THE DIVERSE (& DYSFUNCTIONAL) FAMILY OF MUSICIANS
Awhile back Floyd's most prolific blogger, Doug Thompson, wrote that pettiness among Floyd's community of musicians led to the demise of an event organized by another of Floyd's favorite malcontents, Tom Ryan. Commenting on Ryan's event "The Second Annual Dysfunctional Family Picnic" Thompson wrote that Tom "also planned the first annual gathering of Floyd County 'All Stars' musicians but had to cancel that event because too many of the proposed all stars aren't speaking to each other -- a malady that seems to affect musicians."
Now I would never claim that Floyd's musicians are above divisiveness. Lord knows I've had my fair share of differences -- personal, professional and artistic -- with my musical brothers and sisters. However, one doesn't have to read to far into Doug's blog before they realize that pettiness is not the sole purview of Floyd's musicians! Small towns breed familiarity, which often breeds contempt. However, more often it breeds compassion as demonstrated by the large number of benefits we play.
Taking Doug's comment at face value, I was surprised at the cancelation and admittedly a little hurt to have not been contacted by my friend Tom about this event. I was also saddened that it had been seemingly sabotaged by my brothers and sisters in the Floyd musician family. For several weeks after Doug's post I asked the Floyd musicians I met on my daily trek to town what they knew about the situation and became confused when every musician I spoke to was as clueless as I about the event and the supposed feud that led to its demise. I've since learned that the "too many of the proposed all stars" Doug refered to where actually 2 specific Floyd musicians who had recently had a falling out.
Floyd is loaded with musical talent and like any group, including bloggers and bartenders, this group can have its moments of pettiness, egomaniacle behavior and outright stupidity. But to credit the behavior of 2 individuals having a tiff as indicative of a group as large as Floyd's musical community is more than a little irresponsible.
I for one have, at one point or another, performed, jammed or listened to most musicians in this county. Indeed, I have credited Floyd's talented and diverse musical community with broadening my musical horizons many times. To be sure, there have been times when I have had differences -- personal, professional and artistic -- with some of these fine folks. But that has never stopped me from exchanging pleasantries on the street, answering an email, or joining in at a fundraiser or jam. I believe that most of my fellow travellers in the Floyd community of musicians would say the same.
Perhaps the real "malady" Floyd musicians are afflicted with is being an easy target for abuse.
What I Love
Floyd's musicians are a talented and diverse bunch with distinct personalities and a genuine love for what they do.
What I Don't Love
Floyd musicians have enough obstacles in the way of their artistic and professional pursuits. I love 'em all!
