10 years ago… Toxic A$$ets in the limelight!
Living in the limelight; The universal dream…
Our band was fortunate to experience a “taste” of fame during the Summer and Fall of 2013.
After competing in another Battle of the Bands and being interviewed for a book project a couple of months before, my bandmate (Mike Stolberg) and I participated in a webinar for Americans for the Arts that touched on how the arts have enriched our workplace.
Our panel also included the co-founder of three award-winning public relations/marketing agencies and a research manager for Microsoft. Americans for the Arts remains one of the nation's leading nonprofit organizations for advancing the arts in America; dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts.
That night at the Gem Theater, I was the “King of 10 fingers and 6 strings”… Photo circa August 2013.
September 19, 2013: During the Americans for the Arts webinar, we got to tell our story; about how it’s real… about how it’s always been about music and having fun with it. We are connecting with folks because it is all about fun and because everybody has a hidden “Rockstar” inside of them.
Wow! That’s a lot of bird poop… Selection from our photo shoot circa March 2013.
Photo Credit: Heather Houghton (DeWitt)
A few days later, our band played at the 82nd annual Plaza Art Fair in Kansas City.
Crowd gathering…
It was a sunny day, with a large outdoor stage, which made for a great live experience. Unfortunately, about halfway through the show, during “Play That Funky Music”, Mike broke his foot after a quick hop and an awkward landing. Nonetheless, his adrenaline carried him through the remainder of that song and the set; the stuff legends are made of…
Ouch! Is There a Doctor in the House? Guess what! I've got a broken foot, and the only prescription is more cowbell!
A legend.
Finally, about a week later, our rollicking band made its way to a local studio in the Crossroads Arts District for a professional video shoot.
“Afternoon Delight”
The video for ArtsKC focused on the transformative power of art; how art can change people and places. Our band explained how the "Art at Work" program helped transform the way some employees interacted with each other, as well as the culture of our firm.
Lights, Camera, Action!
October 1, 2013: Without the arts, we lose an integral component in changing the perspectives of people and inspiring new thoughts and ideas that better our relationships and our society…
“Not surprisingly, pursuing a career, starting (and raising) a family, all initially leave little time for much else [we never seem to find the time…]. But, given the passage of more time, and the additions of more commitments, deadlines, and stress, we find that some of our hobbies, endeavors, and dreams, whether old or new, are sources of strength, which can help us re-center and re-connect with ourselves and our loved-ones. Thus, whether it is through music, writing, cooking, painting, or other endeavors, when such an opportunity for emotional release, growth, or happiness presents itself, seize upon it. Find the time.”
- Woodard, Anthony. “Find the time...”. Mar. 30, 2023