Finding a muse

It's not easy to stay inspired, but there's the classical idea of the muse, a person or even mythical creature who might drive us to write verses of poetry. Well, I'm no poet, but there seems to be no shortage of sights or turn of events that can make me want to write.

Last night, while walking my willful Golden Retriever along Washington Street, I noticed that workmen were busy polishing the concrete floor on the new exhibition and event section of the Don Gibson theatre. Knowing they are trying hard to keep to the original schedule for a fall completion and opening, I'm impressed when people work extraordinary hours to make things happen.

It is going to be lots of long hours, by both workers and volunteers, that make the Don Gibson open its doors this fall. That and contributions both large and small will make it possible for us to celebrate the distinctive musical heritage of Shelby and Cleveland County.

But we will need to start celebrating this music in some other places too: Schools where the children learn everything from marching band tunes to symphonic masterpieces for Carnegie Hall. Community buildings, dance halls, playgrounds and fellowship halls all over the county can be producing the next Gibson or Scruggs for a new generation.

We're working up to a summer of Alive After Five concerts, Art of Sound festival performances, and many other things just as the Don Gibson Theatre will be going through final completion. Let's all nurture this creative vein here, be a muse, or just go listen to some music!