Get Behind Me , Now Stay There Episode 40

Musician – Joseph Strider:

  
Acoustic guitarist Joseph Strider has covered a lot of musical ground in his career thus far. From boy soprano in school choirs, to playing with a cover band, Strider has spent the years developing his own unique style, a style that fits in no established genre and can best be described as Modern Indigenous Alternative. With no formal training or instruction, Joseph Strider has had the freedom to explore and develop a very personal relationship with his chosen instrument. That relationship is fully realized with his latest instrumental album 'String Theory'. 'String Theory' is the manifestation of the circle between the mind, hands and guitar, guided by Spirit to be a conduit for the emotions felt by Strider during composition. We caught up with him in in Philadelphia and the conversation was brilliant, he spoke about his NAMMY nominated acoustic guitar work. Music has been filling Joseph’s time for most of his life, receiving his first guitar at only nine years old. Inspired by guitarists such as Michael Hedges, Bruce Cockburn, Tommy Emmanuel, and Andre Segovia, Jimmy Page, the self-taught Strider tells us a little about his career. 

Author – Debra Borys:

                     
After spending my whole life in small town Illinois, I moved to big, gritty Chicago. From country roads to “L” trestles and from swallow’s nests and corn fields to stinking alleys.  Something drew me there and kept me there for four years–a need to look the not so pretty in the face and say screw you. Maybe that’s why I developed such an appreciation for those who live there, especially the people of the streets. They’ve been kicked in the face, cursed and, worst of all, ignored and yet they continue to say screw you. They fight to survive, to thrive.

I spent twice a week volunteering with Chicago’s homeless, youth in particular, and got to know a few on a personal level that made me want to become a voice for them. I still volunteer and am channeling the lessons I learned on the streets of Chicago. Seattle is surrounded by mountains and ocean and emerald green trees. Solitude and peace can be found a short drive from home. But until the human element can find a way to treat themselves and each other with respect and understanding, there is darkness out there as well.  And it’s how you deal with the darkness that counts.

My STREET STORIES series reflects the reality of throw away youth striving to survive. My publication credits include short fiction in Red Herring Mystery Magazine, Downstate Story and City Slab.