Perhaps the problem is in the word concert! Why does playing music with folks have to be a "concert" I can just see the guys at the pits, or in the fields after work or at their lunch breaks in olden times saying step right up we are musicians we need money or you wont hear a note. Sure!

I have nothing against professional musicians. But there are other ways to look at the art and many ways to structure performance.

My problem is constantly finding money between the public and the music.

We all do things to make money. I teach and tell stories. I also tell stories and play music without any thought of money at all. No stage, no amplification, no idiot rules which seem to indicate that music in the absence of purity is not music.

You can have the good clean living folks, alcohol and smoke free and you can take the money and keep that between musicians and the public. You can have concerts. And sure professional musicians being professional before the word musician you note, can take with one hand at a concert and then take and take again and again. That is ok if....music for people must always be a profession. Music can also be a way of life.

I will just continue to open my doors to those who simply play music and listen to it and maybe dance and maybe drink and smoke and do other things that people once did when all were entitled to recreation.

I am more concerned with the spread of music and song and not as concerned with the support of a patronized class of musicians who will only play when paid.

All a matter of priorities. Do as you wish. I would much rather sit down with anyone who provides his or her music freely than a better performer who always demands payment.

music is for the air and for all.....

Conrad