We can dance if we want to…

Where I live, summer wafts in on merry waves of music.

It rises like yellow daffodils from parks, bandshells and tavern courtyards.

Summer is a song here in Appleton, and we privileged mortals just have to find a seat somewhere and listen.

Last night, as I sat in a lawn chair and listened to the Appleton City band play, I got to witness, once again, the power of a well-played note.

It draws us up and out of our moods and even, sometimes, our chairs. Live music unites. Watch a large crowd of people who have little else in common and see them nod in unison, or reflexively clap along.

A little girl named Billie danced with her grandma last night as the band played on. My mother tapped her toes.

Life is good when the music plays and it’s all just getting started around here.

There are Concerts in the Courtyard, the Heid Music Series at Jones Park, street musicians, bar bands and, of course, Mile of Music.

We’re so lucky to live in an area that supports live music and breeds talented musicians.

All we have to do is take some time to slow down and listen.

We can even dance if we want to when summer rolls in.