It will come as no surprise to you that I love music. Whether it’s listening via my Apple Music account on my phone or asking, “Alexa/Siri play . . . ” while in the kitchen, to breaking out a vinyl record to play on the turntable my wife bought me for my birthday, music is part of my everyday life.

When we moved back in May, my wife picked up an electric piano (I think it was maybe in her brother’s basement, if not I’m mistaken) that our oldest son, Henry, has taken to. We’re still discussing him potentially taking piano lessons, but what has surprised me is how many songs he’s able to play by ear. Granted, he’s got a lot to learn, but the kid can listen to something and then seemingly bring it to life on the keys.

I told myself when I had kids of my own that I would be supportive of them trying a variety of things in life. From sports to musical instruments, theatre, dance, you name it, I’m more than comfortable with whatever they’re interested in. You never know if the next Billy Joel is living in my house, or maybe just a young person that enjoys playing and making music.

Live music is something that I have enjoyed over the course of my life and will continue to do so. Speaking of the “Piano Man,” my wife Kasey and I are discussing seeing him perform in South Bend, Indiana next July when he plays at Notre Dame stadium. On the same “bucket list” of concerts would be Elton John, whom my wife is a big fan of. While I don’t want to force my kids to listen to what I like, I certainly wouldn’t mind bringing them to either of those shows.

I’ve shared with you in the past that my first “live” concert was in 1996 when my friend Bob and his parents took us to see KISS at the Rosemont Horizon outside of Chicago. I’m grateful to have been exposed to good music at a very young age. Credit to my parents for passing their taste in music on to me! So crank it up and let loose to your favorite song!