Leadership Lessons from the Stage: A Weekend at Moon River Music Festival

This weekend I bought a last minute ticket to attend the Moon River Music Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee — my hometown these days. Curated by Americana artist Drew Holcomb, this festival is a mecca for those who thrive on good tunes, community, and the blend of city and nature. Situated right on the riverbank, the festival not only provides a showcase for emerging and well-known musicians but also celebrates the beauty of the Tennessee River. It's the kind of festival where you can feel the soul of the city and the rhythm of the river harmonizing with the melodies from the stage.

I had not planned to go. However, the Saturday night headliner canceled just three days before the festival. That's where my favorite band (I have shared this a few times as I recall), Needtobreathe, stepped in. Known by Forbes as the most popular rock and roll band you've never heard of, Needtobreathe isn't just talented; they're tenacious and hardworking, too. Drew Holcomb, has a friendship with the band and they have toured together. So the story goes that he called them to ask if there was any way they could help. Without hesitation, Bear Rinehart, their frontman, responded: "We will find a way!"

As I stood there, soaking in the high-energy performance they delivered from the moment they took the stage, and listening to Bear express being as surprised as much of the audience was that they all were in Chattanooga, three clear leadership lessons were weaving through the chords and choruses of the night:

1. Seize Opportunities, Come What May

When opportunity presents itself, say 'yes' and find a way to make it happen—even if you're scheduled to be in Kansas City the night before and have a new album dropping the next week (called Caves for anyone interested). What could've been a logistical nightmare turned into a lesson in agility and determination. Sometimes, the best opportunities come when you're busy making other plans.

2. A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed

When a friend or colleague reaches out with a genuine need, step up to the plate. It's the kind of support that strengthens relationships and builds collaborative, resilient communities. Though I can only speculate, I would bet that this act of kindness will create a ripple effect, paying forward in ways that might be intangible but are deeply meaningful.

3. A Shoutout to the Crew and other Unsung Heroes

It's easy to focus on the stage, but I am also drawn to the things backstage. Often that’s where I find the heroes and individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes to make the magic happen. Bear took a moment to acknowledge the entire Needtobreathe team who managed a nearly impossible task—bringing the show from Kansas City to Chattanooga overnight. Their efforts serve as a compelling reminder that success is almost always a collective endeavor.

Thanking your team might seem like a small thing, but its impact is significant. It's these seemingly trivial acts that foster a culture of gratitude and mutual respect, which are cornerstones for any thriving organization. I watched their tour manager Dustin Reynolds , on the stage setting up the complex array that is a rock band's tools of the trade, to attending to the sound and lighting system all through the show, to closing the semi-truck door as all of the gear for the next show finished loading. I wonder how many times as a leader I have missed thanking those that show up day after day and make things happen. Dustin brought my favorite band to my hometown so I could have a “Great Night.”?

So the next time you find yourself at a music festival, a play, or arts gathering—take a moment to reflect. Art is about people. And organizations are not just made up of people, they are the people. What recent or well-worn lessons have you learned from the arts??