One-man band lives the American Dream

I happened to stop by the Adams County Fair on opening day. While ordering a peach pie breakfast, I learned my sister Jenny Dabalos of Moses Lake and her husband Tom would be at the same booth at noon for lunch.

Good thing I waited. Tom bought my lunch, and I got to see the week’s first show by the one-man band, Eric Haines, originally of Missoula, Mont.

Eric started his show while I was having lunch with Jenny, Tom and some of Jenny’s in-laws. I wondered why anybody would do something so silly for money.

Then I noticed all of the other people, including Jenny, reacting with approval. I let my hair down and enjoyed the rest of the performance.

I was reminded of the American Dream. It’s whatever you want it to be. I’ve seen it in people who park a vehicle at the side of a road in Washington to sell California oranges.

The American Dream is someone who paints pretty pictures. It is someone selling clothing, or anything else at a flea market.

Eric’s American Dream has been entertaining ever since he was nudged in that direction while a teenager. He learned to juggle as a high school sophomore in Montana. Soon he was offered $10 to perform at a birthday party.

“That was when I knew I could make a living doing what I love to do,” he said. “I didn’t have to mow lawns any more.”

Eric has added stilt walking, unicycle riding, stand-up comedy, singing and the one-man band. He earned a degree from the University of Montana in dance, choreography and performance. He performed between classes to help pay for college.

Eric’s singing is what makes the act work. He has a clear, resonant voice and is always on pitch. That comes from opera training while at the UM.

Eric, 51, works just more than 100 days a year, and he earns more than teachers and many other professionals. He does comedy clubs, corporate events and private parties in his new home area of Everett. The large population base allows him to spend time with his family.

One of Eric’s obstacles was his father, a successful professional. The father thought the son should have a “professional” career. He does. It just took the father a little time to realize it.

“Not all entertainers are going to get that big break and earn a million dollars (per show),” Eric said.

Eric and other entertainers on the circuit are friends. He says nearly all of them have a similar story. Knowing they could be paid for doing what they enjoy doing was the deciding factor.

Many of us in the mundane world sit around, from time to time, complaining about our lot in life. We hope the government, the lottery or someone else will come to our rescue.

Take a moment to contemplate the American Dream. Take an inventory of yourself and look for that one thing you like to do that others may pay you to do.