[Harp-L] RE: Bands too expensive

["Bill Kumpe" <bkumpe@xxxxxxx>]

Could part of the problem be that audiences have grown accustomed to getting
music, often very good music, as a 'freebie' with their food and drinks?
Here in Tulsa, you can hear IMHO one of the best jazz guitar players in the
world (Tommy Crook) for the price of an order of Pad Thai.  I'm not
criticizing anybody but the system.  Tommy obviously wants the regular gig
and the restaurant owners obviously appreciate his services. And, I
appreciate both.  As restaurant venues goes this is one the best.  But, on
the other hand, to hear a musician of his caliber competing with bar noise,
dinner conversation, etc. is kind of ... well disrespectful.  I work in a
world where the lowest caliber judge can command total silence by simply
clearing his throat and throwing a dirty look. 

I would like to see more "intimate" venues where you pay to hear the music
and can get a drink as an afterthought rather than situations where selling
drinks or food is the goal and the music is the afterthought.  I would like
to see venues where the musicians are respected by their audience rather
than just providing a little background noise. I would gladly pay the price
of the dinner just to hear Tommy play a set or two in a quieter venue where
you didn't feel pressured to give up our seat as soon as your plate was
cleared or keep buying drinks you really shouldn't be having in the first
place.

Bill Kumpe
Tulsa, OK

To illustrate my point:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW-92n1XP24&feature=related