There are numerous reasons why people should support local music and attend more shows to watch bands and artists who aren’t as well known. Growing up in Poughkeepsie, I always went to local shows and supported the more unnoticed and less mainstream bands and artists. One, because I was just simply more attracted to the sound, two because I believe the best talent out there is the talent not as highlighted or as popular and three because some of the most popular bands and artists started out in their local bar, cafe or venue before they became widely known. The places I go to see my favorite bands and artists most are called The Chance and The Loft. The Chance isn’t located in the loveliest setting and the building isn’t the most beautiful but I had some of the best experiences there. I’ve seen such a great variety of different sounds and styles there. Perhaps it’s not Madison Square Garden, but at the end of the day, someone playing at The Chance or someone playing at Madison Square Garden are still playing for the same reasons. They love playing their music and making connections with the people who listen to it.
I have actually gone to a Madison Square concert and yeah, the sound is a little clearer, the large TV is definitely nice and makes it easier to see the artist up close when you’re perched up high. The bright lights and thousands of people there gives it an continuous vibrant energy, but I have honestly been just as excited listening to a band play in a small, low lit space, sometimes holding only 50 people. The Loft is even smaller than The Chance, the room can’t be any larger than the size of a classroom. Regardless of all of that, I have seen some of the best most energetic and passionate performers there.
The beauty of a small space is the intimacy of the performance that comes with it. People sometime are jumping off stage into the crowd, the singer is right in front of you and sometimes will even put the microphone in your face to let you sing the lyrics that speak to your heart. Sometimes, there is just a single performer with an acoustic guitar simply just singing their heart out while the people in the crowd sway softly and enjoy the up close contact. After the show, many of the bands and artists stick around and will talk to you. It is an extremely down to earth and much more personal experience than if you were to go to a Taylor Swift or Maroon 5 concert. Don’t get me wrong, those are good too, but neither of them would have been there without first starting out small.
Supporting local helps artists grow and maybe they never make it to the biggest stage but, just supporting what someone loves to do is so important and special. People, whether in music or any type of hobby or interest, want to know that it matters and want to connect with people by sharing their passion. When they are given support, it gives them a feeling that what they are doing is noticed and worth it. Everyone wants to have validation for what they love to do and everyone deserves to be noticed for whatever work they do if they’re passionate about it. With this, I urge you to go see a local show, you have no idea how much it’ll mean to the band or artist you watch plus they may just become a new favorite for you.
