HIP TO THE SCENE: WHAT MAKES A MUSIC TOWN? 


I recently learned from a buddy that he resides in Key West because it’s a music town. What does that signify, though? Or is it just a town full with musicians? There is much more to it than that, perhaps.

We recently organized a jam session and fundraiser for our good buddy Dave Hoffman, a musician in need of assistance. More than thirty musicians and their friends arrived to perform for free and contribute to Dave’s tip jar. It was quite successful. No ego-bruising or squabbling. Without hesitation, people shared the stage and their equipment. Because they were friends, everyone was courteous and respectful. We are united not only by our profession but also by our passions, difficulties, and lives.

Performers go to these gatherings to show their friends and other musicians who are struggling that they are important, valuable, and loved. All too frequently, uncertainty regarding our value accompanies the gloom during a difficult period. However, knowing that someone took notice of your absence and understanding that your art—or even just your presence—has influenced others frequently gives you the drive to improve things.

The spirit of camaraderie that makes us a music town is partly influenced by the restricted resources of our isolated location. We all know people who have had to leave our island to meet their needs, but some specialized treatments are only available on the mainland, making the cost prohibitive.

But thankfulness contributes more to our status as a music town than geography and population. Many of us have little to no academic education and come from less fortunate musical backgrounds. However, years of touring in vans with four guys and performing in pubs, clubs, and backyards have taught us things that no instruction could. And from that, we learn to value every chance and lucky situation that comes our way. Many of us have struggled to get gigs, gone unpaid most of the time, or played in bands that never got off the ground. These encounters increase our appreciation for Key West. Here, live music is performed nonstop from 8 a.m. till at least 3 a.m. Somewhere in this town, someone is always getting paid to play. If you’re good at what you do and kind to others, it doesn’t matter what your age, sex, race, preferences, or pronouns are. This music scene won’t treat you well if you’re a bad person. Here, musicians look out for one another and the music scene.

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Last but not least, a music town wouldn’t exist without its fans, and this town is teeming with individuals who respect live music and its performers. Every night, a large number of wonderful fans come to hear and take in our diverse array of acts. And the other night, several of them turned out to cheer for Dave. For hours, they sat and listened, offering assistance where they could. This is the reason it’s a music town.

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