Letter To Editor Nanaimo Info Blog
My family and I moved here in 2005 from Burlington, ON.
The goal was a slower pace, to enjoy a temperate climate and have a safe,
beautiful place to raise my child. Now, I fully realized what we would be
giving up in exchange for a smaller town. Easy access to major sporting, music
and theatre events to name but a few. I knew that because of BC's liquor laws I
could never bring my daughter to see a local band live unless it was an outdoor
festival. Something I grew up with (the daughter of a musician) and something
my daughter started to grow up with. Music, to me, is an integral part of
anyone's development and happiness.
The first few years were great. Live music seemed to be
somewhat abundant in the downtown core, not to mention the Summertime Blues
Festival and other outdoor live performances. I was able to expose my daughter
to live music in wonderful venues. My father comes to visit us every summer and
has in fact performed two years in a row in the Summertime Blues Festival. He
has also managed to perform live around town with some of our fantastic local
artists. It all started at the Blues Underground (China Steps) and next door at
CHLY. The local blues community welcomed us with open arms and played some
really great shows. The Blues Underground was a beautiful place which welcomed
all. Because of it's affordable costs it was also helpful in keeping a lot of
kids off the streets and instead developing interests in music performance. I
thought it was magical, beautiful.
Sadly however I've noticed a decline in our local music
scene. I realize (for the club owners) a lot of it has to do with the costs
associated with SOCAN. Fine, I get it. Local musicians that play for free,
play for food, play for drinks, whatever, you're not helping. Music is an art,
just like the ballet, the symphony, a Monet. Our local artists aren't being
given the chance to express themselves. Most of the restaurants downtown are
either closed, can't afford to hire musicians, or have someone playing for cheap
(free). There is a complete absence of live music here in the North End. It's
like the dead zone up here after 9pm. The Queen's is great, no complaints
there, the Cambie, they seem to have it going on. The few other clubs that
occasionally have music, have the same artist rotation over, and over, and over,
and over again. And worst of all, no Summertime Blues Festival!!!! We have a
beautiful waterfront park, plenty of room, a BUILT IN STAGE!!!! The costs of
running a show with that stage in that park are much more reasonable than trying
to build stages elsewhere. Add a BBQ Rib competition inviting the best
Nationwide and you've not only got a fantastic tourist attraction, but a great
party!
I would have to say one of my biggest disappoints music
wise is the Port Theatre, but it has nothing to do with the venue itself. It
does however have to do with whomever books the acts for this venue. The odd
live band seems to be vaguely sprinkled amongst the hundreds of Symphonies,
Ballets and Tribute acts. I, and many others, would really appreciate it if the
Port would take into consideration it's younger crowd (under 65) when booking
acts. Take into consideration the fact we may want to see some of the acts that
seem to bypass us completely only to play to sell out crowds in Vancouver and
Victoria. Maybe we would enjoy the odd 'off Broadway' play even? Not to insult
anyone, but my guess is the Port Theatre Board Members are all over 60.
And what is with the Convention Centre? Some of the
rooms there could house live music as well. I once saw Max Webster perform in
Hamilton, ON at their convention centre. A small venue, great band, great
night. Vancouver Island is known not only for it's beauty, but also it's
population of artists, musicians and writers. Nanaimo seems to be strangling
the creativity out of our musicians. The wonderful Blues Underground was forced
to close it's doors in place of a more costlier enterprise. Nothing that could
be beneficial to high risk kids that's for sure. The Summertime Blues Festival
- cancelled until further notice. Local jams being shut down due to lack of
interest. With so many musicians in town, where the hell does everyone play?!
Can they even make a living? And shame on you SOCAN for being such a
bully!
I love this town, both the North and the downtown. Two
separate places indeed, but still one city. I love it's energy, it's beauty and
it's ability to inspire creativity. All I see from the people running this town
is money, money, money. Shallow goals directed by egos and power trips. Who
are they trying to impress? Start listening to your residents! Bring back the
Music, bring back the Santa Parade! Let's bring life back into the city of
Nanaimo!
Kim Dowson
Nanaimo
Way to go Kim!
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