As far as the local scene is concerned, people may just need to be reminded that other types of music can be interesting and fun, too. I like the idea of having monthly or otherwise regular Real Book sessions and perhaps some open jams that allow any skill level, so as not to appear pretentious or exclusive. As a piano player, I’ve often been pigeonholed for not playing the guitar, and my music is immediately judged as being inappropriate for “fun” and rather, something that must be absorbed only on an intellectual level. I’m not sure that is true, so there has to be a way to make something other than rock guitar seem fun.

I do still worry that the population in these small Central PA towns simply cannot support a wide enough variety of musical styles. If only 10% of the population is seeking something other than rock n’ roll singalongs, that may not leave enough people to regularly attend other types of shows. We might just have to be satisfied with working toward a small but dedicated following.