Music is such an awesome thing. I believe it to be one of the greatest-ever creations, or at least my favorite one. The existence of music is intriguing to me. It seems to be one of our earliest inventions. And, while it isn’t absolutely essential to the perpetuation of the human race, it has stayed a constant throughout our existence, changing and evolving right alongside us. Music is one thing we all share, with its presence found in all known cultures.
Even for those who aren’t self-proclaimed music enthusiasts, music has the power to stir emotions, to move our bodies. It can transport us into our own memories. It conveys feelings when mere words cannot. Its effect on each of us is personal and individual, but it can connect us in a way nothing else can.
Live Music
There is little that can be compared to experiencing an amazing live show. To watch musicians do what they love is a singular experience. It allows the artists to connect with audiences in a direct way, and it gives fans a full sensory experience, which is one of my favorite parts about attending live shows.
This is an area that I have always felt could use strengthening in our city. We have a community of ardent music lovers, talented performers, and aspiring musicians. However, our opportunities to see musicians from the larger musical scene seem limited. Also, we have struggled to find and maintain sustainable venues. We have been fortunate enough to have some great regional or national acts, but few events with any consistency or longevity.
To me, this is a shame. I know I’m not alone. There are so many benefits to be found in cultivating a livelier, more sustainable music scene. Some that come to mind:
- Promotes artistic, cultural, and economic growth
- Brings diverse groups of people together
- Bridges cultural and linguistic gaps
- Creates jobs
- Increases tourism
- Helps attract young professionals who look for high quality of life
- Enhances a city’s brand; gives a city a “cool factor”
- Fosters love and pride for community
- Garners interest for the arts among younger generations
The Rochester music scene is changing, and energy is building. Artists and fans alike are more enthusiastic than ever to help grow our live music community. We want to build it into something more fundamental, something alive and vibrant and diverse. Now is a perfect time to take advantage of that energy. Let’s do work!
