[Dixielandjazz] Jazz Societies

[TCASHWIGG at aol.com]

See this list can't even agree to disagree, :))

Not long ago I recall distinctly hearing other Dixieland players in Austin saying exactly the opposite about the as they called it non existent Austin Dixieland music scene.

I have seen and heard the same kind of comments from all around the USA about Jazz Societies, I suppose it just comes down to whether you are in the IN crowd or not. :))

And to quote from an article that will appear in the American RAG,

Some regular players were seen wearing several different band uniforms, during the festival, etc.  etc.

For those on the inside it appears to be cool and everything is as it should be, but to those on the outside looking in and kept on waiting list for years and years while this continues it shows a different perspective of Jazz Societies and those who operate them.


Some are afraid to speak out about it for fear of even further retaliation and being ignored for that almighty opportunity to perform at one for substandard remuneration for professional performers unless they are recognized and accepted Stars within the clique that those with many band uniforms can play with for multiple paid gigs within the same event.

This situation is quite transparent folks to anybody who has attended more than two annual events.   It's not what ya'll are doing, it's more what you are trying to make folks believe you are not doing that they know you are doing that is giving you a bad rap.

If you don't believe me, try throwing your event next year with only the local good ole boys and bands and see how many folks Pay to buy badges and show up to see and hear you.

The heart and draw of any Festival is offering attendees something that they can't see and hear every week for free as in local acts.  Those out of town and country acts that are actually very good are what is selling the tickets not the local yokels.   

Am I saying don't make room for the locals, Hell no , but let's stop kidding ourselves about them they are local acts and have to get out of town to get any respect themselves and go play somewhere they are not over exposed to.

This is with rare exceptions of groups that are really good enough to attract and hold a consistent audience any night of the week at a respectable cover charge that affords them what they are really worth as players and an act.

Cheers,

Tom Wiggins