthful.

THE GENERAL STORE, THE OPEN MIC, THE EMERGING ARTIST SERIES

A very good friend of the band, Donnie Phillips, recently put us in touch with Scott Hayward, the owner of the General Store in Harvard who, through conversation, is generously allowing for Wendy and I to run an open mic which will start in the next months. Prior to that monthly event, we are intending to run an EMERGING ARTIST SERIES, which will begin on Saturday, April 30th. This event will feature 3-4 acoustic groups who are trying to break in—not into the profession necessarily—but rather are ready and rehearsed to play and have engaging music they’d like to share.

WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME, WENDY DARLING AND THE LOST BOY?

We’d like your support on Saturday, April 30th at 7:00 p.m. Firstly, we’d like to show the General Store that the community would support an event like the Emerging Artist Series and then the open mic. For short money in an admission fee and in taking advantage of the good food and drink at the General Store, you can have a Saturday night of good music, good chatter and—a great scene. Secondly, if you feel as though you or someone you know fall into the category of an Emerging Artist (like Wendy and I do, for example), come forth and make a case for it and we’d love to hear you out and then give you a spot in the show. And do not fear it. That drive toward music I talked about earlier? I had it as a youngster and it was only fear that took me out of the practice room where I belonged and into a world of toil that I’ve never loved nearly as much. Please come on the 30th. It’d be great to play for you and to get this thing rolling in a venue that feels like a gift.