Raise Your Voice!
The first time someone put a microphone in front me, I gulped nervously and stammered out those oh so familiar words: "Um...check, check one, check, check...Can you hear me?" I was dismayed at how little protection that skinny metal pole offered, humbled that I could speak something that others would want to hear, sick with the excitement and fear roiling through my psyche, and surprised that I was still on my feet. I had seen countless others stand before a crowd and share words, music, and humor and they had made it seem so easy. Later I would learn that public speaking outranks death on the list of things that people fear, and I knew that despite how easy it looked for everyone else, my stammering, shaking, butterflies-in-the-stomach-self was in good company.
It is the company of all those people, past and present, who have heeded the call to Raise Your Voice. People who have believed in themselves enough to stand up and speak, to sing as if everyone was listening, and to share their gifts with the community around them. In today's world of high-speed, hi-tech, digital multi-media, and social networking, to Raise Your Voice no longer requires large sums of money, vast talent, or a local audience. If you've spent any time on YouTube, you know that it doesn't even require anything interesting to say. In today's world, anyone can speak their mind...even if their voice shakes.
One of the things I love about Lakewood is that if you are willing to share your gift, you are likely to find someone who will appreciate it. The Root Cafe, the Beck Cafe, and the Winchester each host open mic nights for musicians and/or poets. Bela Dubby coffee shop on Madison hosts an open mic comedy night, an open improv evening, and is a venue for many experimental noise musicians and other uniquely fabulous creators. Many of our local boutiques, cafes, and store-fronts will display the work of artists from our community and, throughout the summer, a wide array of festivals and community events provide opportunities for you to enjoy the talents and gifts of your neighbors and to share your own. Last, but not least, the Lakewood Observer will publish news stories, photographs, poetry, and art.
The only thing that remains to be overcome is the fear of standing in front of a crowd affirming that we do in fact have something to share. I believe that we all have something to share and, even more importantly, I believe that everyone should take the opportunity to "stand in front of the mic", whether metaphorically or literally. Your talent might be verbal, visual, physical, or musical. You might have a talent for teaching, listening, baking, or sewing. Whatever your talent, find a place to share it with others. Raise Your Voice and encourage those around you to do the same.
As the summer approaches and the color returns after a cold and gray winter hiatus, it is a perfect time to add your own color to the mix. On June 5, 2010 the Phoenix Project is hosting a performance festival to showcase the blooming talent in the Lakewood community. We will feature performers of all talents and varieties. We invite you to join us: bring your music, your poetry, your dancing shoes, your special cookies–bring your story and share it with us. Bring yourself and Raise Your Voice.
Meredith White-Zeager is the Pastor of the Phoenix Project, a Presbyterian new church development in Lakewood. The performance festival will be held June 5 from 5-9pm at 13351 Madison Avenue. Please call Meredith at 216-906-3026 for more information or if you would like to participate.