As luck would have it, two nights later he was playing at a restaurant we wanted to try for dinner in the nearby town of Fish Creek. We struck up a conversation with Matt, learned a bit about him and his family, bought two of his CD's, and sat around an outdoor fire pit while enjoying his music.
Then, in a totally unexpected surprise it happened that he was staying in the same campground we were. So, during our walk the next morning with Bailey, we stopped by his campsite to tell him how much we enjoyed his music and lyrics. I told him his songs remind me of Jimmy Buffett without the booze and drugs!
His songs are uplifting, positive, family-friendly (for the most part!), and filled with messages of living in the moment, positive vibes, sunshine, and family. While listening to his CDs we drove around Wisconsin and then toward home. I thought his approach to life mirrors mine and is worth a post.
Here are a sampling of some of his titles:
Lighten Up
It's About Love
It's Finally Summer
The Time is Now
I Like the Look of Today
The Answer is Faith
Somewhere in the Sun
I Never Took the Time
A Sunny Place
Matt and his family live in Duluth, Minnesota, where warmth and abundant sunshine often don't begin until sometime in July and then end in September. So, I guess it is expected that he sings so much about sunshine and summertime fun. From what I gather he really loves traveling around the area in the summer months, making music, and entertaining folks. He is living his dream and is happy.
Our encounters with Matt, his music, and his warm personality became one of our strongest memories from the vacation. He reminded us of the importance of living a full life each day, doing what we love, thanking God for our blessings, and smiling...always smiling.
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| Matt Wahl at Egg Harbor's Harbor Park |
Thanks, Matt, for the memories and the music.
If you'd like to listen to him, this link will take to his web site for his story and music.
Yeah, we Midwesterners are memorable aren't we. :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, RJ. So is the area you have chosen to live.
DeleteSounds wonderful. Reminds me of one of my favorite tunes, from Bobby McFerrin ... Don't worry, be happy.
ReplyDeleteYes, there is a definite Bobby McFerrin feel to his lyrics.
DeleteBob, I appreciate the balanced approach you have to blogging. When we review the past week and look at what's happened in our world, communities, and families, there's much to be concerned about. On the other hand, we can choose to find something good to think about. No, it's not always easy, but it is possible. Most of us have many reasons to be grateful. Thanks for reminding us of the power of music...looking forward to listening to Matt.
ReplyDeleteThis post is a bit different from the previous one about credit card hackers, isn't it!
DeleteAh..singer/songwriters. My favorite form of entertainment. Just last weekend we went to an outdoor event on a farm in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains. There were multiple singer/songwriters down from Nashville, New York and some local. Superb musicians with all positive music. Toward the end it became more spiritual ending with a slow Sax solo of Amazing Grace.... then stillness and silence. Gave me goose bumps.
ReplyDeleteThere are few things better than well made music, outdoors, while the sun is going down.
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