From the Hip: Time for inspiration

Mother’s Day weekend I traveled to Nashville to visit my son Garry, his fiancé Mirthe (Meur-tah) and meet her parents.

Nashville is a music lover’s paradise. On Broadway there is live music in every bar almost any time of the day. On the sidewalks, musicians are busking. Visitors are surrounded by talent.

I stayed at the hostel Garry is working for.

For those of you who have not stayed in a hostel, it is a unique experience. You meet a lot of people. Your neighbors become quick friends.

At the hostel in Nashville, there is another bond that ties the people who stay there. The music.

Many of the people who arrive at the hostel have a guitar case on their back. Others have banjos, mandolins or some other stringed instrument.

Sunday night, the moms who were visiting their kids got a special treat. The employees of the hostel hosted an open mic which featured many of the guests.

The talent shared that night was amazing. Each person had their own voice, their own genre and shared the music and lyrics they had written.

Some were humorous, some opened their souls.

The musicians were from all over the world, England, Nederland, Wales, Australia and, of course, different states from around America.

I was in a melting pot of languages, accents and talent. Several musicians performed Sunday night and they were all very talented. We had a glimpse into their musical gifts.

I can’t imagine any musician returning from Nashville without being inspired.

In the Platte Valley, the summer months bring in all kinds of music and art, many who have performed in Nashville.

As Saratoga kicks off the summer season, organizations and businesses are planning concerts, art shows and all kinds of entertainment.

We have more than 140 artists living in this Valley. Musicians, visual artists, performers and cowboy poets. Many will be sharing their talents throughout the summer.

In this week’s edition, you will find the Saratoga Sun’s Platte Valley Adventure Guide, which has a list of events taking place this summer.

You can also subscribe online at saratogasun.com and keep up with what is going in the Valley every week.

I can’t imagine you leaving Saratoga without being inspired too.