By; Ken Boone I'm reaching the end of a busy, but fruitful week. I've gotten more good news on the health front. Celia's back to doing all things Celia. Like driving and taking the stairs without pain. The only thing isn't cooperating is the weather. If there's a such thing as too much rain, we're getting it! However, I am grateful that, here in North Carolina, the weather can change on a dime. It very could be dry and mind within the next couple of days. In fact, I'd bet my coffee allowance on it. In addition to hearing birds chirping, I've heard the sound of bats hitting balls in the local parks I've driven past recently. That's a far cry from my days in Western New York, when I was wearing layers of winter wear just to watch my son's baseball team sloshing around in the wet grass of preseason workouts. My buddy Pete had to endure the same suffering, only double. He has two sons and has lived up for decades longer than the four years I called it home. He now spends his winters in sunny Florida. I'd like him to stay in Florida, or move to North Carolina. But that's a story for another blog post. I started this post with baseball because that was the genesis of our friendship. I'd mentioned that in several of my blog posts as well as my podcast. Like the title suggests, we were just a couple of dads watching our sons trying to squeeze one more summer out of America's pastime before reality brings that chapter in our lives to a screeching halt. We'd known each other for a couple of months when we found out what the other one did for a living. When we discovered that he was a music industry veteran looking for an accountant and I was an accountant looking to make inroads in the music industry, we were off to the races. Pete's record company was in harvesting mode. He was deciding whether to sell or just close the doors and walk away. I was tasked to run a bunch of financial scenarios to see which one made the most sense. I also had to produce royalty statements for the 160+ albums he produced since 1990. After several close calls, we finally got the business sold in 2008. It was because of Pete that I was retained by the new owner to produce royalty statements for the label! In fact, Pete has gotten me a number of music industry gigs through his recommendations. That's just the type of guy that he is. Now that he's rid himself of the day-to-day headaches of running the label, he needs something else to keep him busy. He has a curious mind as well as a restless soul. He's also an amazing storyteller, who will leave you in stitches once he gets started. That brings me back to this week. I pointed Pete to the world of podcasting as an outlet of expression. It was no surprise that he'd already considered it, but didn't have a handle on the logistics of making it happen. That happens to be in my wheelhouse! I could never repay him for all the kind things he's done for Celia and me, I'm more than honored to walk him to and through the door of the next chapter of his life. Whether it's explaining the software and equipment he'll be using, or lending a critical ear about the content and production value, I'll be there. Over the years, people have suggested that he write a book, or two, about his experiences in the music industry. He's been reluctant to do so because of the difficulties in writing, editing, and finding a publisher. And that's before he sells just one copy! Thank God blogging came along. I'll suggest that to him after his first podcast episode is published. We don't hang out in the stands any longer. In fact, it's been over a dozen years since I've attended baseball game on any level. Our sons have long hung up their spikes. His oldest is a police officer outside Syracuse, NY. The other son is in the music industry doing marketing and event promotions in New York City. My son is a general manager in the food and hospitality industry based out of Atlanta, GA. Our conversations take place over the telephone. I admit that we don't talk as much as we should, and each ten minute scheduled call turns into a two hour laugh fest! But now he's taking the plunge into the world of podcasting, and hopefully, blogging. He's asking for my help, and I'm more than happy to provide it. You see, he's one of the good guys. And I discovered that if you do good things for good people, you get good blessings. I'm all for that! But wait... there's more!
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About the AuthorAs owner of the Descant Music & Media Group, Ken is a creator and producer of several podcast shows. He is also a music producer, as well as a writer and an accountant for small businesses and nonprofits. Archives
June 2020
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