I was playing background piano music during an art gallery exhibit opening when an attendee approached and asked if I might be available with a combo of other musicians to perform jazz standards during a dinner party at his house. I didn't have my schedule with me so told him I'd check the Thursday night he specified when I got home and would call if I and some other musicians I had in mind were free.
We were, so I phoned. I explained we'd be a singer, pianist, drummer, bassist and if he wished, a saxophonist. I asked the usual questions: how long would we have to play (two hours, he said), were was he located (East Montpelier), would we need to bring an electric keyboard (no, he had a grand piano, recently tuned), was there space in his living room for a quartet or quintet (yes, more than enough), and would we be playing on a wooden or carpeted floor (carpeted- lushly- he said).
Finally I asked what his budge was. After a pause I heard "I'm having trouble hearing you. We must have a bad connection." When I repeated my question in a louder voice he hung up.
No exaggeration. But what should we expect when people can always find musicians willing to work for free? Musicians: we're not helping ourselves or our fellow musicians by working free of charge. Retirees and others who don't need the money: have you forgotten the times when you were young and may have aspired to full or even part time careers?
Let's meet and brainstorm: January 31st, 6 PM, Montpelier's Kellogg Hubbard Library, the Hayes Room (in the back). Questions? Respond to this e mail (the library staff would appreciate your not calling them for info).
Slaves work for free. Musicians don't (or shouldn't). Please come and help us figure out what to do about this.
Feb 15, 2025
Palestine-Israel Film Series at the Savoy TheaterFeb 16, 2025, 4 to 6 PM
Correct Mutual Support Meeting TimeFeb 20, 2025, 7 to 8:30 PM