Musikfest fans, rejoice!

Lovers of live music of all kinds and in all venues, this could be your best summer ever!

It feels like forever since we’ve been able to sit comfortably with friends, indoors or out, and listen to some tunes at our favorite restaurant or pub. That nice, relaxing memory is becoming an option again, thanks to easing COVID-19 restrictions.

Ahhh, the therapy of music. No matter the genre of choice, it just makes you feel good. Calm. Happy. Connected.

Did you know Billy Joel never sells tickets for the front rows of his concerts? He reportedly sends his crew members to the back of the venue - to the worst seats, where true fans will sit simply because they want to be there - and moves them forward so there will be “people in the front row that are really happy to be there, real fans.”

I’ve seen Billy Joel in concert. It’s a fantastic experience from any seat.

Music takes us back and helps us relive memories. Special songs, or the band in general, evoke images of (hopefully) happy times in our lives, perhaps when life was more carefree.

The Doors take me back to high school. One song in particular got me hooked, but my crush on Jim Morrison has lasted a lifetime.

Steve Miller Band reminds me of my life as a 20-something when I didn’t even consider going out to meet friends until after 9 p.m. on weekends.

There’s research to support the benefits of music. It is said to improve our mental and emotional well-being. It unites us - think hymns in church, the national anthem at sporting events, lullabies while you rock your baby to sleep.

According to researchers, people, no matter their age or gender, say music helps to change their mood and can even keep them calm in otherwise anxiety-filled scenarios.

There are health benefits as well. Music can make you want to get up and move, thereby boosting your exercise regimen, which by default could increase your cardio endurance, which could then help to control your blood pressure - and so on.

Music also has the ability to help us loosen up a little.

Remember the way Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” encourages a sing-along every time and lingers with you throughout the day?

Remember impromptu dance parties with your kids, singing “Fruit Salad” (yummy, yummy!) by The Wiggles?

Remember claiming your spot under the big tent at Musikfest’s Fest Platz and doing the Chicken Dance with the famous Chicken Lady?

Ahhh, the therapy of music.

About 25 years ago, my husband and I traveled to Saratoga Springs, N.Y., to attend a wedding. It was a weekend full of activities, one of which was a night out at a pub, called Tin & Lint, in the center of town. When we were seated, we noticed a small plaque mounted to the wall by our booth.

It read “‘American Pie’ written by Don McLean, Summer 1970.”

Shocked and feeling grateful to have been seated there, in the very spot McLean is said to have at least started writing the lyrics, we reminisced about the song’s greatness and extended length - 8 minutes, 42 seconds! - and tried to estimate just how many times we might have belted out those words at college parties.

Ahhh, the therapy of music.

“Now, do you believe in rock ’n’ roll

Can music save your mortal soul?”

Kelly Lutterschmidt

editor

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press