By Chris Duggins

I have spent a majority of my adult life in a fifteen passenger van going from state to state playing country music. I would not trade one thing for my years on the road, nor the hundreds of thousands of miles I drove in that time. Of course there are fond memories of specific shows—it is a truly magical thing to perform for people who actually care about what they are watching. You see, the actual experience is not dependent exclusively on what the performer puts into it. There is an equal amount of importance in how the audience not only receives, but also reacts to the performance. 

Now THAT is something to feel. 

In those moments, the connection is palpable. There is a feeling of unity between everyone. Everyone can feel the subs shake the room. Everyone is in that moment, in those vibrations. In a lot of cases, people come together over one song, or even just a particular line (if you ever want to try this, yell “Sweet Caroline” in any college town dive bar and enjoy the reaction). It is a funny concept that a particular set of frequencies can elicit such a vast array of responses when you put them in a certain sequence and rhythm. 

That is why I love music so much. Music necessitates community, and if you do not believe me, when was the last time you asked yourself, “Man, I’d love to see that one bassist play a two hour solo set.” If you look at the evolution of music, you see that music was originally monotonous drones, often used exclusively for religious worship and contemplation. But, quickly those drones formed into a beautiful polyphony, and these were the first melodies. Slowly, and with infinite points of influence, those melodies turned into folk songs, classical music, jazz, rock and roll, and dub step. This evolution has successfully brought together billions of people over the centuries; gathering to celebrate the music and to experience those few hours together with a host of other like minded people. 

So, music needs other music, just like people need other people. I think that is why I have, and will continue, to pursue the art of music. To know this feeling brings the need to share it, and that is something I am more than willing to take on. I am lucky to have found community in Asheville and Haw Creek Commons. The ability and encouragement to share my passions is staggering, and I am so appreciative for the support I have received so far in this Missional Wisdom project.