If last Friday’s Rock for Charity XVII at La Maison was any indication of how Cornwall supports its local musicians, we have a problem.
The doors opened at 9 p.m. and the first of many talented bands/musicians was set to hit the famous La Maison stage at 10 p.m. By 9:45 p.m., there couldn’t have been more than a dozen people in attendance. Although it may have been considered early to be hitting the bars at that time, it was really surprising to see such an empty music scene.
However, singer/songwriter Chuck Leclair hit the stage right on time and played a great show. The few people in the crowd were entertained.
As the evening progressed, a few more people arrived but hardly enough to say the place was half-full. What’s worse is most of the people didn’t even listen to the acts or clap and cheer following a song. And everyone playing that night was really good. Sara Murphy followed Leclair to play a mix of original and cover songs. Then Joël Sauvé hit the stage and the night finished with Rod Rivette.
Three seasoned musical acts and one “up-and-comer” all in one night for only $5 and no more than 40 people to see them perform! It’s mind-boggling!
No offense or insult to local bars and clubs, and “club-goers,” but it is really sad to see hundreds of people attending venues where the music is coming from a satellite radio instead of going out and supporting local musicians who are playing live music.
Maybe last Friday’s Rock for Charity was just an exception and the real truth is most of the time live music events are well attended. Let’s hope so.
We have some great talent right here in Cornwall and there are numerous great shows happening all the time. From rock to pop, acoustic guitar to piano, our musicians have something to offer for all musical tastes. They need and should be supported and appreciated.
