MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN

Subject: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: bbelle
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 01:57 AM

OK ... so I've mentioned recently that I want to relocate. Every move I've made, as an adult, has been a career move ... this time I'm doing it for me ... and me wants to go where there's music ... folk, bluegrass, trad, celtic, etc. ... and people, like us, getting together to make the music.

I'd like to relocate to a rural area, but close enough to the city for decent airfares. Some place that has four seasons and wonderful fruits and vegetable during the summer.

But, most importantly, some place with musical echoes.

Tell me about where you live.

moonchild

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Sorcha
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 02:03 AM

NOT Wyoming for you, moonchild. Sorry, but we are a real backwater, and nobody pays worth S!@#. Nursing homes, town picnics, etc. are all we have to offer on the music scene. If, on the other hand, you want "family" atmosphere, come on out. It's boring,though. According to my kids.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Bugsy
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 02:55 AM

Western Australia's got it all!

Cheers

bugsy

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Llanfair
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 03:46 AM

I don't suppose you were thinking of the UK!!! We have millions of seasons, every day is different. I can't promise bluegrass, but if you are looking for an alternative lifestyle, Wales is the place!!!!
Bron.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: death by whisky
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 05:07 AM

North Kerry is the place,but the air fare thing...!

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Catrin
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 05:18 AM

I'll second Llanfair - planning to move to Wales soon myself. Its got the prettiest countryside, but everywheres not far to get too (airports etc.) - unless you want to visit friends in the states that is!

Catrin

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 06:14 AM

And if you want to stay Stateside, southwestern New Hampshire, southeastern Vermont has the 4 seasons (although it's 6 months of winter & six months of rough sledding some years!); good music, great people, and 2 airports (Bradley Int'l in Hartford and Manchester in NH) within 1 1/2 hour's drive.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 07:23 AM

I'd say New England has it all. Especially Northwestern Mass and Vermont. Lots of music happening, evrything from Jazz to Celtic and on a regular basis. In the town of Northampton there are so many music choices that it is almost over whleming. The weather is good, hot summers, with lots of gardening. Wonderful falls with colors too lovely to discribe, spring is like it should be here, and the winters are lovely as well with bright blue skys and crisp snow to crunch on as you walk..

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Mooh
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 08:01 AM

Okay, I'll bite.

Shore of Lake Huron, southern Ontario, town of Goderich. Four seasons, celtic festival, active music scene, monthly coffee-house type concerts and more, 1.25 hours from London, decent fishing, 3 hours from Toronto, community garden, reasonable housing prices, population 7500, trails...

Interested?

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: mactheturk
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 08:14 AM

Consider the Sierra Foothills of California. You can have a garden, lots of musicians live here, lots of music festivals, close to mountains, deserts and ocean.

Nevada City-Grass Valley area is a good choice. Have Utah Phillips and Norton Buffalo as neighbors.

Enjoy four season while maintaining your tan....

Mac(californicator)

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: kendall
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 08:48 AM

Vermont.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Tony Burns
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 08:55 AM

I've done some thinking about this too moonchild. The problem I've run up against is the combination of music and rural. Mooh is right about Goderich being a beautiful place to live. I was struck by its beauty the first time I visited and it is still on the list of possible retirement locations. The Celtic Festival is fantastic and is our favourite festival of the season. As Mooh says there is an active music scene and a monthly coffee house. That's where I start to wonder about the trade off of rural vs music. In Toronto there are many coffee houses per week and the complete spectrum of music. Most weekends the decision to be made is which event will have to be missed because there just is no way to make it to all the ones you want to go to. Once retirement rolls around there are the week night venues that I have to take a pass on now because I need to get some sleep so I can make it to work.

I've looked at 'rural' settings within an hour of Toronto but fear that the travelling time will interfere with getting to the music events. I have one friend who moved to the suburbs in order to have a more pastoral life-style only to move back into the city in less than a year because she was spending so much time driving in for the things she wanted to do.

All in all I might still move to Goderich in a few years but it's worth remembering that there are always trade offs.

If you aren't stuck on living in the US then Southern Ontario is worth considering. It meets all your requirements.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Wesley S
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 09:07 AM

You should check out Atlanta since you live so close to there.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Allan C.
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 09:44 AM

Charlottesville, Virginia was voted the best all around city for its size in the nation. There is a regular Celtic music session and an Old Time session locally. There are open mike venues as well. One very fine folk stage venue for professionals is here. And there is another church-affiliated coffeehouse as well. You couldn't sling a cat around here without hitting a bluegrass band. And let's not forget that Mrrzy and BeauDangles are here as well!

A two-hour ride brings you into FSGW territory where there is a great monthly singaround and many other events. Plus there is the Greater Washington D.C. area which is filled with folk venues - one of which is the home of the Seldom Scene. And Richmond is only an hour's drive away. It has a few clubs as well.

Of course I would be remiss were I to not mention that there is a first quality folk artist (he said modestly) who lives on a farm less than two hours away.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Jim the Bart
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 09:50 AM

Chicago is a good town, but a hard town. We have more weather than most people want - although lately it doesn't get quite as bitterly cold in the winter and we still haven't had a day in the nineties this summer. There is a lot of music, but you have to search it out; escept for the Blues (capital "B") which is one of our recognized exportable commodities and can be found almost anywhere.

We have the Old Town School of Folk Music and a bunch of local coffeehouses. We are a few hours from Door County, Wisconsin and not far from the Covered Bridge and Bean Blossom Festivals in Indiana. We have the Midnight Special. Until recently we had Andrew Calhoun. We used to have John Prine and Steve Goodman and Bob Gibson and so many others. They grow here for a while and then we send them out to pollinate.

I read somewhere last week that Chicago has the best music scene, particularly Alt-Country, this side of Austin, Texas. If my roots here weren't so deep I think I'd move to Austin. Now that town has something special going for it. . .

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 10:02 AM

Northampton, Ma., mentioned above, is well recommended and is also close to the New Hampshire and Vermont regions mentioned (even closer to northern New York and Connecticut). Between Iron Horse cafe and its affiliates, the Academy of Music, and Smith College activities (you could even indulge in change bell ringing there), you find live entertainment nightly. There has been at least one busker on the main street every time I've visited, and the sidewalk coffee shops are always bustling. It's less than an hour from Bradley Airport, where plenty of bargain priced flights are offered, but there are plenty of farms along the Connecticut River Valley. Come summer, you're a short drive from Tanglewood, summer home of the Boston symphony, and the Hillsdale, N.Y., setting of the Falcon Ridge (singer-songwriter) Folk Festival and the Winter Hawk (bluegrass and beyond)Festival, and the rest of the Berkshires. There seems to be a sufficient number of good-paying jobs available in Springfield and Hartford, which are easy commutes.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Mbo
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 10:06 AM

Well, as you've probably heard from me, Eastern North Carolina is pretty much dead on the folk/acoustic scene. Not even plain old rock & roll is that big here. You gotta be either rap or hardcore to get any gigs. Oh, and Carolina Beach Music, but that's cool stuff. It's kinda like baseball. You wanna sign with a really good team, and sit back, play easy, and go to the World Series? Or do you wanna go to a loser team, and help build it into something to be proud of? Where the grandkids can say "Back in the old days no one cared about them cause they were losers, but once someone gave them a chance, they rose above the rest."

--Matt (free to be whatever I choose and I'll sing the blues if I want)

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From:
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 11:08 AM

Moonchild, the place you are thinking about is Nova Scotia. Well, except for perhaps air fares. I don't think they're that great, but....

Here in Nova Scotia, we're within ONE HOUR of a major body of water. People are relaxed. We DO call you people from away, CFA (short for Come From Aways).

There are all kinds of music in the region. Folk, Latin, Bluegrass (even a festival), Jazz (we just finished up a week or so back, a Jazz festival), G&S, and tons of musicians, from fiddles, symphony, guitar, even didgeridoo (sp?) enthusiasts.

Within an hour or two drive, there is the Annapolis Valley for major veggie suppliers. Within the same time frame you can have access to wharves where you can purchase fish/lobster, etc RIGHT OFF the ship.

As for weather - IT's cold in the winter, warm in the summer, and moderate the other two seasons.

We do NOT have -40 or 100+ temperatures here as a rule. We might run into the high eighties in the height of summer, or down to -10 during a REALLY spectacularly frigid winter. But as a rule we're pretty well situated. The closest hurricane we get is within about 40 miles or so off shore, and we get beaten about by the winds and some of the rain, but it's not serious.

As for earthquakes, we get them as often as New York City. That's because we're on the same fault line.

There's been one tsunami from an underwater earthquake off shore, recorded within the last century.

People are good. Fairly relaxed and willing to accept new people, BUT at their own pace and terms. We don't necessarily accept all "new-fangled" ideas from "away". 8-)

Consider us, if you are seriously thinking about relocating. HOWEVER, if you want to come visit, and you like the music, try any time from late June through mid October. Festivals and such abound through the region, not just Nova Scotia. The latest one you are likely to come to is the one in October. Our Thanksgiving weekend through to the following Saturday. It's spread through the entire Cape Breton Island. Look at my web-site. I have sections on Folk Music, Cape Breton music/musicians, Gaelic and some tourist-type web-sites.

George's Web-site

In the one on Folk Music, I have listed some of the Traditional Music Festival sites, including Celtic Colours, Miramichi and Lunenburg.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Naemanson
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 11:15 AM

Here in Maine the scene is good (coffeehouses, concerts, song circles) but my girlfriend lives in Boston and there is a lot more going on there. I think to be located so you could take advantage of all you want then Southern New Hampshire is your place. What would you consider too long a drive to reach fun events?

Here are a few quick examples of what is available in the "local" area: Lowell Folk Festival (Lowell, MA, in August) Boston Folk Festival (Boston, MA, in September) Old Songs Folk Festival (New York in June) Rockport Folk Festival (Rockport, Maine, in September) Mystic Sea Music festival (Mystic, CT, in June) New England Friends of the Folk Arts (Boston in the spring) Champlain Valley Folk Festival (Vermont, not sure when) Plus there are coffeehouses in just about every town between Damariscotta , Maine, and Providence Rhode Island.

Good luck with your decision. Keep us tuned in to what happens.

Brett

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Naemanson
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 11:17 AM

Hmmm!
I
need
to
learn
the
value
of
those
damned
page
breaks!

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Kim C
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 11:27 AM

Well, they call Nashville the Music City, and after having grown up here, and lived all my adult life here, I'm still trying to figure out why. We have gospel, country, alternative country, and rock. That's about it. ONe of the local historic sites has an annual thing they claim is a Celtic festival, but I'm not so sure. Lots of writers nights here with lots of bad writers and a very few really good ones. We have a restaurant, Seanachie, which claims to be a pub, but trust me, it's definitely a restaurant. They have Irish music there but it's downtown and expensive to park.

Once in awhile, the Bluebird Cafe or the Station Inn will have somebody really good. But that's only once in awhile. There's really no folk scene here, unfortunately. But there are lots of places to eat, lots of places to shop, and tons of other things to do. Summers are a bitch, winters generally mild. People generally nice, except for those who come from other states and start griping about "it wasn't like this back home." (Really? Go home, then, or shut yer gob.)

Nashville is growing very VERY fast, but there are still several outlying areas that are small, sweet and quiet. My fiddle teacher lives in Robertson County, and her parents in Sumner County, not far from Nashville or other civilization, and very nice. I may consider moving there myself!

In defense of Tennessee, I do want to clear up the misconception that we are all a bunch of barefoot rednecks. Yeah, okay, so some of us are. But there are probably quaint provincial types where you live too! :)

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 11:44 AM

Kim, out of all the places I've lived, I would move back to Nashville in a heartbeat. Even with its growth of late, I still find it a wonderful place. Then again, I'd go back to southeast Kentucky too.

There are lots of wonderful places to move to moon. My criteria is obviously different from yours, but its nice to see so many pushing their corner of the world. Educational too. Interesting thread!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: kendall
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 12:23 PM

Sorry, but the Rockport festival folded up after the 1997 fest. No one wants to do the work anymore. It's a damn shame too.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Mbo
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 12:47 PM

Actually, we DO have one folk-ish thing here. The Irish Cultural Society has Irish music sessions on the last Monday of each month, in downtown New Bern.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Jeri
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 12:51 PM

Were I live in southeastern NH, there is a lot of music. Naemanson listed festivals, but if you don't mind a little traveling (an hour to some) it's possible to go to a session just about every night of the week. Boston is a little over an hour away, and Seacoast NH (Portsmouth) is about a 40-minute drive. Where I live there are lakes and mountains closeby, small towns with an old-town feel, farms, people who live in cabins in the woods, tourists, lobster, lighthouses up towards Maine, old graveyards and gorgeous dirt roads with firey autumn foliage.

I lived in Delaware before I moved here. It wouldn't have been bad to stay there. It was a lot less expensive than where I am now, and there was a growing folk community. Where I lived (Dover) it's rural, but close to Washington DC and Philadelphia. Wilmington, DE had a few folk clubs. I really miss the Amish store I used to frequent.

The DC area has probably got the largest concentration of serious folkies in the US. It's fairly expensive to live there, but probably easier to find a better-paying job. Outside of DC in northern Virginia and Maryland, there are loads of rural areas.

I've lived in Indana too - don't ask. (I may have just had bad luck finding music and it was a while ago, so things may have changed.)

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: paddymac
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 01:19 PM

Boo hoo, boo hoo! We'll miss you moonchild, but best wishes in whatever you decide.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 01:23 PM

Mooh... I'm sold! It's gotta be a million times better tha Windsor... Living this close to Detroit chews, and not in the good way!

I wanna move back to Canada!!

{-8

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Pixie
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 03:51 PM

I second George for Halifax/Dartmouth area of Nova Scotia (Canada). I came from Vancouver about 15 years ago and I love the pace, size and the character. In ten minutes your are out of "the city"....a euphamism for a large town. Halifax has lots to offer, and the rurals are only a few minutes away. The music selection (for listening and participation) is incredible! I swear there is an open mike every night somewhere in the area, and the variety covers everything. The atmosphere is relaxed, people place comfort over looks, personalities before principles, and the rest is all character! Downside???? Job opportunities do not abound in some career fields, and wages often suck. The upside, rent/buying a home is still an option!

Good luck in you search!

Pixie

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Sean Belt
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 11:09 PM

If you're serious about pulling up stakes and relocating, give some thought to St. Louis. The folk music community here is thriving. There are several world class musicians playing several styles from the old-timey Ill-Mo Boys and Flying Mules to an Irish guitar and flute duet, Bernie and Barbara McDonald. Those are just a few. Many, many venues to play in as well. Mostly restaurants and bars, but very musician friendly. We've only one folk club, The Focal Point. But they're very good.

Also, the cost of living and housing is reasonable, the surrounding area is pretty, and you're only an hour or so from the Ozarks. There are a lot of semi-rural areas on both sides of the river within an easy commute of the city.

The weather right now leaves a little to be desired. being here in the Mississippi river delta, it's hot and humid for much of the summer. But, on the other hand, the winters are generally mild with only a week or so every year of realy cold temperatures.

I'm sounding a little like the Chamber of Commerce here, aren't I? But I'm afraid that I really do like it here.

Bread & roses,all,
- Sean

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: GUEST,Barry Finn
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 11:35 PM

Hi Moonchild, The truth is there's more folk music within an hour or 2 of Boston than you'll find anywhere else in the country, sometimes it get to hurtin something awe-ful. When's the last time someone told you they OD'd on music & at the hospital they revived 'em with Jug Band Music & it seemed to make 'em feel just fine (see Jug thread) & if you feel like getting a big dose of city (bigger than Boston?) the New York folk will make you feel right at home. It's been said & who am I to doubt, that this area is the musical Atlantis of the Atlantic. So there you go. Barry

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 11:43 PM

I'm in the San Francisco bay area, where there is a thriving music scene and nature just a stone's throw from city life, but unfortunately there is also a thriving real estate market, with both home and rental prices steadily skyrocketing. (I'm in a fortunate situation of being in a rent controlled studio since '83). Though I've lived here all my life, I have to put in my vote with the New Englanders, for what you're looking for. The music scene in Boston, for one, is incredible. In Irish music alone you can find a session any night of the week, often several in the same night. It's full of folk clubs, there's the traditional singing session at Paddy Burke's, plus the festivals mentioned in other posts.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 11:53 PM

Moonchild, just about everyplace recommended by the above good folks is great. No doubt about it. But even though I live on the Chesapeake where the humidity can curl barbed wire in the summer, I cast my vote for Pittsburgh, PA. I love that city! Clearly defined seasons, beautiful mountain scenery a short drive away, fine rivers, and a thriving music scene. Irish sessions with talented local musicians, concerts, pubs and a super festival every September. Country, bluegrass, rock, jazz, alternative. Excellent cultural activities: the Pittsburgh ballet, opera, theaters, zoo, museums (Heinz, Andy warhol) and art galleries, not to forget, the Pirates, the Penguins, and the Steelers. Oh, yes, colleges everywhere! All the best. Seamus

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: JamesJim
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 12:57 AM

Moonchild, I won't try to sell you too hard. If you love Bluegrass, come to Kentucky and take a look. Either Louisville or Lexington would be a great place to experience everything you mentioned. Surprisingly, there's is a lot of good Irish music and bands playing in Louisville. We will have an Irish fest next year in downtown Louisville. Every year we have the Kentucky Music Weekend in Louisville and preceding that a week of folk music in Bardstown, Ky., along with a lot of workshops (about 50 miles from Louisville and home of "My Old Kentucky Home"). This year at KMW (25th anniversary), we had Arlo Guthrie and Bill Staines. Absolutely could not get any better - 4 days of workshops and concerts. GREAT! If you are serious about moving, I recommend you go to a few places mentioned here by Mudcatters and actually check them out. Best Wishes for a happy landing! Jim

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: mactheturk
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 08:08 AM

When the naturalist, John Muir felt the wanderlust he gravitated to California's Sierra Foothills.

His reasons included the natural beauty of the place, four seasons, the ability to grow wonderful fruits and vegetables, and decent airfares out of Sacremento.

Aa a native of Scotland he was also a big fan of Celtic Music.

Good Luck, Mac

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From:
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 08:51 AM

Dear Moonchild--

PLEASE please please come to Connecticut. We'd Be Neighbors. New York Boston Hartford and Worcester are all an easy commute by car, rail, or air...you can even use a ferry to get to NYC. We're close to the ocean. There are four terrific seasons (summers cooler than inland, winters warmer). There are lots of musical venues (casinos, restaurants, clubs, folk coffeehouses) hence lots of musicians jamming in the off hours. Of course, some say we're a bunch of "dam Yankees" and they may be right. There's still some affordable land and housing in the state, though that is getting harder and harder to come by.

V

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Naemanson
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 10:07 AM

Moonchild, It sounds like it's time for a Mudcat tour of the U.S. to determine which site will be your new home. Why do it "virtually" when there are so many of us ready to give you a real honest to Go tour of our home states. All you gotta do is jump in your car and drive!

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Kim C
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 12:04 PM

Spaw, y'all are welcome to visit anytime.

I have said before that I really like the Shenandoah Valley, and if someone told me, you have to leave Nashville tomorrow, choose anywhere in the US, that's where I'd go. But I don't know anything about the music scene there!!!!!!

Mister used to live in Bloomington, Indiana (and Nashville, Indiana, for that matter), and apparently once upon a time, they had a pretty good scene going on. I would not want to live up there myself, except that they have this splendid pub called The Irish Lion. If I could live within walking distance, I might consider it.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: bbelle
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 03:32 PM

I have to say that this is better than any travel or state tourism magazine. When ya got a questions ... go to the source. So, I made some preliminary decisions.

The West Coast is just too far from family and friends. One of the reasons I left Alaska is because of distance.

Middle America is a bit too far from the ocean.

Abroad and Canada would probably pose problems with finding employment ... and, again, there's that family and friends clause.

Southeast is a definitely consideration, either Virginia or North Carolina. Most of my family is concentrated in both states. Virginia taxes are, what I consider, unreasonable. North Carolina is a strong possibility, but in the western part. I could trade mountains for the ocean.

Northeast is the strongest contender. There's a definite change of seasons. The cost of living can be high or low, depending on location. There's both mountains and the ocean. There are major airports close by ... plus the driving distance is nor horrible. I know a whole bunch of people in the Northeast ... oldtime friends and mudcat friends. Finding employment would not be all that difficult. And, to quote Teresa Brewer, there's music, music, music! (I just learned to do italics.)

Another consideration is my health. Because of the dampness and humidity in North Florida, I stay sick all the time with my allergies, the most prominent being my allergy to mold. I didn't have a headache the whole I was gone last week. Ever since I returned home, I've woken up every morning with a blinding headache. It takes a lot of oomph out of me.

Now ... would anyone like my resume?

moonchild

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: GUEST,100eyes
Date: 04 Aug 00 - 04:08 PM

Moonchild:

Since NC is a possible choice for you, here are some more details on the area where I've lived for the last 25 years.

I live in central NC (Chapel Hill), and the more I travel the more I like it here. Beautiful rolling hills, lots of rural character(s), 2.5 hours from both the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast and from the ancient Appalachian mountains. Three world-renowned universities plus many smaller schools feed a constant turnover of diverse people and cultural events. Research Triangle Park is home to major cutting-edge technological and pharmaceutical players, and also attracts a huge number of non-natives, thus creating the market for low airfares, great and varied restaurants, entertainment, etc. that aren't typical of the rest of NC or the South in general. The economy is booming here so unemployment is practically non-existent--a real employee's market! Meaning you can write your own ticket if you have even halfway decent skills. Definitely four distinct seasons here, with mild winters. (We usually wear shorts until almost Christmastime. Some of the far Northerners, like Michiganers, wear shorts throughout the winter!) Summers are hot and humid, with occasional cool breaks, but that's why the central lakes, ocean and mountains are so close by. Some of my family is from around your area, and it's definitely better here than the swampland down there. Because we're in a temperate rainforest, your summer garden can feed you for months. As to music, let me just mention a few names: John Coltrane, Doc Watson, Libba Cotten, George Clinton, Blind Boy Fuller, James Taylor, Rev. Gary Davis, and Thelonious Monk. I could mention many more native North Carolinians who have gone on to musical fame, but you'll have more fun looking them up. (These are just my personal faves.)Suffice to say the music here is all people had for a long, long time and it permeates the air and soil everywhere. Timeless songs from isolated mountain folk that are that primordial blend of 18th c. Scots/Irish and black blues, with their modal keys, weird time signatures, and mournful fatalism, which begat all the rest of American music. The Highland Games every summer, MerleFest every spring, and the Bull City Blues Festival every fall are just 3 of the biggest and most well-known trad. music events in the state. But probably only a personal visit will decide you on where to move. I visit the Boone area frequently and I know the cost of living up there is laughable--unbelievably cheap housing and land. The downside is that the job market in the mountains is pretty limited, which is why runnin' moonshine is still a mainstay for many families, along with the more recently established Xmas tree industry. Hope this info helps--let me know if you have questions.

100eyes

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Mbo
Date: 04 Aug 00 - 04:17 PM

Yep, 100eyes! Up NC! Go Pirates!

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: bbelle
Date: 04 Aug 00 - 04:42 PM

Dear 100eyes:

I would like to contact you and if you become a member (it's free) I can send you a personal message. Thanks for all the info.

moonchild

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: dusterjim
Date: 04 Aug 00 - 04:47 PM

I won't post the whole thing, but if you are interested in events in western Oregon (or maybe you might want to get something like this started in your area), this is a real good starting spot.

The following is Volume 181 of the Whistlestop "Acoustic Junction" newsletter (circulation over 1000). If you'd like to 1) make a request for next week's "Acoustic Junction", 2) Add anything to the concert calendar, 3) be removed from the list, or 4) add a friend to the list, please let me know ([e-mail]).

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Dani
Date: 04 Aug 00 - 05:05 PM

Good grief!

Thought I'd give the others posts a quick eyeball before I typed mine in. Good thing!

I also am near Chapel Hill, and if you give me an hour or two I could knock your socks off with musical possibilities.

Grab a cheap Midway flight up this weekend, 'child, and catch the Celtic music jam in the park in Hillsborough. That invite includes you, too, 100eyes! Hook yourself up in any musical direction you wish from there. I'd be happy to give you the tour du Triangle.

With a little time tomorrow I could post all the music you could find in one snapshot weekend!

Boy, would we love to have you here!

Maybe Allan would come back if there were TWO of us (let alone THREE) of us here!

Questions?

Dani

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: DougR
Date: 04 Aug 00 - 05:08 PM

100 eyes: you write so well, and so convincingly, I wouldn't be suprised to learn that a bunch of Mudcatters are moving to NC! Sounds awfully good, Moohchild. DougR

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: bbelle
Date: 04 Aug 00 - 06:14 PM

100eyes sure got one thing right ... I'm down here in the swamp! And I'm afraid I'm going to spoil in this heat! I dearly love North Carolina ... I love Boone, and Cape Hatteras, and Ocracoke, and Raleigh, and Morehead City, and a bunch of other places. My family heritage began there in the early 1700's ... Johnston County. My grandfather was the first state trooper in Johnston County.

100eyes and Dani sure make a good case.

Dani ... can't fly up this weekend ... I just got back from visiting Allan, Max, and my niece ... but I sure wish I could!

moonchild

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 12:43 AM

Why do you want to live in a rural area? Have you ever lived in one? And what do you mean by "rural"? 4 acres on the fringe of a city or in a true small town or farm area?

Living in the country has been seriously romanticized by our culture. You can go to a lovely small town and find that few of the girls get out of high school without getting pregnant and that there are serious alcohol and drug problems.

Also, there is virtually no traditional music in the country. Country-western,yes. Maybe even bluegrass, for what it's worth.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: bbelle
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 12:51 AM

leeneia ... since you are a guest and don't know me at all, your post is inappropriate. The people who have taken the time to post to this thread are sincere and I appreciate that quality in them. You appear to be very unhappy so please do not rain on my parade. I am a 52 year old woman who has traveled both the world and the North American Continent and I have lived in all types of environments. I believe that makes me an expert in what I mean.

moonchild

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: GUEST,faswilli2
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 01:01 AM

TWO WORDS: KERRVILLE, TEXAS (Austin, Tx if you must work to support yourself-90 miles from Kerrville)

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Naemanson
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 07:38 AM

Moonchild, I have lived in rural and in town. Everyone has their own tastes and you definitely need to concentrate on what and where you will be happy. I have gotten a kick out of reading this thread and listening to people push their parts of the world. You have a tough decision to make. I wish you the best.

Personally, my choice is to live in a small town. Rural living presents problems that I got tired of a long time ago. I am not a city dweller by any stretch of the imagination but I don't mind having my neighbors in sight and I live on a dead end street so traffic noise is minimal.

You have your heart set on rural so that part of your decision is taken care of. Now comes the hardest part. Where will you go, Moonchild, what will you do? Sounds like a song!

Best of luck.

Brett

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: bbelle
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 11:35 AM

Brett, as a single woman, I don't mind having neighbors ... as long as we don't share walls, sideyards, or backyards!

I'm also realistic, in that, I have to work and must be close enough to a city to commute, in all probability. I work for Sprint PCS (Sprint's wireless division) and, with any luck, will be able to transfer to another market, along with my benefits and 401k.

As an example, we have district offices in Waltham, MA, which is an easy commute to New Hampshire. When I moved to Tallahassee, it was via a transfer with kinko's, for a bigger slice of the corporate sales pie. This time, I'm relocating because of music, and using Sprint PCS as a means to support myself. This is a whole new concept for someone who has always been married to her career.

The decision to relocate was tough ... where to relocate will be easy and come naturally.

For me, at least, this thread has been heartwarming.

moonchild

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: mg
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 03:06 PM

from everything I have read I think Chapel Hill NC sounds the most delightful...NE is great but there is the S word in the winter which makes for commuting challenges......mg

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: bbelle
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 03:13 PM

Mary ... all of North Carolina is both beautiful and delightful ... there's no doubt in my mind! But ... I'm not daunted by snow. It hasn't been all that long since I battled snow taller than I; weeks of temperatures dipping to -60 below; the ever-horrible spring "break-up." And, guess what ... I still have my block heater, oil pan heater, and battery pad, installed in my auto. I probably wouldn't need it, even in the NE, but it's there in an emergency. I just don't want to live anywhere where I have to "plug-in" everynight, or my car won't start. Oh, and flat tires are not my favorite things either.

moonchild

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Naemanson
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 03:41 PM

Besides Mary, it doesn't snow in Maine. That is just a rumor started by the locals to make the tourists go home. From September to May we laze around on sandy beaches sipping pina coladas and soaking up the sun.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: bbelle
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 03:48 PM

I wondered how y'll got that great tan ... figured it couldn't be via fake and bake! Sandy beaches? You've ruined the mystique ... I thought y'll got those cute little butt dimples from laying on the pebbles and rocks.

moonchild

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Dani
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 04:28 PM

Another thing worth mentioning is that there is PLENTY of rural character here, and that it is very much a part of the tapestry of life. We are dealing with issues of growth and development, and have a unique opportunity to really look at what goes into "quality of life" issues.

I spent Friday on a school field trip to a working farm that has adapted from its origins as a tobacco farm. Our school has active 4H and FFA programs.

I feel like here we have some of the best of everything - rural areas, small-town areas, but the VERY best cultural arts that a handful of world-class universities can offer! Along with the aformentioned 'native' music tradition. Plenty of that to go around!

A side note is that nearby Durham just finished hosting the American Dance Festival, which brought many dance and music traditions to our plates once again.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Mbo
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 04:33 PM

Dang Dani, can't you move some of that great stuff just a few hundred miles east?

--Matt

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: bbelle
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 06:17 PM

Dani and Matt ... NC is looking better and better. I was just talking to another mudcatter, who said he thinks NC would be the ideal place. I'll do some investigating re Sprint PCS transfer opportunities. I really like the Cary, Apex, Rocky Mount areas. What do you think about the cost of living?

moonchild

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Mbo
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 06:33 PM

Whoo Cary is for rich folks, ain't it? Just don't move to Jacksonville, they pay here really stinks. No one there wants to pay you anything reasonable, cause they figure there's no competition.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: bbelle
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 06:42 PM

Matt ... I don't think so, but I was thinking more outside of Cary. I noticed when I was there in April that there's a ton of new building going on, so the cost of living has probably risen. If I transfer with SPCS, the pay is the same in every market. That's one of the advantages of being with a humongous corporation.

moonchild

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: DougR
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 08:13 PM

Moonchild: I too thought this was a heartwarming thread until I read your reply to Guest Leeneia. You read her (I presume it is a her) posting differently than I did, I suppose. I just thought she was being curious and wondered if you had taken into consideration the differences in small and large town living. Not my place to chide you, and really I'm not. It just didn't sound like you, based on the many postings I have seen of yours.

I sure hope you find the right place to settle. I didn't push my area, because although I love living here, 110 degree summers are a bit hard to sell. :>)

DougR

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: IvanB
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 10:32 PM

moonchild, although I'd love to lure you to MI (actually, Lansing, with the great god Elderly here, also has a fairly active folk and blues music scene), I also have to admit that I'm with you in loving NC. One other area that you haven't mentioned that I especially love is the SW part of the state (Henderson/Brevard area). With the Brevard School of Music and the John C. Campbell Folk School in the area, there's a lively music scene and the cost of living was quite low the last I checked. Don't know about SPCS presence in the area, but both Asheville, NC and the Spartanburg/Greenville SC metro areas are within easy commuting distance.

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: DougR
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 10:41 PM

IvanB; you are so right! The Brevard area area is beautiful. DougR

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: GUEST,Sandpoint, Montana
Date: 06 Aug 00 - 01:25 AM

Please donot come here. We have enough psychos and inbreds in our backwoods already

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: bbelle
Date: 06 Aug 00 - 01:33 AM

From your grammar and spelling, that is apparent.

backwoods birkenstock bitch

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Naemanson
Date: 06 Aug 00 - 09:59 AM

My voice teacher retired to North Carolina muttering something about "not staying for another Maine winter" and she really loves it down there. I haven't been down to visit yet. Maybe next year. When I do I'll make it a Mudcat trip!

Subject: RE: MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
From: Sean Belt
Date: 06 Aug 00 - 10:19 AM

Wow! Much as we love it here in St. Louis among our families and friends, partner Amy and I have been beginning to talk about a move to somewhere else. After reading through this great thread, we've certainly got a lot of possibilities to kick around. I'm beginning to think that the only answer is to set up housekeeping in several parts of the country and move with the seasons. (I know, I know... but we all have to have our dreams, eh?)

- Sean