Greetings Fellow Mudcateers,

Some of you may not know me, as I've been strangely absent from these parts since I 1.) got a time-consuming JOB and 2.) moved to the country where my internet connection is frustratingly slow. HowEVer, I used to haunt these hallowed threads a bit in a younger day and now I wonder if I could ask your assistance with a magazine article I'm writing and a curiosity I want to satisfy for myself. (yes, I'm STILL working on the damned thing -- actually just now getting back to it, but this time, I'm on deadline),

Here's the question: How has music contributed to, or become, your community? Have you made friends through jamming and singarounds who have become friends in other areas of your life as well, or does the connection remain fairly focused on music only? I know in my case most of my social interactions outside of work end up being with the friends I"ve met through music. But there are also a number of people I see at jams and never see otherwise.

I'm writing about play as one of the important elements to a simpler, more satisfying life, and music being a great form of play and a great way to connect with other people. Do you think any of the lessons you've learned in playing music with other people have carried over into other areas of your life? Have you had any experiences organizing an event or becoming responsible for regular gatherings that have expanded your sense of yourself in relation to others, or expanded your appreciation of other people in all their different sizes, shapes and personalities?

(this has certainly been true for me, both in 3-D musical gatherings and here in the Mudcat... )

What do you think? And ... may I quote you? (You can PM me with your name and city, or email me at racykacy@yahoo.com).

T'anks, and I'll just stand back and listen for a little while ...

Love and Rockets, WW