The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #154480 Message #3629176
Posted By: GUEST,sciencegeek
30-May-14 - 11:32 AM
Thread Name: Why Do Musicians Work For Nothing?
Subject: RE: Why Do Musicians Work For Nothing?
"Without this army of anonymous toilers there wouldn't be a folk scene worth mentioning (IMHO)"
I know what you mean, Steve. Mike & I have been volunteers at the annual Mystic Sea Music Festival for 20+ years. I refer to it as our folk family reunion. There are any number of such festivals that create a bond among the organizers, volunteers and performers... and even festival goers. Each year I find myself greeting and being greeted by folks who come each year as attendees... I might even know some of their names. And we have sponsored some to become future volunteers. The hugs at the end of each festival are real and we ask about those who are absent and mourn those who have passed on.
I've been to plenty of concerts where the performers are up there on the stage and the audience confined to their seats or refreshment area... it's a show. I'd rather be one of the volunteers and contribute something more than my admission fee. And I've done gigs for self absorbed folks that regarded me as one of the help... I got paid, and so did the waiters & bartenders... and we were all well below the salt.