Because I Love You Like I Do

seansmithorangepaperbacks@gmail.com
Writing acoustic pop songs, playing them in strange & beautiful places w/resounding joy.
All songs: Sean M. Smith, R.O.S.E.D. Music Experience. S.D.G.
2025 Strange and Beautiful Tour:
3/1 - New Albany (OH) Indoor Farmers Market - The folks at New Albany have been so good to me. When I was first getting started playing solo, they gave me dates and kept inviting me back. I love the atmosphere, both indoors and outdoors. I've had times when I played about the best I can, and other times when I wasn't sounding so great. But they keep having me back, and I am very thankful.
4/26 - Cap City Half Marathon (at 12.5 mi) - On a cool, blustery day, I set up my canopy tent with 29 lbs of weights on each corner. I had my amplifier turned up higher than I had ever had it before, and it didn't seem to bother anyone. I had my choice of where to set up, and I could have been sheltered from the direct north wind if I had chosen a spot just fifteen feet  over; however, I didn't realize this right away, and by the time I did, hundreds of runners were passing within a few feet of me. So I basically played in a wind tunnel. Live and learn. I really hope I get to play there again next year because it's such a great event. Many of my best memories came near the end, when I felt like I was playing for individual runners/walkers. Thanks, Cap City!
6/19 -- Juneteenth - New Albany Farmers Market, Outdoor - Started out with a mist of light rain and blustery winds, but warm. By the time the Market started at 4pm, the weather was calming down. Gave away 5 little paper guitars. These are my handmade business cards and pieces of art. Music went well, played 49 songs in a little over 3 hours. People were so nice to me, and I even got some free baked goods from one of the vendors. Playing with both foot tambourines seems very natural now, and I feel like something is missing when I don't use them. I donate all of my tips to SmileTrain.org. Check them out! I was really honored to play this holiday. The weather cleared up about 5:30, and by 7pm it was a beautiful, calm summer evening. Kids and families out having a good time.
7/5 - North Market Downtown on the Patio - Played from 10:45 to 2pm during lunchtime. Beautiful, warm, sunny day. Protected from the direct sun by the North Market building, then by the awnings for the last 30 minutes or so. Played 49 songs total and had a few short conversations. I am really thankful for being able to play in a wonderful location.
7/17 - New Albany Farmers Market - Let's be honest: Playing for 3+ in the summer heat is not as simple as it sounds. It takes some common sense preparation: shade, snacks, liquids, a short break, and perspective -- thankfulness for just being in a public place getting to share my original songs. There were lots of families with kids dancing and running around, there was a choreographed sword fight put on by the high school drama company halfway through. One song went over nicely in particular: "So I Married Mary Tyler Moore". I gave away 7 little guitar pieces of paper art that I'd made for the occasion. One little boy pretended to be playing along with me on the little guitar. And I could sense that a few people were paying attention to the lyrics, which brought me joy.
8/16 - NAFM - I try to be prepared. It was hot, humid and I had to work the first half of the day before playing. I burnt my tongue on some coffee. But even so, things were going well. The people who stopped to listen applauded, and I gave away about 8 little guitars, mostly to families with little kids. But in the middle of a song I broke the D string. Well, I carry two additional sets in my guitar case plus the string changing tool. I tried to keep as cool as possible, and just a few minutes later I was back in tune and played the rest of the set. Somehow I made it to the end, and I talked with a few folks who had been so supportive: Jeremy, writer and book publisher whose vendor tent was closest to me - super nice and very supportive; Alex, dad of a little boy, who, along with his wife, have come out to see me play several times, which is very much appreciated.
8/30 - North Market Downtown (lunchtime) I was given the choice of playing inside or outside. I wanted to play inside because I've only played inside the North Market once a few years ago, and it was kind of a chance thing. But on this day I chose outside. It was a beautiful late summer day, and there was a big game at noon, so lots of people were out and about. But there was a surprise too: dozens of awesome Pokemon cosplayers roaming about, some of which stopped to give tips or take one of my little guitars. I am not a big gamer, but  know a lot of the Pokemon characters through my son (11), and watching our favorite gamer's play-through videos. Let's see: I recognized Scorbunny, Pikachu, Eevee, Gengar (or maybe just a Gengar T-shirt; I can't remember), Gothorita (maybe?), and Umbreon. One of the most impressive outfits was a young man in a pinstriped, tailored suit with an embroidered insignia on his chest and wearing sunglasses with red lenses. I took it for having something to do with a Pokemon academy, but maybe he was just wearing a school uniform of some sort... on a Saturday. I was sitting in the cool shade of the North Market building for the whole gig, and just as the sun was getting closer and closer, 2pm arrived.  I think I made the right decision.
10/13 - Topiary Park, Downtown Columbus - I had the day off so I went Downtown to play an acoustic set at lunchtime. I set up under the shade of a tree, just far enough to be out of the way, but close enough for people to hear me. I played 24 songs, and the set went well. I got some looks, some nods. I know how it is. In that context, people are listening to hear if anything sounds familiar. My goal is to be catchy so that the unfamiliar sounds attractive and pleasant. Plus more than half of the people walking around are wearing ear buds, so it can be tough to impress someone who's not hearing you. My goal is to play this place more often and inch somewhat closer to the crowds gathered on the Main Library's back patio. I played "The Day that I Surrendered," and the apartment where I surrendered was just across the alleyway and up three flights of stairs.
11/1 - New Albany Indoor Farmers Market - I love playing at the indoor market, which is in the Heit Center. Emily and Marianne are really wonderful and supportive market managers, and I even got some tips (cash, not advice) from vendors, which I consider a big compliment. Playing indoors can be challenging volume-wise, and probably has been since the dawn of amplification. But I think I finally hit the right balance about 45 minutes into the 3-hour set. I could play un-amplified, but with the size of the room and floor being carpeted, I think I would probably wear myself out before the end of the gig. Jenny and Liam stopped by to listen, and they even sat on the floor nearby for a few songs. I really love playing my original songs for folks who want to hear them. That's my prayer always, to be a pleasant memory to anyone who's in the building. "May This Song Bring Healing to You" went really well, I thought. I improvised some parts in the moment, and it worked out. This week was really rough in some ways, and getting to play this event brought some healing to me.

Anything goes (we are stardust)
I try to get with it while it's going (that's great fun)
I end up with something
Hope you enjoy

Take care

Because I Love You Like I Do

Okeeja