The Here and Now Traveler | October 24, 2026

Sometimes the best experiences are hiding in plain sight.

Tonight, I decided to attend a performance of Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show at Circle Theatre in downtown Fort Worth.

I’ve passed Circle Theatre countless times while working downtown, but never thought much about what was inside. Tonight, I discovered what I’d been overlooking.

A Hidden Gem Beneath the Streets

The theater is tucked away in the basement of a downtown building. It’s small, quaint, intimate, almost hidden, with exposed beams, decorative chandeliers, soft purple lighting, and cabaret-style tables near the stage. There’s even VIP seating arranged around the performance area.

Before the lights dimmed, I thought about how many times I’d walked right past this place without a second glance. Sometimes exploring doesn’t mean going somewhere new. It means finally noticing something that’s been there all along.

The Pleasure of Not Knowing What Comes Next

I was familiar with Ain’t Misbehavin’ by name, but I didn’t know much about the musical itself. Every scene and every song was a surprise. I had no idea what was coming next, and I realized how refreshing it was to experience each number without expectations.

The show isn’t a conventional musical with a single storyline. It’s a revue celebrating Fats Waller’s music and the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. That turned out to suit my evening perfectly: rather than anticipating the next plot point, I could just take in the music, humor, and performance as they unfolded.

Finding Joy in the Midst of Difficult Times

One of my biggest takeaways was the joy expressed through music rooted in a period of real hardship. The Harlem Renaissance was a time of extraordinary Black creativity, even as African Americans continued to face discrimination and inequality. People still found ways to make music, dance, laugh, and celebrate life.

That resonated with me. I’ve faced difficult times in my own life, and I’ve been learning that you can accept what life brings without pretending it’s easy and still make room for joy.

Acceptance and joy aren’t opposites. I don’t have to wait until every problem is resolved before allowing myself to enjoy an evening, laugh, or appreciate beautiful music. The challenge is learning how to experience both at the same time: acknowledging what is difficult without letting it consume every moment.

Finding Peace in the Present

I found myself thinking about the Stoic philosopher Seneca and his teachings about the past, the future, and the present. We can learn from yesterday without letting it weigh down every moment. And we can prepare for tomorrow without surrendering today to fear.

That thought feels especially practical to me now. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be enjoyed. Hardship and happiness can coexist.

Tonight I walked into a small theater in downtown Fort Worth expecting entertainment. I left with a reminder of how I want to live: accept what life brings, don’t wait for perfect conditions, and keep making room for joy.

That’s what being The Here and Now Traveler means to me.