Spring Break
Editorial: Charleston music scene is huge part of local economy
Issue date: 2/17/09 Section: Opinions
On a late Friday night in Charleston, hordes of young people stand outside the bar Mad Hatter's in the frigid cold, their warm breath mixed with smoke from their cigarettes. Another group is walking into the bar with IDs out, showing up either to drink, play pool or listen to the band play.
Inside, the band is warming up for a show, poised to show the group a good time of dancing, drinking and live music.
In the past year, the Charleston music scene has greatly increased in both the number of bands and its publicity.
Although the scene is already heavily supported, it constantly demands attention from students and Charleston residents if it hopes to remain alive.
The music scene isn't just a form of entertainment, but also an economic beneficiary for the city.
Bars in Charleston, such as the Uptowner, Mad Hatter's and Friends & Co., routinely feature music from bands passing through, as well as local bands comprised primarily of Eastern students.
For those who are of age, it's a weekly opportunity to have good times with friends, drinks and, of course, live music.
Every weekend, at least one bar in Charleston features live music from bands composed primarily of Eastern students.
A faithful following ensures bands such as the Staff Blues Band, Mugwump Specific and Little Boy Jr. will draw in impressive crowds.
Close-knit friendships ensure cooperation between the bands, avoiding petty rivalries between band members. No matter what, there is something for everyone; musical styles range from power-pop to folk-rock.
These crowds not only come out to listen to music and spend time with friends, but give the bars a decent amount of revenue.
Bars benefit greatly from the crowds drawn in by live music and encourage bands to play, praising the students and community members for supporting local arts and businesses.
The growing Charleston music scene provides a readily available outlet for aspiring musicians as well as a thriving nightlife for students and community members over the age of 21.
With an economic strain affecting the nation, including Charleston, bands are a welcome incentive for patronage, encouraging their fans to support local business. In these hard times, the Charleston music scene serves as a vital role in the local economy and should be supported to the best of our abilities.
It would be a shame to lose something so unique to this area.
If community and campus members wish to keep it around, it must be supported.
Go to a show. Support local arts and local businesses.
The editorial is the majority opinion of The DEN editorial board. Reach the opinions editor at: DENopinions@gmail.com.
Inside, the band is warming up for a show, poised to show the group a good time of dancing, drinking and live music.
In the past year, the Charleston music scene has greatly increased in both the number of bands and its publicity.
Although the scene is already heavily supported, it constantly demands attention from students and Charleston residents if it hopes to remain alive.
The music scene isn't just a form of entertainment, but also an economic beneficiary for the city.
Bars in Charleston, such as the Uptowner, Mad Hatter's and Friends & Co., routinely feature music from bands passing through, as well as local bands comprised primarily of Eastern students.
For those who are of age, it's a weekly opportunity to have good times with friends, drinks and, of course, live music.
Every weekend, at least one bar in Charleston features live music from bands composed primarily of Eastern students.
A faithful following ensures bands such as the Staff Blues Band, Mugwump Specific and Little Boy Jr. will draw in impressive crowds.
Close-knit friendships ensure cooperation between the bands, avoiding petty rivalries between band members. No matter what, there is something for everyone; musical styles range from power-pop to folk-rock.
These crowds not only come out to listen to music and spend time with friends, but give the bars a decent amount of revenue.
Bars benefit greatly from the crowds drawn in by live music and encourage bands to play, praising the students and community members for supporting local arts and businesses.
The growing Charleston music scene provides a readily available outlet for aspiring musicians as well as a thriving nightlife for students and community members over the age of 21.
With an economic strain affecting the nation, including Charleston, bands are a welcome incentive for patronage, encouraging their fans to support local business. In these hard times, the Charleston music scene serves as a vital role in the local economy and should be supported to the best of our abilities.
It would be a shame to lose something so unique to this area.
If community and campus members wish to keep it around, it must be supported.
Go to a show. Support local arts and local businesses.
The editorial is the majority opinion of The DEN editorial board. Reach the opinions editor at: DENopinions@gmail.com.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
agreed
posted 2/17/09 @ 12:26 AM CST
yes, i now totally see how $3 covers and friendships help out the charleston economy...brilliant!
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