[Dixielandjazz] Dixieland Distributions

[Dan Augustine]

DJML--
     I think any reasonable person would agree that dixieland-fans are 
not equally distributed in every city in the United States.  The 
percentage who like dixieland in New York City may be 20%, while the 
percentage in Bozeman, Montana, may be 2%.
      Similarly, dixieland-musicians are not evenly distributed. 
There are probably more (percentage-wise) in (say) Sacramento than in 
Brownsville, Texas.
     Also, venues to play and the economic prosperities of regions of 
the country are not equal.  Miami has more clubs and more money than 
does Casper, Wyoming.
     Combining these parameters, it seems likely that differing 
numbers of musicians, fans, money, and clubs will naturally result in 
non-homogeneous demand for and availability of dixieland in various 
cities throughout the country.
     Therefore, it would seem logical not only to play dixieland where 
the people are, but where the fans are, where the players are, and 
where the money and venues are.  While it is certainly true that one 
might be able to build up those parameters in any given city, it also 
seems likely that, as Yogi Berra is reputed to have said, "If people 
don't want to come to the ball park, nothing's going to stop them."
     So let's not beat ourselves up about this.  Agonizing over the 
lack of dixieland in one place, berating others for not being able to 
increase the presence of dixieland in another place, complaining 
about pay-scales in other regions--hey, let's give it a rest, huh? 
Relax.  We do the best we can in the time we have and where we are.

     Dan
-- 
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**  Dan Augustine  --  Austin, Texas  --  ds.augustine at mail.utexas.edu
**    "Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind
**     is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but
**    the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza."  --  Dave Barry
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