I first met Sean when I brought my guitar to him for repairs. I could tell right away that he paid attention to details, going the extra mile with taking good care of my instrument. Beyond that we engaged in very interesting conversation, revealing that at almost every turn Sean strives to be kind.
The most noticeable expression of this is Heartstrings, a concept more than a real organization. Under that umbrella Sean collects discarded instruments, rehabilitates them, and finds them a good home. Victims of Katrina who lost everything was the impetus for Heartstrings, though since then Sean has branched out to find people in general that might benefit from getting their first instrument, or being reunited with one.
Sean is big on bartering. I once exchanged a copy of my book Systems out of Balance for some simple repair work. You also will find your costs lowered if you simply bring him coffee …. that is, if he charges you at all. Sean has been particularly kind to me, I suspect because of my own quest for kindness, but anyone who is down and out within Sean’s sphere will get the same kind treatment.
Sean does not have a web site, but if you were to Google “Heart Strings” and “Great Barrington” you will be led to contact info about him. If you look him up make sure you bring a discarded/broken instrument with you to find a good home.
Thank you for your heartfelt blog about Sean Barry. We have met two years ago and he is a remarkable person, one of the many heroes who add some beauty and kindness to this world without expecting something in return. I am proud to call him a friend and I am thankful for him sharing his life’s story with me. Being a singer and a songwriter, I’ve been inspired by Sean to write a song about him that I recorded for my album entitled ‘Once Upon A Song’. Feel free to listen at http://petervanvleuten.bandcamp.com/track/jungle-nights
Thanks again for sharing your blog!
Peter