'Festivus de Musicus' For All!

fes·tive/ˈfestiv/Adjective1. Of or relating to a festival.2. Cheerful and jovially celebratory.

As a NOFO musician, I know how many talented artists there are out here. And yet I hear of more and more each week. It's a fantastic miscalculation. There is nothing better than the arts and those willing to share them. Many times sharing is the problem. Many artists like to keep their gifts tightly packaged at home. Others write great songs but don't play out together or have opportunity. Then there are those that love to play out but venues opening up to them is sometimes difficult.

So, what does this all have to do with Festivus? I thought a blog about the plight of musicians on the North Fork "coming out" and getting some air time might be fitting. Why not in a Festival? Now I know many would say we have the NOFO Folk Festival and a few bands play on the barge etc. Those are great for music in general. They even have some local artists appear. Local can tend to mean Suffolk County at times too.

There are many bands and artists right here on the North Fork that should be encouraged to step up and share their gifts. How about a festival just for local talent? One day event! If a venue would step up and people would come together and network, we could have a wonderful showing of local talent. Would it be so wrong to have the NOFO known for not only its farm fresh veggies, etc. but also its MUSIC? Not at all!

Many musicians don't get the opportunity to play locally in front of their own friends and family often. They hit the road to go west. As fas as NYC many times. Some have done well and been at it a while. Others are starting out or unsure about actually leaving the garage. As a town, we could certainly encourage artists to share their gifts. It would be amazing to see them all. I heard a young lady sing at this years Relay for Life. She was amazing. I heard another young lady sing and play guitar recently. She is 14 years old and is phenomenal. Not all adults by any stretch.

Our yearly festival is very exciting. It brings artists we remember from the past back to graze in our fields while playing songs that will never easily be forgotten. There is some local talent present to fill in between the lineup changes. But I suggest a day once a year for our own artists to shine. To come together as one and write, jam, share and play wonderful music. How amazing this would be and good for the area as well as the participating venues.

As you can tell, this is a "think and react" blog. So... what DO YOU THINK? What are your feelings on it? How do you feel about local artists taking the stage? Would you go?

A little Festivus for the rest of us never hurt anyone! Peace, Love & Music!