The Power of Performing

So, what is it about performing? It's undeniably a powerful experience to play something you wrote for others. Will they applaud you or laugh you off the stage? Will you capture their attention or will they drift off? These thoughts definitely raced through my mind before I performed for a group of people for the first time. Performing is very rewarding. I think it's just human nature to need praise. Which kind of begs the question: When we create art or a medium do we do it for others or for ourselves? Are we creating while keeping in mind the end result (who will appreciate it), or keeping in mind our own reciprocity with the medium?

I recently found an article in the Pioneer Press about Leo Kottke who has been performing with the guitar for over 40 years! He started playing the violin at age 5, shortly after--the trombone, but when he was 11 he found the guitar and every other instrument took a back seat. While reminiscing over his last 40 years on stage Kottke says, "So, yes, it is a privilege to still play. There is something very humbling in that for me." Leo Kottke played at the State Theater on November 28th. To read the rest of the article, Click Here.



A very intriguing juxtaposition from Kottke is the band, Total Babe, a Minneapolis group compromised of 16 and 17 year-old's who are just in the early stages of their performance career. They are taking the stage at 7th St. Entry Saturday, Dec. 4. Also performing alongside Total Babe are the Red Pens, Communist Daughter, and Porcupine. Lucky for us, somehow they've managed to squeeze all that musical power into a trivial $6!!!

Total Babe's Myspace