jnathanhopkins Growing up, I never aimed to be on Broadway. My goal had always been to make a living as a musician, to do well enough to put a couple of kids through college doing what I was born to do. And for a long time I was doing that! I’d carved something out for myself in a notoriously unstable industry, and slowly but surely I was living my life on my terms - playing my instrument, getting paid, and most importantly being myself in front of a crowd. Any recognition on top of that was the cherry on top of a life properly lived.
And then Bandstand came along and rocked my perception of what a gig could be. For the first time in a long time I was pushed to my absolute limit. I witnessed pure genius. I saw total dedication to a craft that I couldn’t believe I was a part of again. I watched dancers move me to tears in ways I can’t describe. I heard and played with musicians at the top of their game. I saw people tackle impossible challenges with gusto, and saw the impossible become possible. I saw a lot of pain, a lot of tears, and a LOT of love. I was exhausted, frazzled, beat up, and so, so happy.
Bandstand has been, without question, the highlight of my career. Not just because the show shines a bright and necessary light on the veteran experience, not just because it defied the odds and made a mark in the busiest season Broadway’s ever had - but because we were able to build it together. Using all of our collective creative energy, we were able to take an original idea and build it into what it is today. And on top of that, I have lifelong friends, brothers and sisters thanks to this show. No matter what I do next, I’ll bring the drive, passion, clarity, focus, and love that they’ve given me over three remarkable years.
Love you all.
Ain’t we proud.
#bandstandbway #onemoretime
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