The music scene

There isn't a whole lot to be said for music in my town unless you know where to look.

Most of the folks who play music, have a day job and play the bars at night for a paltry sum.

I remember going out with friends to some of the few places that had live music. Most of it was excellent. There was a place called Taco Land, that was a crappy little bar situated next to a stinky brewery on the shit side of town. The only two things this place had was cheap cold beer and some of the best live music.

One of the bands had 9 guys crammed on the little tiny stage three with mandolins, one with a violin, one steel guitar, drums, acoustic guitar, stand up base and electric guitar. These guys all worked at the same automotive place and were still dressed in their grease stained uniforms. The music they played was amazing. I knew these guys were working for nothing so when I had the cash I would buy a CD or drop something in their tip bucket.

Another place had 25 cent beer every Wednesday and open mike night. there was a stage and a pit right below. One night a couple of lesbian folk singers were on stage singing melancholy tunes about yeast infections and tennis, so we decided to start a mosh pit and dance around to drum up audience participation. Pretty soon the whole place is in the pit with elbows and fists flying, people jumping around smashing into each other and stomping barefoot drunkenly on broken beer bottles. We were having a hell of a good time. The Singers were not amused. They were really pissed that a bunch of rowdy long haired grungy dudes were dancing and flailing to their music.

When they finished their set I walked up , thanked them and told them I enjoyed the show. They told me to fuck off.

I was surprised to find out that there is a hell of a lot of musical talent out there that goes mostly unnoticed. Some of these folks are just as enjoyable to watch as an arena concert that costs a hundred dollars a ticket for the nose bleed section.

Then between sets you can sit and have a drink with the band....however, they still don't like it when you yell "free bird"

Speaking of Big concerts, I went to see the Moody Blues in a large theatre a few years back. I grew up listening to them and I got some of my hippy friends turned on to their deep lyrics and complex arrangements. When we showed up to the theatre we expected there to be a bunch of old hippies and guys with 25 year old concert shirts smoking doobies and swilling beer.

When we walked in I was sure we were in the wrong place. Nearly everyone was dressed in expensive suits and tuxedos, women had on sequined gowns and furs, champagne was being served in the lobby. My friends and I were wearing tie dyed T shirts, combat boots and old blue jeans. We found our seats and the lady sitting next to us looked horrified. Her husband leaned over and asked her "are you alright sitting next to them pumpkin?" It's not like we smelled bad or were putting needles in our arms. They were pretty closed minded for being at that type of concert. They had obviously never listened to the lyrics.

The concert was fantastic by the way, they had a 50 piece orchestra travelling with them so they could recreate the music from their albums more faithfully. I noticed other than our small group there was only one other person who seemed to be having a good time. Everyone else had a stick up their ass. That was their problem I guess.

I don't get out as much as I used to. I don't like driving in the shitty parts of town and staying out to all hours. Guess that goes along with getting older and more responsible. Maybe when my kids get older I can take them to see some of the bands from the 60's and 70's. I have no doubt these guys will still be around playing music
in their wheelchairs and oxygen tents.

Moody Blues