thank you, Will

And here is a review for a recently closed venue in the Rochester, NY area. McGraw's Irish Pub... opened a few years back by a father & son who have hosted a celtic music show for decades and tried to do their bit to keep the music going.

A corner stage in the mirrored dining room of this loyally Celtic venue is dedicated to the many musicians and dancers who headline several evenings each week. The presence of pint-sized performers encourages families to come out and enjoy the Irish-themed menu, from hot reuben sandwiches with Dublin cheddar to the signature wings coated in McGraw's tangy, rich Guinness sauce and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Not a meat fan? The sauce doubles as a vinegary dipping side for french fries served in paper cones.

I'm sure the banks made their pound of flesh off them...

it being a long drive away for us, we only got there once. The whole family had pitched in to convert a dingy bar into an inviting pub and we hoped it would make it.

Not for profits have a hard time keeping things going and more than one paid performer has taken less than their usual fee when the gate was so poor it barely covered space rental. Their donation to the cause. More than one benefit members concert needs to held to keep the coffers filled enough to cover expenses... and there are no salaries in those expenses.

Without viable venues, where will musicians be able to play the music that's important to them? Or learn the tunes and songs?