I spoke at lengths about how much I enjoy local music over on our Tumblr. You can read that blog post here:
http://pleasedonotfight.tumblr.com/post/4335217493/local-shows
But aside from just enjoying it, local music is important. Moreso, local art is important. Moreso, all ages local art events are important. Why? It’s a way for our communities to really connect. I mean really. Not over some big Hollywood blockbuster made in New Zealand or London but over something that is coming from the community – something real and tangible and right here and right now.
Why all ages? Because we need it. Because without all ages events there is nowhere for adults and teens and kids to co-mingle as equals. Kids and teenagers are limited to school yards and family homes and over-patrolled movie theaters where adults are forced into authority figure roles. Without a space to exist together – even if just for a brief moment – the younger generation loses respect for the older generation and the older generation can’t even begin to fathom how to interact with the younger like normal human beings. We have a lot to learn from each other and as things are we have no way to do that. Public spaces created by the community, for the community, away from giant corporations and heartless mainstream vendors slinging the latest cool energy drink are imperative to our ability to have a free-thinking educated united populace. There, I said it. It’s preachy but it’s true!
So our own little effort to create a slice of that has been in the form of Open Mic Night at The Grind in Redwood City, CA. It’s a space for anyone to come and perform their art, music, comedy, poetry, dance routine … you name it. Real people giving you a real slice of themselves at an incredible local business. It’s been running for almost a year and a half now and I love it. This month we have Rin Tin Tiger as the featured act and we would love to see you there as well, whether you’re performing or simply sharing in the experience.
I should also mentioned that this Friday’s benefit for Raphael House of San Francisco at the Dolores Park Cafe in San Francisco is our last official show with Girl Named T as she will be focusing on her own project from here on out. I know, I know, we said that about Erin and yes it’s true, you will probably see T again. For us at least she will be around, filming some videos and also recording songs for our new album so it doesn’t really feel like the right time to say goodbye. That being said, it’s worth mentioning that this is her last show as an official full time member of the band so that we can really pay honor to all the work she’s done with us. T, it’s been such a pleasure, you’re such an incredible talent and I look forward to working with you a ton more in the future.
Much respect,
- Zen
