My first real concert was Van Halen, and it was one of the most ethereal experiences in my entire life. Hearing anthemic songs such as Jump, Panama, and I Can’t Drive 55 only took me further down the rabbit hole of the 80’s glam rock. Easily the greatest era of rock and roll, the 80’s formed my childhood and teenage years. Iconic guitar riffs, solos, and drum beats changed music forever…for the better that day. 🙂

It’s important to give to the arts community because it’s the fabric of society. Without song, dance, art, theater, and movement (among others) our world would be painfully dim. We would miss the essence of the human spirit and experience. No matter what genre or form, the arts affect and shape our lives. From battle cries to rally one last stand for freedom, to an inspiring riff that spawned Eddie Van Halen’s career, to a simple groove that a future hip hop dancer wiggles to, it’s all the same; the arts are the rudiments of life. Now more than ever, it’s important to donate time, money, and effort to protecting, growing, and funding the arts in our country and city.

My first truly transformative musical experience was improvising for the first time.  Before that day, music was about playing something that somebody else had created: I played only what was written on the page, gleaning creative cues only from the conductor’s input or from my 15 years of shy-kid life experiences.

The featured trumpet soloist at a jazz band dress rehearsal wasn’t able to attend the rehearsal that day.  As the big solo approached, the band director pointed at me and said “Play, Brian!”  I started playing, but it was like jumping off a cliff.  I had no clue what I was doing, and I’m sure my performance was mediocre at best.  But I was creating music absolutely in the moment, surrounded and uplifted by the musical energy of my good friends.  From that point forward, I sought out as many opportunities as I could to relive that feeling, of active and collaborative creativity with like-minded friends.

Giving to our creative community is essential.  The arts are what make us human, binding us together in ways that transcend age, color, creed and lifestyle.  Creating allows us to not only express our humanity as individuals, but also join in a community of real support and camaraderie.  I have seen first-hand how arts and music can transform lives, and keep kids, who might otherwise just “check out,” motivated to excel and reach their true potential.  The arts and music call us to stretch ourselves to be better individuals and to create truly meaningful and positive relationships.