Who knew I would ever quote a P.O.D. song?  Last night was a very interesting night.  As many of you may or may not know, I have been playing music for people for a long time.  I like to say I started in the Theta Chi Basement in college, but truth be told I played my first record at Terre Haute Skateworld in the 80′s.  I remember a guy named Neil took me under his wing, and showed me how to spin a record.  I think I loved it from that moment!  There were only so many times I could speed skate around the rink, and talk to cute girls.  A man had to figure out how to make his love for music show that he had some initiative in life right?  Last night was one of those holiday weekends, where I wasn’t sure I wanted to play.  However, my friend Nicole referred me, the offer was good, my buddy Troy was up for the road trip, and I thought it would be something different.   It was different all right.  I am typically excellent at reading crowds, and I always have an idea of how things are going to go, or at least how they should go to make the event fun for the bride and groom and everyone involved.  My crowd reading skills, and willingness to change on a dime had to be in full effect for this event, because a pre-programmed I-pod wasn’t going to cut it.  I get so ticked when people think an I-pod, a janitor, or a pre-programmed computer can replace the human element at a party, because really there is no way to project what is going to happen.  People always think they know what they want at their party, and most of the time there is a way to slant it that way, but there are so many unpredictable things that happen at a social event that a computer couldn’t take care of it like a human can.  I realize money and budgets get in the way, but do yourself a favor if you know anybody getting married, find a way to hire a DJ or a band, even if it’s for less hours if you are hoping to have a party to remember for your guests.  You are doing them and the nice gift that they bring you a disservice by not attempting to offer them a good time.  I realize there are receptions that you just need the main songs, you may just be having finger foods, you have it in the middle of the afternoon, and you don’t have that much of an emphasis on the party, ok maybe, but you should always think about your guests if you have the means to do so.  Making memories are what we all should strive for in this life.  You shouldn’t live in your memories, but you should always remember the good ones, and strive to make better ones.  We only had 65 people at this thing, and a few didn’t show, but those people that showed up wanted to have fun, and we made it happen.  I have to admit I wondered if people in Carmel at a high end country club would want to rock it, but they did.  I believe no matter what your social status, we all have this switch that says hey I’m going to have fun tonight at least once or twice a year.  Last night the switch was on.  From a party beginning with Bad Romance, and ending in Donna Summer’s Last Dance, that night was memorable.

What was more memorable was talking to this young kid about radio.  He wanted to be in radio.  He said he loved calling into radio stations, listening to Sports Talk shows, being part of his high school broadcasting club, and having a take on something.  The kid was only a junior in high school, but he had something inside of him that I could see.  I think the word we might use is passion!  He was passionate about wanting to be great at something.  I told him some of the pitfalls in radio, and how I thought he should approach it in a 2010 world.  It didn’t phase him.  He said that’s what I want to do, and how can I do what you do, and do it for a long time.  I was a bit taken back, because I thought I might shake him, or persuade him that having a back-up plan to this plan was a better way to go.  He said I want to do radio, and I’m going to find a way.  How many kids say this these days?  Where is the fire?  How many people have this determination and youthful energy to succeed?  We talked for about 20 minutes or so, about some strategy, and how he could achieve what I thought might help him.  I admit I was hard on him, but sometimes you have to be hard on people in a tough field to break and stay in.  After our talk I said two things, ” My friend I tell you what my stepdad told me when I was younger, “I want you to remember all the things I have told you tonight and think about it, if I’m wrong and about this I won’t be wrong about much you feel free to let me know anytime” ”When you go to college for broadcasting remember this conversation, because I want you to keep my business card, and keep me posted on how you are going to continue to adapt, diversify, and make what you want to do your career path.  I said there would be challenges, and people saying a lot more no’s than they might give you yes’s, but keep that passion my friend!”  He soaked it up like a sponge, and I really want to mentor some of the younger generation.  I told him one day I would hang it up, and I said I want there to be young people out there like you carrying the torch, making it happen, and then thinking about who you are going to pass your knowledge onto.  It’s all about what makes the United States Of America the greatest place in the world to be.  Sometimes it’s good to go different places, do different things, and cherish our experiences, you never know when you just might meet that one person that you can inspire or one that can inspire you! 

Have a great Memorial Day weekend my friends!  Thanks to all that have given their lives for our country, and for all of those around the world that are serving today.  I take my hat off and salute you!

 

Thanks!

Matt Luecking

May 30th, 2010

www.showtimemusic.net
www.mattluecking.wordpress.com