MAMAView: Phase 2 What does that mean?
By Middagh Goodwin
California is well into Phase 2 and restaurants, cafes and diners are opening up to have patrons dine in, but with limited capacity. What does that mean for live music? It will come back but just needs to come back in a safe way, with everyone working together, performers need to be willing to compromise with the venues and vis versa. Those that are unwilling to compromise will be left behind until capacities are returned to normal and patrons feel safe to come out in numbers. Venues will just not have the money to pay performers what they would normally ask and with all artists calendar wiped clean there will be a “gig vacuum”.
Be respectful of those who decide to play gigs for little or no compensation. For many, playing music is cathartic, a much-needed release and performing for some might be more important than making a buck. Playing for a tab and tips might be the best you can expect for the near future. A healthy economy is a key component of a vibrant music scene. Also, be respectful to those venues that may want to wait a little longer before booking entertainment again.
It is crucial that everyone takes adequate precautions and if you are feeling sick, it is critical that you stay home. We do not want a spike in new cases happening. An outbreak could force another shelter in place order. Bring your own mic when performing, especially at Open Mics. For those who are running open mics, have hand sanitizer available for performers to use. Small steps to ensure each other’s health and safety is important and will go a long way.
It will be sometime before we see our calendar overflowing with events; before scheduled concerts are taking place at the Gallo, the State and the Fruit Yard again. Be supportive when these events do come back, buy an extra ticket or two to give to a friend or musician who might not be able to afford to go otherwise.
When you go out to enjoy some live music please tip a little more than normal, buy their CD or T-shirt, these musicians, many of which rely on performing to pay their bills have been out of work since mid-march. Tip your server and bartender an extra buck or two while you are at it. Together is the only way we are getting through this.
Be respectful of those who decide to play gigs for little or no compensation. For many, playing music is cathartic, a much-needed release and performing for some might be more important than making a buck. Playing for a tab and tips might be the best you can expect for the near future. A healthy economy is a key component of a vibrant music scene. Also, be respectful to those venues that may want to wait a little longer before booking entertainment again.
It is crucial that everyone takes adequate precautions and if you are feeling sick, it is critical that you stay home. We do not want a spike in new cases happening. An outbreak could force another shelter in place order. Bring your own mic when performing, especially at Open Mics. For those who are running open mics, have hand sanitizer available for performers to use. Small steps to ensure each other’s health and safety is important and will go a long way.
It will be sometime before we see our calendar overflowing with events; before scheduled concerts are taking place at the Gallo, the State and the Fruit Yard again. Be supportive when these events do come back, buy an extra ticket or two to give to a friend or musician who might not be able to afford to go otherwise.
When you go out to enjoy some live music please tip a little more than normal, buy their CD or T-shirt, these musicians, many of which rely on performing to pay their bills have been out of work since mid-march. Tip your server and bartender an extra buck or two while you are at it. Together is the only way we are getting through this.
