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?

Seth Doud at The Last Turn

Quote of the Day:  Thriller by Michael Jackson
It's close to midnight
Something evil's lurkin'in the dark
Under the moonlight
You see a sight that almost stops your heart
You try to scream
But terror takes the sound before you make it
You start to freeze
As horror looks you right between the eyes
You're paralyzed

'Cause this is thriller
Thriller night
And no one's gonna save you
From the beast about to strike
You know it's thriller
Thriller night
You're fighting for your life
Inside a killer
Thriller tonight, yeah
You're singing it in your head, now, aren't you?

The gal with the blue hat is dressed as a golf bag - hilarious!

My vote for best costume of the night

I was out with the ghosts, ghouls, guys and gals on Saturday night. I went to hear local talent, Seth Doud. The interesting costumed customers were the bonus.

I first heard Seth at the Dreams concert this spring. A completely different venue, the bands were on the biggest stage in our town, each one doing two numbers. Seth was at the end of the show. I sat up from my sleepy seat and paid attention. He came on with such energy that I woke up. His rendition of America gave me chills. He had the same energy at The Last Turn on Saturday, but it was harder to hear him, and concentrate on the music. I think the sound system distorts the vocals - something they could work on.

I was with a nice group in a booth. Here I am with Krista. I grabbed a couple hats on my way out the door and said we were going as Royal Wedding rejects.  We tried to listen to the music and listen for songs that were originals vs. cover songs. In the end, we learned that Seth does mostly his own stuff, and when he sings cover songs, he puts his own style into it so much that it seems like his own.

Like I said, the bar atmosphere doesn't really work for just listening to a performer. It also hinders conversation, so we resorted to old-fashioned texting.

Texting - the old-school way, with paper and pens.

Since we're all middle-aged and hearing and vision challenged, we resorted to writing notes and yelling at each other to communicate. To make it even more difficult, none of us brought our "cheaters" (reading glasses). Naturally, the writer at the table (me) provided the notecards and pen.

They say that The Turn is haunted.

Here's proof of a phantom fan.

Seth's style is soulful. His voice is gravely, at times, and his guitar playing is bold. He has a talent for making it sound like more than one instrument - steel, accoustic, even some rock beats are in there. He said that he loves so many kinds of music and artists and uses parts of all of them in his work. I had one minute to talk to him and off the top of his head he named Bob Dylan and Martin Sexton -R&B, Blues, Rock, as favorites. Oh, ya, I can hear it all. I asked if he had CDs to sell. He did, but I didn't get back to him to see if he had any with him. But, Seth, I'd really like to buy a couple. I love listening to your voice, your guitar, and your style. Click here to read more about Seth Doud and have a listen.

Thanks for the fun night, Seth, Amy (owner of the Last Turn), all you creepy customers, and the spirits that float through the rooms.

He somehow reminded me of Edgar Allen Poe

Every good party needs a pirate.

Outside the Turn

Queen Elizabeth?

Go. Create. Inspire!

And, beware the creepy caped kiddos invading your neighborhoods!

Journaling Prompt:  What's your favorite Halloween costume?