I DONT ALWAYS RANT (but when I do, its long. Apologies.) So last night at the concert my friend and I had second row seats in the pit (yay!) It was a quiet listening audience…it was a bluegrass-y show at the Savannah Music Festival, after all. For Sierra Hulls opening set everything was lovely…but just as Ricky Skaggs came on some new folks plopped down in the empty seats in front of us (we had been surprised that the best seats in the house, front row and center, had been empty for the first half of the show.) All was fine until we realized that they were not there to hear the show. At all. Most of the talking came from a girl who looked familiar…we realized with surprise that it was a prominent musician with Savannah ties (no names mentioned, thats not important or relevant.) She talked non-stop (pretty loudly - the music was quiet enough that you could hear conversations spoken in regular tones and she was not quiet) during the entire Ricky Skaggs set. During the brief pauses between her conversations, she held up her cell phone and texted. Not the discreet in-your-lap texting but the kind where everyone behind you cant help but see. Remember that this was front row and everyone behind her had to see through her to see the show. Not only were we all distracted - but the worst and most mortifying part was that the band, including Ricky, noticed. When you are on stage with all of the lights in your eyes the first couple of rows are often the only people you can see and they are your connection with the entire audience. Performers know this. She is an established higher-level performer which made it all the more surprising. My friend is also a musician and he quietly tapped her on the shoulder at one point (Ricky was trying to tell a story and it was hard to hear over her. We were doing our best to tune her out but it was really tough.) Needless to say, she did not react well. Instead of the Im so sorry that can happen when people are just being unaware, it was more of a how dare you, dont you know who I am kind of reaction. It was so awkward. Ricky and the band kept looking at her and one of the guitar players just glared at her all night. I think this really hit a sore spot with my friend and I because we know how important it is to be a good audience for other musicians. Even if you are not digging what they are doing (and how could you not appreciate what Ricky and his band were doing on some level, regardless of what style of music you like) you show respect. Its like a code…musicians support other musicians. I feel a little disillusioned and bummed out today…I just assumed that musicians who were higher up the chain knew the code, of course, and would always demonstrate it. At the end of the show I heard her screaming at my friend something about how his daddy has bought his ticket to the show (which wasnt true and Im not really sure what she meant) and we got out of there quickly. My friend actually has tickets to see her upcoming show…and he was so mad that he threatened to sit in the front row and do the same thing. However, I know he could never be like that even if he wanted…and I told him that the best way would be to go to her show, sit in the front row dead center, and be completely attentive and respectful. Teach respect through respect. Will it work? Maybe, maybe not, I guess it doesnt matter. But all I know is that I hope I never, ever lose the pure enjoyment of hearing someone pouring out their heart and soul (and life’s work) on stage. Regardless of their metier. That will always take precedence over anything I have to say (or text.) And thank you for “listening” to my rant if you’ve gotten this far. ☺
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 15:12:55 +0000
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