music in familiar spaces

For the last couple of months we've been inviting a select group of musicians - some of the leaders in the field - to join the MFS Artist Collective. These musicians are each committed to carrying on the mission of Music in Familiar Spaces: to create opportunities for people of all backgrounds to engage with and enjoy classical music at its highest level. We're truly honored to have such talented, hardworking and exceptional artists joining us.

It's hard to believe that it's been three months since our last blog post. We are slowly adjusting to life in one place and beginning to process some of the experiences from last year. After taking two months off from organizing concerts, this last week we had two Bach & Beer shows in the area. It was a bit strange to load up all of the gear and drive over to the venue - it felt almost normal and yet from a very different time in our lives. The two concerts were exactly what we could have hoped for, and a great reminder of the value in Music in Familiar Spaces. That's why we're so excited that Music in Familiar Spaces is not stopping!

We have spent the last 13 months travelling North America, living in less than 100 square feet, giving concerts in 30 different states, and sharing music with thousands of people. We had our last concert three weeks ago. It’s hard to believe we’re finished. We’re finished, absolutely, but I don’t think that the experiences we had this year are not finished with us. They’re not finished shaping and stretching, challenging and teaching me and Steuart. Hopefully the music we shared and the conversations the concerts inspired are not finished with the people we encountered either.

Last week we celebrated 365 days on the road. One year of constant travel, spent living in our 19-foot trailer from the 50’s, driving all across North America. We marked the occasion with a picnic dinner on top of a mountain. 

What this year and this project really comes down to is human connection. The whole impetus for Music in Familiar Spaces was a desire for greater human connection, first with one another as husband and wife, and second with the people with whom we share music. I think we've all had this conversation: “the internet, social media, TV – they’re replacing real human relationships. People are turning more and more inward, unable (unwilling?) to give what is necessary for a true friendship to flourish.”