I Believe In Music

Debbie Wilson

As I was singing along to the classic song, “I Believe in Music” last week in Orange Beach, AL at the Orange Beach Festival of Arts www.obfoa.com   I noticed how hundreds of other folks were tapping their toes and singing along too. Mac Davis wrote and recorded the song at FAME in Muscle Shoals, AL. It is a classic feel good song and speaks to the very heart of music. Music is indeed the universal language.

In tourism we all have our individual areas we strive to promote as we seek to capture the all important overnight visitors. As such we compete with everyone around us. However, we realize we are better when we promote each other. This past weekend is a prime example of the spirit of cooperation that exists across the state. Florence/Lauderdale Tourism was invited to add two songwriter/musicians to the line- up for the Orange Beach Festival of Arts. We sponsored Barry Billings and Hugh Banks and set off to make a splash down south. A sun drenched day, an enthusiastic crowd, and music born from the soul of our “Singing River” was the perfect recipe for magic. Check out the photo in the Press-Register blog from our friends in Mobile! http://blog.al.com/live/2012/03/thousands_turn_out_for_orange.html

Those fortunate enough to make their living writing and performing music instinctively know “music is love and love is music”. Through the love and music comes the connection that is made with listeners. Even though we live in a diverse world made up of numerous cultures music remains a universal area where common ground is most likely to be achieved. As the song says, “people who believe in music are the happiest people I’ve ever seen”. Even those singing the blues are usually doing so with a bit of toe tapping going on. It is hard to be hostile and unhappy when your toe is tapping to the music!

Kick your spring off with music by checking out our lively music scene in the Shoals area by checking our weekly what’s happening on www.visitflorenceal.com . Additionally, festival season has arrived around Sweet Home Alabama.   Check it out at www.alabama.travel . Take an Alabama Road Trip this spring, summer or fall to see and hear what great offerings you and your family will enjoy in your home state. Don’t forget to wear shoes ideal for toe tapping or dancing a jig!