You Gotta Have Art

~ MaryG

In the spirit of trying new things in this new phase of my life (aka Retired Grandma), I performed a full length solo song in a “Café Musicale” fundraiser at my church last night. It was set up like a cabaret with lots of round tables and a decorated central buffet with desserts & apps and twinkling lights and candles. There was a variety of acts, including a couple of bands, duos, trios and two other soloists (one of whom was a professional).

I sang Anthem from the 80s musical Chess. In the show it’s sung by a Soviet chess player who is thinking of defecting. When I heard it recently, it resonated with me in a new way given all that Americans are experiencing with a wannabe dictator in office. I had a fantastic professional accompanist on piano.

I think it went well. I wasn’t overly nervous and I got warm applause and some very heartfelt comments afterwards.

So, as my 60th year is about to wrap up next week, I can truthfully say I’ve already tried some new things in this new decade.

I took watercolor classes and started painting again, successfully performed a solo for a room full of people, and registered for week long Dance Camp.

Oh, and as an update on that art show (where I was disappointed that my painting was hung so high), I found out last night that it was moved and placed at eye level. The organizers apologized for where it was hung originally and said it was one of their favorite pieces in the show! It’s going to travel with the rest of the pieces to a real art museum in October.

Proof of performance. I’m not a professional singer so I’m not going to upload the video of me singing, but it’s a very moving song. You can listen to “Anthem” from the Original 1988 Broadway Cast Album here. The show was recently revived and is currently playing on Broadway.

Undoubtedly the best thing about being 60 has been spending time with my granddaughter. The second best thing has been engaging more in my foundational love of the arts. Painting, singing, dancing and writing this blog have all been so fun and important to me this past year.

As GenXers will remember the old public service announcement: You Gotta Have Art!

19 thoughts on “You Gotta Have Art”

  2. Amen! In my opinion, art, in all its various aspects, makes life worth living. As a species, we have been making art for a very long time, which makes me think it fills a deep need. Keep on singing, painting, and dancing. And, of course, enjoying that darling child.

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  6. That’s great news about your art piece! Personally, I think it should have won. I bet people were asking the staff why such an awesome piece was put in a place where it’s so hard to see. It’s so cool that you’re exploring all different art forms. Well done!

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    1. Thank you! I appreciate your support so much. The arts are a blast, but I’m inspired by your blog to tackle some more serious and substantial reading at some point soon.

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      1. You’re so welcome. I have been trying to get back to learning how to play guitar and keyboard for a long time. I need to push myself this summer and start at least with the keyboard, which is the one that attracts me the most. Thank you for your kind words, Mary. You and others are inspiring me to try new things. That’s the beauty of this community and the support that we give to each other.

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  7. Oh darn, we don’t get the video? 🙂 But I’m so so impressed. You are brave and wonderful! Also, so so glad they moved the painting to the right height. It deserves to be SEEN, as do you. ❤

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