Barry CourterI had a long conversation with a guy who has been involved directly and indirectly with the local music scene for more years than I have the other day, and he made an observation about the changing climate.
He noted many of the same things that have been discussed here, such as the recent influx of very talented musicians, but also the change in how many different types of venues or avenues now exist for those same artists.
Bars and restaurants have long utilized musicians as a draw, and that hasn't really changed. But those places traditionally offered the music late at night, and very often after the restaurant part closed down.
Artists are finding and being offered new ways to get their music out in front of people, including afternoon gigs at places like the Flying Squirrel and Feed. House shows, which are just what the phrase suggests, have picked up locally as well.
The internet obviously has also provided everything from Facebook Live to podcasting opportunities, and lots of people have taken advantage of those.
People like Kane Brown and Johnny Balik have parlayed their internet fame into something bigger, while folks like Heather Leigh Holt have used the platform to introduce viewers to all kinds of local musicians.
We do the same with our Music Wednesdays Facebook Live programs every week. Having said all of that, I can't say that the opportunities to make an actual living playing music have increased.
» Back in the '80s, Jack Berry was part owner of a club on Patten Parkway called 2 Jacks. One of his go-to bands was a local group called The Mattress Police. They regularly drew huge crowds of folks who loved hearing their guitar- and vocal-driven songs.
The two forces of nature have gotten back together for a fundraiser for Notre Dame High School, where Berry and most of the band members went to high school.
The event will take place April 28 at The Honest Pint, which used to be 2 Jacks.
» I was saddened to hear of the demise of the Southern Brewers Festival.
I now wonder if George Parker and some of the other local folks who were so successful at raising huge amounts of money for charity for more than two decades might be available to once again put together a festival that features lots of beer and some of the best musical lineups anywhere.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.