A few weeks ago, we shared a humorous post on our Facebook page (go on and hit that little thumbs-up button at facebook.com/boropulse if you “like” The Pulse) encouraging musical artists to respond with a “Would you like to come over to my house and cook for my family and friends for the publicity?” reply when hit with a “Would you like to come to my restaurant and perform your music for the customers for the publicity?” query from the restaurant owner seeking entertainment without paying for it.

To be clear, I wasn’t suggesting musicians should never perform for free, or shy away from opportunities to reach people with their art. The point was to share a way to potentially score some free food! Whenever one is in need of a product or service, try and first ask for it in exchange for some kind of publicity, or whatever can be offered . . . but the thread did yield some interesting viewpoints, responses and conversations worth having.

So, bands of the ’Boro, we want to hear from you more on this matter. How concerned are you about making money at your performances? Have you played for free for publicity? Which local venues treat you right? Which don’t? It’s up to the individual artist to make the decisions for him- or herself as far as where they want to perform and if they should offer their skills for free. The correct approach can vary greatly from musician to musician, based on where they are in their career, how much time they have on their hands, their lifestyle, their personal views on finance, personal property and art, how much money their music is making others, whether they consider it a hobby, a love or a job, the style of music, etc.

At any rate, support live music! And there’s lots of music to support in the area. The Walnut House hosts Carolina Story for a Friday evening performance, check out Mize and the Drive and the Ghost Ballerinas at the Brewsboro festival, then later that evening hit Wall Street for this hot little combo Vortices I’ve been hearing so much about, take the scenic drive to Cumberland Caverns for one of their Bluegrass Underground shows, the wacky gals of Birdcloud appear at Main Street Live, the Hardin Draw and Jake Leg Stompers join forces at 3 Brothers, Here Come the Mummies hit Nashville’s Live on the Green series, and in regional music festival news Moogfest returns to Asheville.

Before the sun set on summer, we did have a nice family trip to Myrtle Beach, saw the ocean, let the boy get tossed around in the waves. He was amazed.

Peace,
Bracken Mayo
Editor in Chief