I’m rushing through airport security, nervously stepping through the detectors with my mismatched socks touching the cold floor. I’m watching them observe my bag that’s filled with medications, waiting to be pulled aside and questioned. For the first time in my life, they don’t. I hear the beeping as my bag goes through the scanner, but they let me take my bag and go on my way. Usually they have me pull my Pulmozyme out and they swab it. I pull out all the prescriptions and a doctor’s note and pass them along with shaking hands. This time, that didn’t happen. I grab my bag, shoes, and my ukulele and start to walk away when I hear a voice from behind me say, “Excuse me miss!” There it is, they realized I’m walking away with a bag full of drugs and they forgot to question me. I turn out ready to go through my spiel but I’m not met by security personnel. I’m face to face with another anxious civilian trying to get through security. “You’re a musician! Are you going somewhere to perform? Nashville?” He was grinning ear to ear, “Would I know your music? What’s your name?” I laugh, “Maybe you’d know it! My name is Elena Goodrow, you can find me online. I’m going to perform at a music festival in South Dakota!” He responds, “That’s awesome, good luck!”

I thought that I was prepared for my trip to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, but the warm welcome that I received was unlike anything I knew how to prepare for. I’ve never felt so loved and included, it felt like coming home to my family except most of these people I had never met before. I visited Sioux Falls to headline the Breathe Bravely Backyard Bash music festival. I spent 3 days in this lovely town with the most amazing people, and that experience changed me forever. 

The most incredible part of this experience was the community. I have been part of the sINgSPIRE community for 6 years, and I got to feel new depths of love from that community by being part of an event that helps to support them. I also got to connect with the local music community in Sioux Falls, and the people who are at the heart of Breathe Bravely. I described it to my family by saying it was like living in “Barbieland.” (If you have seen the new Barbie movie you will understand that reference.) I lived in a world surrounded by people that were so loving and accepting of everyone. Each person cared deeply about each conversation you had because the value of that connection was not misunderstood. We all share the passion of music and wanting to support each other. It wasn’t just that close-knit Breathe Bravely community that was impactful, the entire town of Sioux Falls was so kind and welcoming. As I walked around downtown I was getting recognized from the Backyard Bash posters, people were so excited to welcome me to their town. I’ve never experienced that type of unity before. It was truly life-changing.

As impactful as this community aspect was, I also gained confidence in my musical career. I performed at the Levitt, which was the biggest stage I’ve ever performed on. I got feedback from inspirational musicians, and I never felt less than. I didn’t feel like a student craving validation from a teacher, I simply felt like a close friend getting wonderful advice. This is another thing I rarely experience due to my age, people view me as a child/student that needs to be taught rather than a peer that they can learn from as well. Everyone seemed to deeply understand me and who I am at the core of my being, just from being around me for a few days. We were all just that connected through the music. 

My Mom came with me, and it was so special to have her there too. She has been at my side throughout every step of my musical journey, and it was magical to be able to have her there during such an important event. 

All in all, Backyard Bash changed my life. I got to support the CF community by sharing my music with the community that has impacted me in the most beautiful ways. I got to meet people that I will consider family forever. I got to meet my idols and perform alongside them. I’m so fortunate I got this opportunity, and I’m so happy we could all come together through our music. Thank you Ashley for putting on this event and inviting me to come perform, and thank you for the life-changing community you have created. I get to help fuel this community by doing posts just like this, and I hope each of you finds value here.