Page 66 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2012

creation of MySpace (2003), Facebook
Arial view of
Arial view of creation of MySpace (2003), Facebook
(2004), YouTube (2005) and ReverbNation
the RBC RoyalBank Bluesfest, (2004), YouTube (2005) and ReverbNation
the RBC RoyalBank Bluesfest,
Ottawa, Canada Photo by Steve GereckePhoto by Steve Gerecke
Ottawa, Canada of the matter is, the rates paid to blues (2006). My Lord; the current generation
musicians haven’t kept pace with the cost of of smart phones allow us to carry our
by John “blueshammer” infl ation — so much for grand government computers around in the palm of our
hammer recognition. hands providing instant gratifi cation to our
As with all things to do with memory, favorite music and videos, while keeping in
Memories are the diamonds that warm soon the disappointments drift away and constant tweet with our favorite peeps. They
our soul to a brilliant glow as we move the joy comes shining through. As I fell into have apps for things I never even thought
forward on this mud ball. I remember with fond reverie while pondering the past ten I needed or wanted until they offered it.
much ballyhoo, in 2003, when President years in the blues, I was startled by some Unfortunately, that same technology has
George W. Bush proclaimed it, The Year of the monumental changes in technology created a culture that moves fans away from
of The Blues. Whatever your political — no doubt the result of my advanced, traditional acquisition of music — actually
affi liations, it was pretty cool that the yet wizened age. Technology has played buying CDs and records. Talk about your
government shined a light on this one true, a crucial role with PA systems shrinking classic “slap and tickle.”
original American art form. I don’t know in physical size while providing better On the other hand, the importance of
what your expectations were, but I was sound quality and control. Don’t forget the the experience and quality of live music
feeling a potential renaissance and revival. computer-controlled LED lighting systems seems to have grown. Sure, we have lost a
To be honest, I think the scales ended up just with Smart Track. Nowadays, things are few festivals and venues over the years. Take
about even. brighter, lighter, more cost effective and the 37-year-run of The San Francisco Blues
Progress is a messy proposition with make everybody look gorgeous (those of Festival that unfortunately quit the game
winners and losers. There is the passing you that needed the assistance of better in 2008, blaming the current economic
climate, or the closing of Blue Cat Blues
of luminaries and legends, as well as new lighting know who you are). Club in Dallas. But new promoters keep
standard bearers of the torch, and there’s Through technology, blues artists have stepping up and new clubs keep investing
creative change. Sadly, you can ask any been provided incredible up-close, personal in live music. Just let your fi ngers take a
blues musician and they will tell you that access to fans and potential fans thru the walk through an issue of the Blues Festival
times are tough out on the road. The fact
Crowd enjoying the long running San Francisco Blues Festival, which
sadly ended in 2008 Photo by Arlic Dromgoole

66 Blues Festival Guide 2012