I have loved HONK music since the first HONK! Fest I went to years ago. I felt a little conspicuous singing along and dancing, though it seemed clear that that should be the response to music sooooo lively and danceable and people wearing such wild and wonderful outfits.
At the end of the summer of 2015, I was at a benefit where some HONK folks came to play. As we gathered around food afterwards, I said that I’d consider playing the sax again if I could find one. Before I said that, I didn’t know I was even thinking that. And the response was, “we have a sax for you! just come on Sunday!” Such a clear leading could not be refused, so I came that Sunday and indeed I honked. I hadn’t played for about forty five years. The invitation came at a time when I was recovering from a period of mourning. It was as if my departed friend said, “look! I found some fun for you!”
School of HONK has a way of just pulling you in. Such open generous people create an energy field with music that changes the world. How could you not want to join?
Oh, and now I get to wear an outfit, too, and dance around and also play. S O M U C H F U N.