Matt Wessel Music

mattwesselmusic.com

A lot of people have been asking me about whether or not I've decided to make this Concert For Life my last one. The short answer is no. And I think I'd like to keep it at a fairly short answer, but I'm going to expand a little more ...

I'm incredibly excited about this year's show. Almost more than any other year, I'm craving the excitement, the buzz, the anticipation, the community -- everything that makes that day the wonderful day that it is. I'm already picking out songs for the playlist and trying to think of a few new ideas to bring to the performance. FBLA is in full force, too. Tickets are ordered (they go on sale soon!), the program is being written and - most importantly - donations and raffle items are being solicited. It's a wonderful time of the year for me and for everyone involved in the CFL and I'm so honored to be a part of it.

I've asked a lot of people for their opinions on the future of the CFL in Gurnee. I've always felt that any decision I make as to my future with the show - even though it's "my decision" - has to be made in consultation with others. Katie, my family, my friends, the Pedersen's, FBLA, St. Paul's, etc. Everyone I talked to basically has said the same thing, but with their own individual words of wisdom that will always stick with me. But the main points were: most people would probably love for the show to never end; the show probably would never be the same without me and my musicians at the helm; it's okay if you want to stop (no one will be upset); and it's okay to not know if you want to end it a year in advance.

So you know what? We're going to put on an awesome show this year and if someone asks me if we're going to come back in 2011, my response will likely be, "I think so, as long as FBLA wants us back." The show doesn't need to end because of it's at the magic 10-year mark. And it doesn't need to end because I'm in my upper 20's. One day it will be obvious to me and to everyone else that "it's just time." When that time comes, I think the show will come to a graceful, meaningful end and life will continue. I'm going to stop trying to find that moment in time and just wait for that moment to find me.

At last year's show I mentioned that this year might be my final year because it was how I felt at the time. My life was moving in exciting new directions (and certainly has continued to do so since last March) and I wanted to be honest with the audience. But now that it's a year later and I've had the chance to have wonderful conversations with many different people about the CFL, I feel as comfortable about it's future as I ever have. Again, I have no idea what that future holds, but I'm happy with not knowing. I'm happy to just enjoy the ride like everyone else.

If you have any additional thoughts, I'd love to hear them. You can always e-mail me at matt@mattwesselmusic.com.

Thanks for reading and for understanding.

See you in March!

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JANUARY 22, 2010