[Dixielandjazz] Mainstream Festivals the answer?

[Steve Barbone]

I don't think anyone ever said that mainstream festivals were the answer 
to anything. Nor be bop festivals, nor smooth jazz festivals and 
certainly not Dixieland festivals.

Just about ALL MUSIC FESTIVALS are finding it difficult these days. That 
has been the thrust of countless articles, discussions, information 
sharing etc., throughout the music world, as well as on the DJML.

And that is why MANY MUSIC FESTIVALS are broadening their stylistic 
offerings. It is why the funky German opera producers are putting sex 
and violence into operatic presentations, it is why smooth jazz 
festivals will welcome a Dixieland band or two, as will a mainstream 
festival, as will an avant garde jazz festival. It is also why some OKOM 
festivals now gravitate towards offering other styles as well.

Live music, including rock concerts, has been experiencing a declining 
audience base. Perhaps because there is less disposable income (in the 
USA) or because "entertainment" is changing? And hopefully we all 
realize by now that music is entertainment as well as art. Always has 
been, always will be. Generally, we all need MORE AUDIENCE.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone