House Concert

Not too long ago my hillbilly swing and blues trio, Front Porch Swing, played at the "Outskirts of Town" Concert Series at Ambrosia Farm Bed & Breakfast. We performed alfresco and au naturel (without a sound system, not what you were thinking), to a crowd of about 30. It was the most enjoyable local gig I've played thus far this year.

The music loving, generous hostess, Caroline supplied wine and the most decadent chocolate cake I've ever eaten. Patrons paid a $10 admission and purchased 6 CDs. A music friendly venue and crowd facilitated our tightest set of music yet and our most hilarious repartee. If the music, humorous anecdotes or Bill Adam's knobby knees weren't enough to keep your attention, there was a spectacular view to gaze upon. I want to play more places like this!

If Floyd is to retain its growing reputation as a musical "mecca" we're going to need more promoters like Caroline, more venues like Ambrosia Farm and more audiences like the one that attended this show. Too often, local musicians have to "beg" for renumeration by settling for tips at local eateries or "pay to play" by renting halls or giving large percentages to venues. This is the way it is in a town where the pool of talented music makers so clearly surpasses the number of venues to play, I guess. But it is not the best way to foster a music scene that is earning international attention.

I've played every type of venue under every variety of terms. If I play for tips I've got the patter down to get folks to reach for greenbacks instead of silver and make a decent wage. But it's hard to justify playing in a place where you have to beg for pay when the venue itself profits from your performance. Rent a hall or pay a percentage? I've done it and will again. But when venue's rent or split exceeds the musician's take, well it just don't seem right. Is not the musician's contribution at least equal to that of the venue in which they perform?

I firmly believe that we're all in this together; musicians, promoters, venues and audiences. We all need to value each others contribution to the Floyd music scene. I often joke that there are hundreds of dollars to be made in the Floyd music scene every year and that all I want is my fair share. I certainly believe every one else is entitled to theirs as well.