[Dixielandjazz] How to succeed in killing a trad festival without really trying

[Stephen G Barbone]

Alicia Fulbright wrote (polite snip)

Dear Steve: As a former board member of STJS, I would like to thank  
you for providing the letter to the American Rag. I have been reading  
the posts for the last couple of days, without knowing what was  
actually written in the letter. I appreciate all of the insight full  
thoughts and comments. . . .

  I can say in my experience that nothing is the same as it was 30  
years ago. I miss so many wonderful talented people who were with us  
during the zenith of the festival. There are many bands from all over  
the world that I would love to see again. The fiscal, social, and  
political reality is that since 911 it is a red tape nightmare, not to  
mention the cost associated with all of that is extreme.

  Most people in my age demographic were never extended a welcome to  
OKOM even in Sacramento I have heard that we need more young people.  
The problem is that when we have "young people" at events the more  
mature people make them feel unwelcome. I rarely see the average"  
figger" engage these younguns in a hello there. . . .

I have a reverence for the traditions of American heritage music. I  
also am involved with a ragtime society. People my age and younger  
need to feel respected and welcomed before we can learn to love the  
music.
  I know that I hate change to the things I love. I think that is a  
pretty normal human emotion.

  STJS still has the same mission statement basically it is to carry  
the torch forward to the next generation. There is nothing new about  
different art forms helping one another so all can survive. The same  
can be said about music genres. STJS has met many big challenges over  
the last several years. I am proud that they are still standing and  
have met them with courage and excellence. I have not always agreed  
with the decisions that were made but, I respect the thought and hard  
work that went into them. The STJS board is committed to keeping the  
show rolling.

The people who throw what is the equivelent of a temper tantrum in  
print about thes things, run the risk of no show at all for everybody  
else. I resent that. I agree that they have the right to their  
opinion. IMHO this kind of negativity could sink the whole boat and  
then it goes to the bottom of the sea never to be seen or heard again.
  Is being so unhappy with changes to support the "real jazz" worth  
losing it all together?

end of her post



Dear Alicia: IMO, reverse age discrimination is another reason why  
some festivals are failing. In past, I have had the same experiences  
when bringing young swing dancers to jazz society concerts. Some of  
the older folks in my age bracket (78) made them feel unwelcome. Both  
as young people and as dancers. That situation seems to be improving  
these days, at least in my area.

I too resent the rants that exhibit negative attitudes like: "if I  
don't like it, it stinks and I will ruin it for everyone else."
Trumpeter Max Kaminsky wrote about that more than 70 years ago. In  
part he blamed such "fans" for trying to kill jazz. Same stuff,  
different day.

Declining jazz concert attendance is a problem in all jazz genres.  
Note the below from "Jazz Bridge", a Philadelphia area presenter of  
mainstream jazz.

"I'll tell it to ya straight. Attendance at the last three Jazz Bridge  
concerts in Cheltenham, Kennett Square, and the Society Hill Playhouse  
was absolutely dismal. The music was sublime, but the audience?  
Practically nonexistent. Oh yes, some of our die hard loyalists came  
out (and we love you for it). But we need at least 50 people at each  
concert to break even. (Wendy cringes every time we have to dip into  
extra money to keep it going. Fifty people! That's all we need to keep  
Wendy smiling, folks. So please come out, experience a midweek respite  
from the cold cruel world and enjoy a wonderful early evening of great  
jazz and blues."

The concerts they put on feature the TOP jazz musicians in the Philly  
metro area and cost a mere $10 ($5 for students) Yet  less than 50  
people come out? Wow.

It is a vexing problem, but not insurmountable. There are many ways to  
draw audience. Who should share the blame for not doing so?  
Presenters, musicians and fans alike should all realize that they are  
part of the problem and seek creative solutions. But, that's a  
discussion for another day. (vbg)

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband