As long as we’re still breathing air, we’re all going to roll around another 365 (or 366) days and a birthday pops up again. Our family recently celebrated a milestone one – 90 years. The calendar also rolled up the same age for a Farmall tractor my dad gave me many years ago. I made the investment to have it restored and it was celebrated along with the family member, but it was certainly relegated to being lesser important.

A community center was rented for the celebration because we’re quite an assembly by now – over 70 people (and everyone was in attendance). There were of course appreciations expressed and a lot of conversations (and an equal amount of food). At the end of the day, I at least came away with a deeper sense of legacy. What are we imparting everyday, and what of real value will last beyond us? Someone commented that even that 90-year-old tractor with its very simplistic technology would outlive all of us (barring of course some unforeseen event).

A young musician came by the studio recently and we were talking some about our journeys – Tesco Productions over the past 40 years and his shorter time making music. I showed him around, which brought us by the dozens and dozens of names signed on the walls – some with accompanying artwork. This often causes me to reflect on the interactions with so many people over the years, and the projects we worked on together. In a study group I’m in, I was assigned last week to expound on Psalm 90 from the Old Testament book of Psalms. We had been reading about the concluding months and days of Moses, and I did not remember this psalm is attributed to him. Nearing the end of his life and giving final thoughts, he summarizes his many years leading the nation of Israel. He then concludes with these final repeated words, “Lord, establish (confirm) the works of our hands.” In other words, “may our lives have lasting value beyond us,” implying that’s not a given. I guess that’s a big part of why I’m still opening the door and connecting with clients – hoping our time together has meaning beyond itself.

This past Sunday marked a significant music-making legacy as the Great Plains Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association commemorated 50 years of making/promoting Bluegrass and Old-Time music. The Jubilee was held at Danish Vennelyst Park on N. 31st Street in Omaha. A nice lunch was provided during which an open mic featured various musicians. The final group to perform has multiple members in it that are on the board of the GPBOTMA and who have largely helmed the club for a number of years. I was reminded as I entered the meeting hall that we had all been there for the same event 10 years earlier, when the Kopsa Family performed at the 40th celebration.

Of course no club meeting is complete without jam sessions, and three such groups formed both inside and outside to enjoy each other’s company and make some music. The club exists to provide a setting for learning an instrument and how to listen and perform both individually and in a group, and along the way to encourage the preservation and promotion of Bluegrass and Old-Time music. It’s always encouraging to see some younger attendees appreciating the same interests and valuing learning and preserving these genres. Many friendships have been made and maintained over the years through this association.

The GPBOTMA has monthly shows/jams the 1st Sunday afternoon of each month October through May which are held at The American Legion Post #1, 78th & Davenport in Omaha. Club dues are a nominal annual amount and entitle you to $2 off the admission price. There’s always multiple jams following a varied group performance or open mic opportunity – depending on that month’s schedule. More information can be found here on facebook. Congrats on 50 years!