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One is the Loneliest Number

May 20, 2019 by Jim Potter 10 Comments

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https://jimpotterauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/One-is-the-Loneliest-Number.mp3

· Heroes of Hutch ·

Metropolitan Coffee, 1329 E. 17th Ave, Hutchinson. Photo by Blair Starr.

I’m a writer and I’m used to spending a lot of my time alone, writing. I can’t imagine a group of writers collaborating, but I know it’s done and done well.

I love to get an idea and follow where it leads. Often it will involve reading and research; both of which I do mostly by myself.

Jocelyn Woodson, artist, painting in acrylic. Photo by Blair Starr.

The other night I attended a poetry reading event titled, “Here is my poem: A unique evening of poetry, music, & art.” It was both entertaining and inspiring. Wow! Ten poets read their personal pieces after being introduced by musicians playing drums, bass, and keyboard. During the show, two artists painted an image they had each conjured up of a different poem.

Dave McKane, event organizer and poet. Photo by Blair Star.

The organizer of the event, Dave McKane, remarked in his introduction that he wanted to help create something local where the artists could be heroes for one evening. He definitely accomplished that. https://www.facebook.com/events/1268712323276162/

I remember a song written by Harry Nilsson and made famous by the group Three Dog Night. The title was “One,” but it was known by the opening line, “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do.”

Troy Tolbert, musician, playing bass guitar. Photo by Blair Starr.

The line reminds me how writing can often be a lonely activity but how it’s also vitally important to at least occasionally surface for fresh air, support, and feedback after being submerged in the work.

They’re many essays that discuss how creative artists, especially writers, are often introverts. But loners, even brilliant loners, can face periods of self-doubt and question their work. That’s why it’s so important to have opportunities to share one’s work in a setting conducive to success, not only criticism.

Window to the World. Josh Lightsey, poet, performing on stage. Photo by Blair Starr.

McKane’s community event was successful for many reasons, especially because it was collaborative. He must have thanked at least twenty people for saying “yes” when they could have said “no” during the plotting process. See participants and contributors at this link.

As the planning proceeded, McKane regularly posted a progress report on social media. He requested help and received it. He found eager poets (and maybe one or two who were reluctant). For a few it would be a new experience, publicly sharing their inner thoughts and written words. It would take courage.

There were rehearsals and direction and improvement. Voices got stronger. Statures grew taller. Strangers became friends.

Soon there was even greater unity in the community.

Referred to as programs, each one is a hand-made published collection of poetry. Book binding completed at The Wool Market & DIY School, 420 N. Main Street, Hutchinson. https://thewoolmarket.net

The night of the event was miraculous as the coffeehouse—Metropolitan Coffee—morphed into an auditorium with a portable stage, spotlights, and sound equipment. Hand-made programs included the printed poems and were recognized as first-class published books, a documentation of something special. 

The place was packed, the performers proud. Outside the pouring rain was cold; inside the welcoming energy was bright, the applause authentic, long and loud.

The lights and cameras focused on the Heroes of Hutch.

By intermission some of the heroes were caught off-guard. People were requesting their autographs as proof that they had been there, that they had participated in the immersive event.

Earl Shook, poet, reading his poem, “My Compass.”

When the heroes said good night, the evening’s impact was only beginning. For every written poem, for every musical beat, for every paint brush stroke, our heroes were rewarded with appreciation for being classy artists.

As the crowd departed, it recognized that creative energy expands. Individuals with their own dreams hoped it would encompass them too.

Many singular, even isolated creatives got a taste of one night on stage, of performing before an appreciative audience that responded to real talent.

The old post-World War I song, “How Ya Gonna Keep’em Down on the Farm (After They’ve Seen Paree?),” is relevant to the artists who performed under the lights at Metropolitan Coffee. http://www.metrocoffeehutch.com/ 

The artists returned home, anxious to create more masterpieces to be revealed to the world.

Surely, each one will be inspired by their jolt of stardom on a rainy night in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Until next time, happy writing and reading!

The Kansas Authors Club http://www.kansasauthors.org is a statewide organization that encourages and supports great writing. It’s divided into seven districts. In Hutchinson, Reno County, (part of District 6) we have monthly meetings at Hutchinson Community College. http://www.hutchcc.edu You’re invited. Questions? Contact Jim Potter, jim@copintheclassroom.com

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Blog posts Tagged With: Annika Smith, Blair Star, Dave McKane, Dennis Shea, Earl Shook, First United Methodist Church Hutchinson, Ginger Zyskowski, Here is My Poem, Heroes of Hutch, Jacelyn Chambers, Jeff Sperry, Jim Potter, Jocelyn Woodson, Josh Lightsey, Kansas Authors Club, Kara Gale, Karina Smith, Marshall Mendez, Metropolitan Coffee, Myra Kitson, One is the Loneliest Number, OT Tolbert, PJ Ford, Spencer Smith, The Wool Market & DIY School, Troy Tolbert

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alex Potter says

    May 22, 2019 at 8:19 am

    Sounds like a wonderful evening!

    Reply
    • Jim Potter says

      May 22, 2019 at 8:53 am

      Yes, it was!

      Reply
  2. Nancy Julien Kopp says

    May 22, 2019 at 9:07 am

    What a great evening that must have been. Your commentary here brought out the best of each part of the event.

    Reply
    • Jim Potter says

      May 22, 2019 at 9:30 am

      Nancy, thanks for the comment. Yes, exciting venue. Three of the ten poets who performed are Kansas Authors Club members. And I’m pretty sure at least two others will be new members soon. Jim

      Reply
  3. Rock Neelky says

    May 24, 2019 at 11:20 am

    Fascinating essay here. So wish I could have been there! And yes, you hit on the key question for artists: How many hours of solitude does it cost for the communion of art?

    Reply
    • Jim Potter says

      May 24, 2019 at 11:44 am

      Missed you! If you have any poetry you want to enter in the KAC competition, they are going to have some time set aside for poetry and music during one of the workshop slots at the convention.

      Reply
  4. Veronica Lynn Coons says

    May 26, 2019 at 7:11 am

    Aw! Sounds like an energizing night! Wishing once again. It were possible to be in two places at once!

    Reply
    • Jim Potter says

      May 26, 2019 at 7:15 am

      We missed you, Veronica!

      Reply
  5. Jan Hurst says

    June 16, 2019 at 5:56 am

    What a colorful, inspiring review of the event, Jim! You made me sorry I missed it.

    Reply
    • Jim Potter says

      June 16, 2019 at 6:28 am

      Thanks, Jan!

      Reply

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