If there is anyone out there who can best understand the struggles of an aspiring writer, I’d say it’s a musician. Any artist in general is born to suffer the pain of knowing they were created for more than a desk job while they struggle to find that sweet place where they can actually survive upon their art alone. And let this struggle not seem a simple thing either, no. It is a battle. A battle where self-doubt and giving up create a mountain made up of job hunts and rejection and questioning which then makes one wonder, Why can’t I just be satisfied with something simple, like teaching third grade*?
*In case you missed it, this is me. I am the one who cannot be satisfied with something like teaching third grade. Which I did teach. For three years**.
**We won’t get into the education rabbit hole this then led to.
What I love most though, is when such an artist decides it’s time to go all in. To say heck with the teaching job. To say goodbye to the Man’s 9-5 hours. To say they believe in themselves enough to take a leap. Or a step. Or even a little crawl. Just some kind of movement towards that which they are most passionate about.
My girl, Amy, who I know you’ve heard about time and time again here because she is one of my oldest and favorite friends in the world, has brought such an artist into my life. Someone who is passionate about his craft. Someone who creates and creates and creates beautiful things. Someone whose name I will always say wrong, but will apologize for every time.
I had the opportunity of seeing Kyle Swartzwelder perform at The Royal, the cutest little music venue offering a place for local musicians and community members of Glenside, PA to share their love of music*.
*And local beer from their neighbor, The Ways Restaurant and Brewery.
I’ve known Kyle for pretty much the length of the pandemic. We met one wintery night in January 2020, and though I knew of his musical abilities, this was the first time I had the pleasure of watching him perform.
I know words are supposed to be my thing, but it’s difficult for me to convey how honored I feel when I get invited to something like this. It feels like such a special event to be invited to, because art is so personal, so I was quite literally giddy* to be in attendance.
*I made sure to ask the etiquette for cheering in advance so that I wouldn’t embarrass anyone**.
**Yes, this is literally something I’m learning I need to do. Because always I want to scream my head off with praise for the people I love, but sometimes it’s like, not the right time or place? At least that’s what they tell me…
This was a night of music. I don’t know how better to say it. Sometimes I’ve attended musical events like this and it’s an hour or so of music and we’re done.
Nope. Not here. The event started at 8 pm and wasn’t over until 11 pm. Three straight hours of music.
It was awesome.
Kyle is a folk musician. Lucky for me, I’ve wet my feet in the folk world a little because Amy has been a folk lover for, I don’t know, her entire adult life and then some*?
*We once went to a show where bagpipes were incorporated. I mean, bagpipes?! Wha?
Though most often Kyle performs with just his pipes* and guitar, this night he had a band he’d put together for this performance—and you’d never have known that they hadn’t been playing together forever.
*Vocal pipes, that is, not bagpipes
I know for Kyle to be compared to someone like Neil Young would be like, the best thing ever for him, but to be honest, this non folk scene gal would probably grab Kyle’s music before Neil’s. He fits in Neil’s world, so if you’re a Neil lover, you’re going to love Kyle.
The music just seems honest and down to earth. Just like Kyle. It felt like he was having a conversation with the audience, not performing.
My favorite songs of the night were “The Girl I Loved in Sunny Tennessee” and “Hard Times”.
When the night ended, I wanted more. So, I took all the albums he had on him home with me.
If folk music is your kind of thing, or if you’re looking to broaden your musical expanse, or you just like supporting local artists, give a listen to Kyle’s music. Start with “Hard Times” or “Old Seed”.
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