I'm a long-time supporter of a non-profit that brings bands, usually Scottish or Irish, to the Midwest.

When we use our own sound man, the sound is good. (Yes, I've thanked him for that.)

It is almost always bad news when we hear "The band is bringing its own sound man." What we get then is somebody's brother or buddy, who is twenty-something years old and wants to see America. His definition of a good sound is a loud sound. The term "threshold of pain" has no meaning for him. Almost certainly, he has not attended a large number of concerts or a variety of concerts.

I want to support my friends in their attempt to bring traditional music to town, but when there's a sound man like this, I either walk out at half-time or ask for my money back.

In an attempt to meet people halfway, I talk hearing protection to the concerts, small blobs made by Mack. I find I don't need to insert them all the way; I just need to present an obstacle to the higher frequencies.