Comments for Ralford's Ramblings

Comment on Original Music is indeed a community interest. by ralford

ralford — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:55:29 +0000

Gina: As you know, most people in State College in particular live here temporarily, especially the undergraduate population. They are here for four years and leave after they get a degree, and generally only get a true feel for the community towards the end of their term. In a town that existed only *after* the college was established, perhaps this regular turnover is one of the factors inhibiting the roots of original music to take hold.

Comment on Original Music is indeed a community interest. by Gina

Gina — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:21:41 +0000

I agree with both of you that creative music styles are dwindling in popularity. The national music scene is indicative of that, as there has been a sharp decline in career artists, who have been replaced in large part by “pop stars.” What we are told to like on a large scale often precipitates into the smaller scale.

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.

Comment on Original Music is indeed a community interest. by ralford

ralford — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:45:04 +0000

That’s interesting that you see bluegrass support on the down turn. I checked out the Calliope website, and it seems like they are doing some great things, such as the compilation CDs. There is a compilation CD project going on here, but it is exclusive to musical projects with members who are students attending the university.

Comment on Original Music is indeed a community interest. by Chad Becks

Chad Becks — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:37:47 +0000

Living in metro areas you’d think these genres of creativity would be thriving and that supporters would be demanding this type of musical community. However, at least in Pittsburgh, the numbers are decreasing. You mentioned bluegrass, of which I am very supportive of, and I believe it is dwindling due to the support our local non-profit group Calliope faces in attrating a younger audience.

Comment on Well that was easy… by Ralford’s Ramblings » Ralford.net Overhaul – Redirecting Home-Brewed URLs

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:57:59 +0000

[...] I of the Ralford.net overhaul really happened when I transitioned to Wordpress, so consider this post ‘Part II’. If you haven’t noticed, I made the decision way [...]

Comment on About by Jessica

Jessica — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:36:00 +0000

Hey there Mr. Alford,
You should check out my blog sometime!
For not having any knowledge in computers, I actually do know what the term Web 2.0 is, guess what else, I even know how to use Dreamweaver to make some basic websites…yeaaaa.

=)
See you around State College, Cookie!

-Miss Jessica

Comment on Tackling the Zeno’s Passport by ralford

ralford — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:47:18 +0000

In the background I’m ranking my favorites (not sure how long this will last). Out of my first 16, Chimay White is ranked 2nd behind Dogfish Head’s Palo Santo. Good stuff indeed!

Comment on Tackling the Zeno’s Passport by Brian

Brian — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:27:32 +0000

Chimay…. mmmmmm

Comment on Soda Can Stove by Brian

Brian — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:21:00 +0000

That is sick man… I’ll have to give that a shot.