Jesse enjoyed performing. It was something he had done many times before, even in competition. Nothing quite prepared him for the energy of the Madison Valley Art and Music festival. It was more like an actual concert than what Jesse was used to, and he loved it.
He sang from the heart, and when it was done he was sweating and grinning and feeling like he could conquer the world. The sun was warm, the momentum of the crowd was infectious. There was nothing like this in all the world, Jesse decided. This was his happy place.
He leaned against a tree watching whoever was performing after him. After his stint on the stage, he wanted to watch everyone else.