One Magical Evening

     It was a magical evening.
From the warm, incandescent light washing the back yard in a golden glow, to the gathering of 50 or so friends over hot apple cider and laughter, Oct. 9, 2016 was a top 10 day.
     As the sun set, a mixture of Ethan's high school friends, neighbors, church family and our own friends, new and old, pulled up camp chairs and lawn seats and directed their attention toward the light. There, in front of MawMaw's swing, an Ivory soapbox, hay bales, pumpkins and a cardboard Elvis, the music started. A simple guitar and a single voice, instantly mesmerizing, beautiful and intelligent. Jack Van Cleaf.
     There were whispers in the crowd, a Bob Dylan reference, a cooing baby and, everywhere, thankful smiles for the pure, resonant voice.
     Ben Thomas, O'l Ben, his buddies call him, followed with earnest melodies that indicate wisdom and craft. Then Thatcher, a duo performing quirky, insightful tunes, a little playful and a little mournful. Gigi Hull's voice is light, but not airy, a red maple leaf carried on a breeze. And Hunt Pennington's support on six strings, morphed by pedals and electricity, added vibe and character.
     Maxx Marshall, Ethan's roommate at Belmont University last year, added his high-pitched, ethereal poetry. One of the highlights of the day was the gift of watching his parents, who drove from Tallahassee, watch and listen to their son. Their faces were washed in the same warm glow as the performers, but I'm certain they would have radiated light, regardless, and for good reason. Maxx's lanky frame fits his voice. He stands tall, and so does his music.
     The evening ended with my boy and a little nervous banter until his knowing fingers began to strum the acoustic rhythm of "Little Virginia." I leaned in. How brave to let other's hear, most for the first time, the gift he had long kept secret. I looked ahead and saw Mark Taylor, the man who taught him his first guitar chords, drinking it in, right along with me. He's good, y'all. Really good. I looked around and realized that, once again, the great I Am had answered the prayers I did not even know I had prayed.
     This could have been at my Aunt Connie's Christmastime gathering, where my dad entertained his siblings and their spouses. How his Papa, my dad, Mimi, my mom, and my wife's mom, MawMaw, would have relished this moment. But there was no sadness, just joy and gratitude.
     This life has not turned out as I imagined it years ago. There would have been more money and less regret. The house would have more character, and the lawn would be lush. I would be taller, more fit and writing novels, but I didn't know then to envision this...perfection: A cool, evening, the warmth of light and friendship and the music of my boy and his friends, strong and beautiful and blessed.

Epilogue

All of these young artists have music you can download from various streaming media sources. Look them up on Soundcloud, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. Here are links to Ethan Fortenberry / ethansroom music:
Soundcloud
Spotify
Noisetrade
iTunes
Google Play
Amazon