What-If?

As I sit here watching one of my favorite bands perform an intimate show on one of my favorite TV networks, I can't help but wonder "what-if?" What-if Sony took a chance on Floor 34 (my high school band), what-if I took a year off from college to attempt to make music "work," what-if social media existed when the only career option was "Rock-Star?"

Floor 34 in 2001

With Mumford & Sons performing on Palladia, I can only imagine what it feels like to be in a band that has achieved such mainstream success. Is life easy for Marcus Mumford? Does he enjoy taking the stage in a different city every night, waking up in a new hotel bed every morning, having his picture taken everywhere he goes and constantly being harassed for autographs by raving fans? Is this the life I'd want to live today?

The irony is, I'd always imagined achieving much larger commercial success than Marcus Mumford (dream big, right?) in an era where music was purchased, not stolen. Voices weren't auto-tuned, and perfection; well that was unattainable. But as more time passes, and our now digital world continues to evolve, the more I am grateful that my what-ifs never became a reality. That I woke up to get an education AND to have jam sessions, not just the latter.

I frequently attend a local concert in Hoboken, NJ that happens quarterly, and is produced by an old friend in the "industry" who I'll support until he calls it quits. Over the last three years I've seen ten or so shows, with each show having an average of four bands. They'd call themselves regional touring acts if you asked a band member, but I'd call said groups weekend warriors. Out of the forty bands I've watched perform at an establishment which has seen an ample amount of "popular" bands grace its stage, not one of the bands I've seen perform has "made-it" or even come close for that matter.

There are thousands of bands out there, each comprising of several members who all share the same goal; they all want to "make-IT." Sadly, most of them won't even make enough money to pay for gas and food on the lonely road. I'm just happy I quickly learned there are lots of ways to make-it in this world, and if I never do, well at least I'll always be able to pay the bills. As for my what-if moment, I still want to be a rock-star...a rock-star entrepreneur. You'll know when I "make-it."

"But my heart told my head, this time no" - Marcus Mumford


For those interested in watching live video footage of Floor 34's Piano Song, enjoy below:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=771677549854

I Was Born a Family Man

For a guy who's spent weeks on the road through work and travels, I must say, this past June may have been the most interesting and draining month of my life. I was successfully able to take advantage of almost all my passions in just 4 weeks, which at points, felt like 4 years, and at other times felt like 4 days.

But the real reason I've decided to write today is to remind myself of the most important lesson I learned during an action packed month. My Grandfather, Sam Smith, turned 90 on July 2. I've been incredibly lucky to share almost 1/3 of those years with him; something I am very grateful for. For Gramps' 90th, my family threw him a birthday party that all involved will remember forever! No matter where my work, travels or dreams take me, there's nothing better than family!

Seeing the look on my Grandfather's face when he walked into that room in the back of a lovely Italian Restaurant in South Florida brought tears to everyone in attendance's eyes. When he saw his 4 children, 6 of 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and all the spouses, girlfriends and boyfriends who made the trip to Boynton Beach, he had a look on his face that his life was complete...He had done everything right. He had one, big, happy, loving family, in addition to some wonderful friends, who all had such incredible things to say about my Grandpa.

 

We took a few minutes to allow the members of my family to share their fondest memories. Gramps, as witty as ever at 90 years young, sat in a chair in front of the room, and showcased perfect timing when it came to his rebuttals. Some speeches were comical (My Dad & I), others were serious (My Dad's twin), but all of the shared words were loving and from the heart. In that moment in time, nothing else mattered. I was with my family, and I couldn't be happier...

Over the next few days, weeks, months, years... I'll be contributing to my blog "A Journey That Rocks" which will deliver engaging stories with regards to my interests. Being that family is #1 to me, there was no better place to start. Whether you're interested in social media, sports, traveling, music, tech, poker, business or more, there will be a story for you.

I'd love to hear your thoughts as the wheels keep turning.

Quote of the day: "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson