“That’s my brother!”
Written by Andy Pokel, Spirit Garage Music and Creative Director
About ten years ago, my best friend – we’ll call him James – was crashing at my apartment when he had a serious asthma attack. It was so surreal, to be speeding down Chicago Avenue after playing MarioKart for hours. Before the emergency room staff could whisk him away, my friend pointed over his shoulder at me and said, “That’s my brother – he needs to come, too!” By calling me his brother, James ensured that the staff would let me accompany him through this harrowing experience. On a deeper level, though, James had put into words something we had felt for years: our friendship was more like a family relationship than a couple of college buddies.
“On a deeper level, though, James had put into words something we had felt for years: our friendship was more like a family relationship than a couple of college buddies.”
Chosen Family Christmas
This year’s Spirit Garage Christmas show is called “Chosen Family Christmas,” and it’s all about this kind of relationship. When we form these special “chosen family” bonds – whether within or outside of our immediate family – we build up strong structures that we can lean on in hard times.
We get more houses on the map where we can stay during storms.
We get more places to go for a cup of sugar or a word of advice.
We get more people looking out for us.
We all need people in our lives who make sure we have enough, but we also need people that remind us we are enough. Chosen family members provide stability and steadiness as well as the softness of mercy and grace.
A Christmas show for everyone, and especially for you
Over the course of twenty-one songs, poems, and stories, members of the Spirit Garage community will explore how it looks and feels to be part of a chosen family, as well as how our consumer culture tries and fails to meet our deep needs. We’ll cover a wide range of genres, from folk to rock to indie pop. We’ll also have plenty of cookies!
Join us Saturday, December 14th, at 7:00 PM for Chosen Family Christmas!
If you’re looking for more ways to experience the joy of the season in our neighborhood, check out the Kingfield Holidazzle Parade.