I wonder why it is that we find it so important to be a part of a community. It's probably something instinctual… being part of the herd. Whatever the reason, I find myself daily looking at new ways to promote my own tribe, which is one part Celtic culture and the other part Geek.
And yet I'm forever outside. Whenever I find the doors open to a group, I quietly step back and move on. I love promoting communities. But I'm not great at being an active part in them.
I recorded Not Every Day Is St. Patrick's Day and Scottish Songs of Drinking & Rebellion for that same reason. I am dedicated to promoting my cultural heritage. That's what those albums are all about, the promotion and preservation of my Celtic culture. Though it is a little greater than that…
There are countless Celtic music groups around the world who are creating brilliant, innovative music. They are ignored by the mainstream Celtic music lovers, who mostly long for jigs and reels. I understand, it's why I think The Tea Merchants' new album Gaslight Snaps totally kicks butt. It's filled with rockin' tunes which touch on both the old and the new of Celtic music.
It is my own feeling of nonacceptance of playing an autoharp in a Celtic music world that doesn't handle change well. That's why I enjoy fighting for the underdog. I couldn't get album reviews or any attention at all when I first started publishing albums. I don't want other bands to suffer the same challenges that I did. Which is in itself quite absurd since it is those challenges that drove me to the success I have.
Yet, I still reach out to help that community, searching for one to call home. I wish there was a Celtic Geek community that I could put all my energy. There is the Facebook group I created. But movements can only be made my a community of like-minded people. I love the idea, but until others start dancing along, this will remain a dream. Much like my vision for CelticCon. That's an even better example, because I know I can't create a Con alone.
Though again, when I think of it, nothing I have done was created in a blackhole. It all required input from fans and friends… my community, my tribe.
Who's in your community?
What do you stand for?
