Happy Saturday to all my ANGELS. Very nice day in the VILLE…partly sunny and in the upper 70s. What going on around town? Always something. Tonight I’m planning to see a friend’s band at Stevie Rays…and I thought this would make for a good blog.
Music is the universal language of this world. Music can do so much for you. Speaking for me…music moves me in so many ways every day. There is not a day that I don’t spend at least an hour listening to music…all kinds. You know…its ok to feel or show emotions throughout the day. Hell…if you can laugh and shed a tear during the day…then you’re living.
My parents gave me an electric guitar when I was 12…but I elected not to pursue it. I was more interested in sports. How I so regret that now. So what do I do?? I live vicariously through my friends...or new friends that I get to know who play in bands…and make it a point to go to their gigs to enjoy the “live vibe”.
I know music matters to a lot of people. If you’re not a regular on the local music scene…you are really missing out on some true talent…and good fun.
We are living in the largest city in the state, and 16th largest in the country. There are more than 1.6 million people in the metro area. So why doesn’t anyone give a shit about live music in this town?
Some people will blame the bad economy. To that, I say, “Bullshit!” There are people willing to pay $10 a head to be in the same club as the morons from “Jersey Shore” or something like that. There are people who pay $10 to park and another $10 cover just to hang out and listen to the same monotonous shitty club music at the Freedom Hall.
Sure, some shows are expensive, but some are only $5. Some are free. You’ll pay $5 for a beer, but not $5 to see three bands rock the Phoenix Hill? You can pay $5 for cigarettes but not $5 for a night at Stevie Rays or TKs? You have money to go out to fancy dinner, but not even half of that for a night of great entertainment and good memories?
Or, like I said earlier, you’ll pay $10 to park and a $10 cover for a DJ playing a CD on a regular basis, but not take one night or two a month to use that $20 for a live band playing original music?
Everyone loves music. But you need to prove it. Give local bands a chance. Go see a band that looks promising — they may be back next year charging 10 times as much and you can say, “I saw them back when they were in a small club…”
Trust me...these guys are not making a killing at these gigs. In some cases...the reward for playing is basically the venue paying for their spouse's bar tab (SW). These cats play for their love of music...and the joy of watching people come out and jam with them for a few hours.
With that said…my buddy Dave and his band, Empty Fifth, will be jamming tonight at Stevie Ray’s on Main Street. They are playing at 10:30p..playing blues and 70s classic rock. This is their first gig at Stevie Rays...and I would like to see them make a great impression. That could start with a great audience. Help me show some love to the band. Really cool stuff tonight..
Right now for me…I recommend the following bands. Empty Fifth, The Wilson Brothers, Jefferson Tarc Bus, Sparechange Millionaires, Caribou, Big Rock Show. There are lots more talented bands out there. I’m partial to them as I know guys with the band. HOWEVER…they jam…and will play lots of songs that you will sing or dance too.
It’s all good. Come out and play…if you will.
Peace out my HALEYUNNS!
Hey Kev , Thanks for the band props . You are so true Louisville has so much tallent and is overlooked . You realize when you go to other cities and see what they have to offer . Even Nashville (wich I have played a few times this year ) feel like they are the meca of music in the U.S. . But what I have witnessed is that it is mostley country , and that's cool if your into that but the tallent level is not above what we have here in our city . It is saturated and because of that the clubs don't pay because they feel it is a privalidge to play in "The Music City" . The original scene in The Ville is awsome and needs to be recognized . All styles of music and keeps getting better . Thanks again Bro hope to see yopu out soon . Greg
ReplyDeleteGreg..thanks for the comment. Yes..there is so much talent in Louisville. I'd like to give huge props to Tony McElwain from The Wilson Brothers. That cat can seriously play the guitar. In the last two years..I've arguable seen one guy play better than him..and that was Steve Lukather in Indy.
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