Re-Bop at the Red Room

I had the immense pleasure of hearing Re-Bop, a Jazz Collective at the Red Room lounge last night playing silky smooth tunes with deliciously textural rhythms. The presence of high-caliber jazz in our small town of Whitefish, MT is an indicator of the presence of a still-growing arts and music culture here, but there is still a long way to go if there is to be a real and thriving musical presence here. Of the elements holding the tide back, economic reality is probably the largest. While these are difficult times for everyone, musicians and performers have struggled since time out of mind to be recognized and treated like professionals, and to be paid as such-- not only in Whitefish but around the world. Locally speaking, the reluctance of community members to pay cover charges at venues affects the willingness of some venue owners to pay a decent wage to performers. Live music is often taken for granted, and there are many who fail to realize the amount of time, energy, and endless dedication it takes to become a professional-level musician, not to mention the time it takes to put together a band or ensemble, plus countless hours rehearsing and hauling gear and instruments (which DEFINITELY aren't free). Yet there seems to be a constant struggle to be paid a fair wage. Community members are able to enjoy the work of local artists for nearly nothing. My hope is that with time, they won't continue to take live music for granted, but will be willing to support artists (whether local or from out-of-town) by paying a decent cover charge or tipping performers graciously and by encouraging and supporting local venues that bring high-quality music to our beloved town-- even if it means paying a little more for it.

Music Quote of the Day

Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the spaces between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.
~Maya Angelou, Gather Together in My Name