It’s a strange thing when one starts contemplating legacy. What you will leave behind to be remembered by, and what is even worth remembering. In the decades and millenniums to come, what will they find that will tell the stories that are happening now? What is it that creates the need to worry of it? It never dawned on me that I would ever reach that point, in the midst of the mire and journey, that I would begin to look back not on the trauma I have survived, but on the lessons I have learned. On Jan 29th, 2010, a milestone in my music career was made. But that milestone was made not by myself alone, but by the friends, fans, and supporters that believed enough in me to speak out and get me to the mountain. That high plain was 102.5 KZOK, on the Bob Rivers Show. I knew that day, that it was up to me to prove why I had been chosen to perform that day in studio in Seattle Wa. I have been performing on a professional level for going on 7 years now, and this was the day that every long term performer gets, that make it or break it moment, and Bob and crew weren’t going to just give it to me, I had to earn it. The funny thing is, they allowed me the room to do just that. As I entered the booth to set up, I felt as though I were an alley cat, and they were the humans watching from afar, wondering if I were approachable, and if I would scurry off, afraid and weary of the opportunity, but I knew my goal, and it wasn’t to impress, but to digest. I was taking it all in, reading the movements of these seasoned pros, listening to the banter and feeling the heat in my hands. As Bob began to speak to me, I listened with respect and care, not to miss anything, but it was one thing he said in jest, that at the time, I had no idea how prolific it would be. He said, and I quote...”Early on you’ll take anything...eventually you’ll snub us...”. We all laughed, but I made a promise that day that I would not forget my roots, and because of Bob Rivers and crew, I have been afforded many more opportunities. One in particular is Oct 28th 2010, at the King Kat Theatre. Hosted by Ted Walker, I intend to keep that promise, and will honor Bob and his crew by performing. Normally I do as much as I can to impart what I know about my own life, in hopes that it will touch another’s journey. So I will say this, as you watch the road before you, never forget who gave you the fuel to keep going, and always remember that what you build in life requires more than one material. In laymen's terms, I may have written the songs, but it takes people like you, the fans, you the friends, and especially you, the ones who can give us as musicians and artists the opportunity to continue doing what we do naturally. In doing that, we are all artists in our own way. So Bob and crew, if I haven’t already said it enough, I thank you, and honor your service to Seattle, Washington state, and my own career as well, and no, I will never snub you, there will always be music to write, and an outlet needed to let it play, for that I am eternally grateful and thank you for being a part of my own legacy, see you at the King Kat.
TS