Central Oregon Blues Society
JEFF LESLIE's Discussions
music sharing
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Started this discussion. Last reply by Bruce C.Fremont Mar. 18, 2008.
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Thanks for coming to the meeting. Appreciated your input, and your playing afterwards.
First, I think it's great that people are getting interested, because a viable blues society here in Central Oregon, could be a very healthy thing for the local blues 'scene' and the local live music scene in general. Then again, maybe not. It depends entirely on the attitudes of the people involved.
Unfortunately, my past experience as a member of the Washington Blues Society, was not entirely a good one. They do some really cool things (there's a great R&B festival that they sponsor every year up in Winthrop). At the same time, some of the membership really play favorites with the local players, generally based on who they like best, rather than simple musical merit. By way of example, Chuck Berry has a legendary reputation for being a dick - really hard to get along with and often rude. I might not want to hang out with him, but as a fan, I'd still rather listen to him play whatever songs he chooses to play really well, than listen to the nicest bunch of guys in the world play 'Johnny B Good' or anything else, badly.
After more than 30 years of working off and on as a live musician, I still feel like playing live and getting paid for it at all, is a privilege, rather than a right. I personally support live musicians, period. I would love to support any group that strives to do that.
I once had a well-intentioned member of the Washington Blues Society approach me about putting together a band with another guy she liked - during a gig, between songs! Experiences like that, as a long-time working musician, leave me leary about getting too involved with any fan-based group, unless real care is taken to be sure that the group supports the players too - everyone from beginners to really well-versed players, without personal bias.
For me to get really interested in a Central Oregon chapter, I would like to see well-defined, tangible goals and desires about what the group wants to accomplish. Personally, I don't have the time nor enough interest, to take any sort of formal post in the organization. I am definitely interested in being involved enough to offer my thoughts and opinions, my help with certain projects (like a good local blues festival, bringing blues acts to Bend, or showing up to support local jam nights even when they're ecruciating, for example). I'll even part with money to some extent, once I'm convinced that the group is viable and is actively working toward something that I can support.
A bit long-winded I know, but hopefully gives a pretty clear picture where my interests in this group lie.
ALWAYS a pleasure to play music with ya, Jeff. I'll be seeing more of you, as I'm getting out and about more now.
Garth
Lots to talk about - electing a "board' - shouldn't be as difficult as the Dems!! Also we (Barabara and I) will be bringing a camera - we want to get rid all the "shadow heads"!!!!