Last week I spent time with my family back in Kentucky. It was a much needed break from New York and it gave me a chance to reconnect with my past and my roots.

“Out here it’s like I’m someone else

I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could walk around, I swear I’ll leave

Won’t take nothing but a memory

From the house that built me”

Read more: MIRANDA LAMBERT – THE HOUSE THAT BUILT ME LYRICS http://www.metrolyrics.com/the-house-that-built-me-lyrics-miranda-lambert.html#ixzz20X5qBuWd

Copied from MetroLyrics.com

Being at home made me realize the importance of embracing your roots in your performance as well as everything you do. I come from a small coal-mining town in Western Kentucky named Madisonville. It proudly boasts the town motto of “The Best Town on Earth” and in many ways it is.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and it’s true. I am the product of support from so many people as I grew up. It was great to feel that again as I was home. As I went to church with my family, I saw so many faces from my past, choir teachers, the minister, my Kindergarten teacher, my 6th grade homeroom teacher, family friends, and former classmates. Each of these people played a role in my life somehow helping to shape me into who I’ve become today.

It was important for me to experience this feeling of reconnecting when I went home as I think it will help me to fuel my performances this year and to do more in one year than I have ever done before. All those people and my family have invested so much of themselves in me with the hope that I should succeed and that I could make a difference– while making Madisonville proud.

While at home, I reconnected with myself too, realized that it is like me to be insanely productive, to have a constant outpouring of creative ideas, to connect with other creative people and to go against the mainstream. I have been this way my whole life and that I have no apologies to make about who I am or what it is I want to do in the classical music world.

I spent 26 years being groomed to be a creative leader and performing artist. That is exactly what I plan to do. I started the Tuxedo Revolt to change the course of classical music and that is what I will do.

However, just like I needed the support of others when I was growing up, I need your support now to help the Tuxedo Revolt gain momentum. Just like I shared in my community of Madisonville, KY, I need the community of like-minded artists and performers who are ready for a change in the world of classical music to step forward and join me.

Together, we make a community. Communities can create change.

Until next time,

John-Morgan

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