Judy Garland

Whistling with exuberance while the Campfire burns.

Night. In ancient times, eons ago, primitive humans learned to use fire; they learned to cook, provide safety from predators, and, in the long hours of night, the presence of fire developed the warmth and luxury of human companionship.

There is something about gathering around a fire that makes some folks of any age or sex want to sing and play music.  If an instrument is present, people who know the words to the song can be found, and even without instruments, people enjoy singing around a campfire.  Fire has a tendancy to lower the inhibitions, which will increase the chance of individuals getting involved in public singing and entertainment. Also, liquid spirits are quite frequently consumed when there is fire, and this may increase the perception of talent. Something about a fire brings folks together, and exposes previously hidden abilities.

A outdoor firepit on the patio or in the backyard is a magnet for company. Simply fire it up and everyone automatically draws near. This diverse object can be the focal point for the patio, entire yard, or anything you decide for multiple get togethers and genres of music to be displayed around the fire.

The modern fire pit embraces an irresistible ancient race memory, and provides an indefinable comfort and feeling of shared humanity, even at a Girl Scout campout. Did primitive humans (as well as females) sing around the campfire? It is quite believable that enjoyment in the olden days was revolved around the concept of what is today the modern fire pit.

Which kind of fire it is the optimum for your get together? If you have a bunch of Broadway show tune-singers, who will, in any case ‘stay all night and sing ‘em all,’ an elegant copper bowl type of fire pit, on the patio just beyond the plate glass, is a wonderful choice. It will make a lovely backdrop for all those singers channeling Judy Garland and Ethel Merman, and everyone gathered on either side of the glass will have a good view and warmth, even in February.

If your friends like the idea of cowboy life, maybe an in-ground fire pit will work well for you, it will be deep down in the ground. A real pit is put deep into the earth, and stone, rocks, boulders, and sometimes a strong ring is utilized around the outside in order to properly contain the fire. This can be as primitive or as engineered as your needs dictate. If you get a pit with a comfortable sitting area, you’ll love lolling around drinking and singing.

Come by my God. Red River Gorge A nice song in the night forges peace among people. Fire makes it possible. In the beginning of time men and women would communicate not through words, but through hums and grunts. In present day men and women can not only talk, but can make charming sounds. Fire enabled so many things  and one of them happens to be growth of good music.

JUDY GARLAND “GET HAPPY” (SUMMER STOCK, 1950)