My plan this week was to tell all of you about a venue I have discovered where you will hear the greatest bluegrass music on the planet. And I promise to tell you all about it, soon.

But something happened that pulled my attention in a different direction – something that is happening more and more, and it is disturbing to the point that none of us can ignore it.

I’m sure you have all heard of the terrible shooting that took place in California last week, leaving 13 dead, including mostly young people and a dedicated police officer. I can’t tell you how much this saddens me and how concerned I have grown over these seemingly random acts of violence.

Perhaps this column is not the place to discuss this; but perhaps it is. These young people were merely going to a favorite place to hear country music, a familiar place to most and a place they considered to be safe.

Unfortunately, it would seem that no place is really safe anymore. These shootings have happened at clubs, at concerts, at schools, at grocery stores, at church … and the list goes on. It simply breaks my heart, as it does yours, I’m sure.

I wish I had an answer, but I’m not sure we can ever know completely what causes someone to do such a thing.

Growing up in rural Kentucky, I don’t really ever remember being scared, especially of being shot in a public place. It just didn’t seem to happen then. And when I became involved in music, I certainly never thought about something like that happening during a show. The people who were coming out to these musical events were happy and looking to have a good time and hear some good music.

I rarely go down the social issues path here, but it may be time for all of us to think about how we can get to a place of peace, and a place devoid of fear.

My thoughts and prayers are with those victims – and with the many people who will be forever changed because they were there when it happened.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of music. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.