Calliope Musicals performs at the most recent Soul of a Musician Series (Credit: Allen Keith)
Guest article by Angela Bowers
Austin, widely known as the Live Music Capital of the World, hosts a variety of musicians. From every genre and locations around the world, musicians come to Austin for the love of music, our eclectic community and a supportive environment for artists. Within that setting, Soul of a Musician Series originated out of a desire to meet the spiritual needs of the city’s musicians.
Free Soul of a Musician Concerts Foster Intimate Connection
The series founder, Reverend Merrill Wade, had a “spiritual awakening” after a 25-year hiatus from listening to music. This awakening brought him back to enjoying music and stirred a desire in him to care for the musicians of Austin.
As an Episcopal priest, Rev. Wade knew he had broad opportunities to meet new people, specifically musicians in the city. As he began Soul of a Musician Series, he invited these artists to share their songs and the inspiration behind them with a caring and interested audience.
Community members and Austin musicians come together on Sunday evenings at Iron Cactus on Stonelake Boulevard, enabling families, touring artists and the community at large to avoid the hassle of traffic and parking downtown on the weekend. Since the concerts are free of charge, everyone is enabled to support and hear the hearts of Austin’s musical artists.
Calliope Musicals Share Their Story
Rev. Merrill Wade facilitates a question and answer time between Calliope Musicals and the audience (Credit: Allen Keith)
I experienced Soul of a Musician Series on Sunday, May 15, when Calliope Musicals played and shared their stories. Audience members were provided with a lyric sheet, which enabled us to follow along with the songs. This particularly came in handy during the interview portion of the concert.
After a few songs, Rev. Wade interviewed the band members about their music and opened the floor to questions from the audience. This unique time allowed the artists to share the experiences behind their music in an impromptu, genuine fashion, providing a real-time connection between fans and the musicians.
The audience had the chance to learn about the thought process behind the music, and the musicians had the opportunity to hear from their listeners. As the concert continued, the intimate setting created a dynamic and supportive connection between audience and musicians, unique to this series and unlike any other concert I’ve been to.
Attend Soul of a Musician Series
This non-profit series flourishes in Austin, and Rev. Wade plans to keep it alive. Musicians love the support, interest and encouragement they receive from the audience, while concert-goers enjoy the opportunity to connect with and learn more about musicians in a first-hand, unique setting unlike any other.
The Spring 2016 series runs until June 19, 2016. All shows begin at 6:30 p.m. on Sundays at Iron Cactus (10001 Stonelake Blvd.). Access information on the remaining shows this season on the event web page.
@theAustinot wants to know:
In your opinion, what is the most intimate performance venue in Austin?
Angela Bowers is an event planner, native Texan and lifelong Longhorn. She enjoys writing, listening to podcasts, playing with her dog and hiking in her spare time. Connect with Angela on Twitter.
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