Nothing Beats Live Music
Had a wonderful evening on Saturday. Went with some friends to a bluegrass concert with the local Twin Cities bluegrass band, Monroe Crossing. There has always been something in live music that can't be equaled on CD or tape or TV. Sure they have their place and most of us will never see the BIG names in person, but for energy and just plain fun there's nothing like being there in person.

There are, of course, several reasons for that.

• There's the rapport that can develop between the performers and the audience. I know there are some of the BIG names who don't do much interacting with the audience, but even then in many cases, the very act of performing can make the difference.


• There's the rapport that can develop among the audience members. We can call this community or mob mentality, but it is infectious. Unless one has ice water in their veins it is hard not to get caught up in clapping or dancing.


• There is the energy (vibrations, vibes?) that are present by the very action of making music. Such energy in sound and sight has an impact. The music is more alive than even on a CD. The ambient sound bounces in ways that it doesn't in your living room or in headphones. It is real. I will never forget, for example, the first time I heard a symphony orchestra with strings and all, in person. I had heard the sound hundreds of times from records (in those days) but the live sound was indescribable, and still is, in comparison to the recorded one.

It is no wonder that music has often been at the center of controversy whether in the church or society as a whole. It has soul-power, no matter what the music. It has the ability to move one's thinking and feeling- no matter what the music. Last year there was a white supremacist group that was handing out free CDs of one of their bands as a recruiting tool. They know the power of music.

Which can bring with it a certain amount of responsibility to the performers in relation to their audiences. Music is and should be a reflection of the people who listen to it- of their lives and fears and excitements and joys and sadnesses. But it can also move us into different places than we were at before we listened. At times that may be nothing more than a simple appreciation of the art and craft of music. At others, for good or ill, it can change our lives.

Let us never forget the power that music can put into our hands.

Let's Not Forget the Grammys
Sometimes good, sometimes a little much. This year seemed to have a real sense of life. The opening had power, but the highlight for me was the "church" medley ending with Kanye West's powerful rap on Jesus. The world really is changing. I wish I knew what it all meant. Whatever, it was one of the classic Grammy awards shows.