As I write this, it’s just a few days since my 40th birthday. A new decade has dawned, and I’m feeling the need to reflect a bit.
I celebrated the milestone the best way I know how — playing songs I love with people I love. I threw together a big jam with some of my best friends at the world-famous Maintenance Shop in Ames. We ate a guitar-shaped cake and played our instruments way too loud. Positively glorious.
One of the songs I knew I wanted to play that night was “Maggie’s Farm” by Bob Dylan (watch the video above to see how we did!). In the song, Dylan rails against the absurdity of the forces trying to crush his spirit. Maggie’s brother hands him nickels and dimes, only to fine him for slamming the door. Maggie’s pa “puts his cigar out in your face just for kicks.” And in the final verse, Dylan shouts, “I try so hard to be just like I am, but everybody wants you to be just like them.”
Some say the song was Dylan’s rebellion against the rigid 1960s folk scene. Maybe so. But to me, it’s a broader protest against all the forces that try to stamp out independent thought and personal expression — political polarization, corporate greed, consumerism, prejudice, you name it. That’s what it feels like to toil away on Maggie’s farm.
A few months ago, I took a job as the marketing manager at xBk Live, an independently owned music venue in Des Moines. Along with performing and teaching guitar lessons, it’s part of a patchwork of music-related work that’s allowed me to support my family doing what I love. I had to leave behind a nearly 20-year career in communications and journalism to get here — one of the most terrifying choices I’ve ever made. It felt like walking off Maggie’s farm without a map.
But something in me had to know if it was possible to live the dream as an independent musician. And I’m overjoyed to say it’s working. My family’s support — especially my wife’s — has been essential. I can’t thank her enough for believing in me and giving me her blessing to take this leap.
So now I’m 40. Not exactly young, but still learning every day.
It’s been just over two years since my last drink.
I’m playing more guitar than ever.
And I’m surrounded by a community of friends, family, and fellow musicians who act as my spiritual board of directors — guiding, encouraging, and keeping me accountable.
And I ain’t working on Maggie’s farm no more.
If you’d like to join me on this wild musical odyssey, come out to a show, follow me on social media, or give my music a spin on Spotify. Your support means more than ever as I try to grow my audience and keep making music that’s honest and real.
Thank you for everything. Gimme rock and roll forever!