I was exposed to the musical arts very early in my life. When I was about eight years old, my family started playing music together and later formed a family band. Although we played at a few local venues like Sunday on the Square (the predecessor event to the Dogwood Festival), and a few places for people to dance, we mainly played for family gatherings and for our own enjoyment. My dad played guitar and dobro (which is a slide guitar that sits in your lap.) He also played the steel guitar as well. Mom played guitar and sang, my brother Tony played the bass guitar and my other brother, Dean played the drums.

We had a few other very talented extended family and friends join us from time to time, as well. It was a lesson in teamwork and lots of fun and occasionally, I would make a little money too!

Although I never had the patience to learn how to play an instrument, I found out, quite by accident, that I could sing. When I was nine years old, I started singing a song I heard on the radio and my mom heard me. 

She had me sing the same song to my dad, and from that moment on, I was in the band singing songs like “Johnny B. Goode,” “Spiders and Snakes,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” etc. It was a ton of fun and knit our family tightly together. I’m forever grateful for that time in my life.

By my high school days, I wasn’t performing in the band as much. By my junior year of high school, the drama teacher had learned that I could sing and she asked me to try out for the spring musical, Oklahoma! I played Curly and had a great time. And yes, I did get a perm to make my hair curly for the part. I also participated in some other plays, as well. My senior year, I played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. That was a very challenging role, and I loved the camaraderie of the team. 

That camaraderie is what I think of when I see artists doing what they love while helping others enjoy their talents, their art. This issue is dedicated to those businesses who have combined their artistic talents with the ability to run a successful business organization. 

Oxford’s definition of the arts is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. 

It goes on to further define the arts as the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature and dance. 

What a great way to do business! To do something you love - that brings so much enjoyment and happiness to others. 

Kudos to all those businesses who have successfully navigated the waters of sharing their art to all of us over the years! It inspires us and makes us feel alive. 

If you have been blessed to be able to be a part of it, then you have been doubly blessed! 

God bless you and yours!

-Marty Cayton