Last fall (shortly before the election), astro and I went to a concert by Sara Grey and Kieron Means in L.A. They were wearing "Obama" buttons -- expressing a sentiment with which I heartily agreed. However, their program of traditional songs and commentary during the program had nothing to do with current politics (and little to do with historical politics, either, if I recall correctly).

They said that at a previous event, a presenter had asked/told them to remove their buttons. And, at some point in this concert (it was a small, close-in audience), an attendee said he was disturbed by their buttons. This was the same audience member whose opposing political views were audible in the chit chat during the break.

I felt that it was silly to feel so strongly about the buttons when the performance itself was a-political. I think (speculating here) that if I'd attended a comparable concert with performers with "McCain/Palin" buttons, I'd have shaken my head about the performers as individuals, but still enjoyed the music, and not felt any need to protest their buttons. I've got a good friend locally who I feel about that way...

But, if I knew that the performer was off the deep end politically -- the other end from me -- I might feel more strongly about whether I wanted to share my ticket money with them -- would the trade-off of some good music outweigh my personal distaste? Certainly not if I felt that their performance really was part of any political campaign...

I have no problem with political music and I'm happy to support it when I agree with it. In my experience, I don't have a problem with performers who bring up their political views onstage - but, that could have lot to do with the fact that I don't think I've run into any that I disagree with. I suppose it would be an uncomfortable situation to be in if the performer assumed I and the rest of the audience agreed when I didn't... maybe that's why I feel sort of uncomfortable in bluegrass crowds...

I don't agree with those who say there should be "no politics no how" onstage. I presented a concert where a couple left at the break because they disagreed with the performers' politics, and I remember feeling that their huffiness was out of place. I guess I feel that there's room for all sorts, and you buy your ticket and you take your chances. (I guess that whole discussion was in a Rabbi Sol post-house concert thread not long back.)

As to interactions in the community -- it's part of growing up to realize that not everyone thinks the same way you do, and that beyond that you may still have things in common that are worth sharing. Both aspects frequent reminders... hopefully, they're not unpleasant wake-up calls.

As a dance caller, a job description I'd describe as "facilitating social fun for a roomful of folks", I'm trying to be more conscious of the various aspects of diversity in my audience and to not inadvertantly make people uncomfortable from my position behind the mic. Not everyone behind a mic has the same job...

~ Becky in Tucson