Milton Baker had played a marathon stretch of shows. Nine nights in a row, to be exact.
His tenth show was held at a local winery during the afternoon. There was something rejuvenating about not playing in another crowded bar that stunk of stale beer. The summer air felt as gentle and playful as his set, or at least he thought. Milton played some Tom Petty covers, a handful of originals, and a scattering of Beach Boys.
Business was steady at the winery, but for once Milton didn’t care if anyone was paying him any attention. He just surged on, sipping on a cold glass of Riesling between songs, strumming and plucking his way through the set. He was dead tired and had a bit of a headache, but the warmth of the sun and the positive atmosphere brought him a sense of peace he hadn’t felt in a long time.
For a stretch of five or six songs, he forgot that he was playing in front of others. Milton simply played and sang for no other audience than himself.
As one family stood to leave, the smallest boy in their group approached Milton. He clutched a five-dollar bill in his hand. “You sounded real good, mister,” he said.
“Thank you so much, buddy,” Milton replied as he took the bill. But then he thought about it. “Hey,” he said, holding the bill out for the boy. “Why don’t you go buy yourself something nice?”
The boy turned and ran back to his family. “Nah, that’s for you. Thanks for the music!” Even his parents smiled and waved as they walked away.
Something inside Milton opened up and flowed through him, an unexplainable warmth that filled him with a sense of reassurance and gratitude. Maybe he was right where he was supposed to be — playing music for others. Bringing joy.
As he held the money in his hand, he thought, This might be the best five bucks I’ve ever made.
Thank you so much for being here and for reading my stories. However you choose to spend it, I hope you have a happy Fourth of July and an even better week.
See you Friday!
People don't readily know how hard it is to be a "background musician", the "ambience guitar" , the "invisible" player who sets a mood. You pour your heart out, few people pay attention, no one applauds. It messes with the ego. His delight sure wasn't about the tip, it was about being heard and acknowledged. Nice story, Justin. I like these short pieces so much. Sharron at LEAVES
This made me excited to get back into creating again. When I come back out of the zone after a creative session, I always feel the same way as Milton--this is right where I need to be.