Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sean Mawhirter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sean, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
For myself, the usual answer is that the next project is the most meaningful…but this time it’s true! I lead 2 groups that play Latin dance music: Mundo Nouvo (salsa) & Cucharada (tango). While these are ordinarily separate and discrete traditions with divergent audiences, I can finally see the horizon of merging these acts.
Starting next spring, at the new, bigger space at The Ship in The Westbottoms Neighborhood, I will be hosting an “Ultimate Latin Social Dance Music Night” wherein tango will be featured from 6pm-9 with salsa to be followed until 1am. DJing will be included so that the music never stops.
I’m putting all my promotional chips in on this in an effort to create a new tradition for communities that have been starved to get together. Brighter days ahead!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I grew up in Wichita with very little interest in music until a neighbor turned me onto guitar at age 15. Back then, I suspected that this was something that would take up a lot of free time, however, I never would’ve dreamed that I’d be calling it a career. After moving to Lawrence after college, I toiled under other people’s bands that never seemed to go anywhere. This period lasted almost exactly a decade and was succeeded by a 4-year stretch in the Des Moines metro with my wife who was attending grad school. As it would happen, we returned to Lawrence and I decided to give “bandleading” a shot. Last April marked the decade anniversary of the move-back and that decision. I have learned a lot from mistakes in that time and have emerged from it very grateful for the people and places that have held so many great memories.
While I have gotten busy again with wedding work, the dance bands have come back more slowly.-in fits and starts. It seems as though that is the case with most of the professional musicians in KC. Nothing can resume until the venues get back on their feet and it’s up to all of us getting back to getting together in real rooms and in real-time!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
While there is no such thing as a 40-hour work week for a self-employed person, it’s incredibly gratifying to live on your own terms. Discovering what you are worth isn’t quick and easy but, if you find a way to be honest about yourself as well as your market, it can be liberating.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Getting out of the house! I’m not much for sloganeering but “Netflix and food delivery ain’t living” sounds pretty good to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.inwrought.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmawhirter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sean.mawhirter
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgjA3T_XIhFY4O49ifY9G7A
- Other: http://www.mundonouvo.org/ www.cucharadamusic.com
Image Credits
Sean Mawhirter