I am not a radio… And other performance observations

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.