Mark at Soul Shelter writes a wonderful post called “”Are You an Amateur? Why Not?“, about Portland’s Old Time Music Gathering, which brings together musicians to make a joyful noise.

Mark writes:

All right, let’s call it like it is: An amateur is somebody who has more fun than a professional.

Surely there were a handful of breadwinning professionals in that throng of old-time music gatherers, but the great majority of those who arrived with instruments strung, ears tuned, and smiles bright had brought along something much finer, much purer than professional aspiration, namely: passion without pretense. They sought community, heritage, and the shared discovery of the joy that comes in the midst of musical spontaneity.

Beautifully said, Mark. RTWT!