Building Community

Quote of the Day:  What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured. ~ Kurt Vonnegut 
The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers & cities; but to know someone who thinks & feels with us, & who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden. ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
quotes found at Goodreads quotes. They had many great ones on community.

Here's how some of the creative folks are working together to build community here in the Brainerd lakes area of Minnesota. Matt Taylor (in the white) and Phil Holbrook (not pictured) opened The Sunshine Kitchen & Moonshine Lounge. (love the name)

Seth Doud, local singer-songwriter performed last weekend. He invited his friend, Suzy Cavalier, to open for him.

The bonus was that it was her birthday, so we all got to celebrate.

She did not share her cake with us. But, she did give us the gift of her music, and it was wonderful. I mentioned these two on my blogspot on The Brainerd Dispatch. I also alerted readers to all the wonderful entertainment offerings in the area in the coming month and mentioned that my friend Jim Olsen and his band, the Stardust Trio, would be at the Moonshine Lounge this weekend. Jim wrote on his facebook status:  It's been a GREAT NIGHT! The Stardust Trio had it's first gig at Sunshine Kitchen / Moonshine Lounge, and, if I must say so myself, it went very well. My friend, Dick, is, without a doubt, the best guitarist I've ever had the honor to share a stage with. He was more than outstanding tonite!....and I was very pleased the crowd, which was a younger audience, really appreciated his playing.

This is just one of many ways that I've seen artists in the area singing each other's praises. If we all go out and support each other, what a fine creative community we will enjoy.

The Sunshine Kitchen & Moonshine Lounge tells us to:

And, as I always say: Go. Create. Inspire!

And, support your local artists!

Journaling Prompt:  What are some of your favorite local hangouts? What local groups or artists do you like to see and hear in your area?