As we’ve made the case a million times over – including right here – we’re massive supporters of live music in our community.
But not everyone agrees, and in a small town like ours, the loudest opponents – not necessarily a massive outpouring of discontent – can move the needle.
Vicki Larson, longtime reporter and author who looks at Marin through a big picture lens that appreciates the arc of history, wrote a column this week that seeks to put live music into the larger context of the some of the positive outcomes of the pandemic, including “more vibrant, livable, sustainable and community-oriented” towns that are “more inviting to walkers and cyclists, not cars,” with live music al fresco bringing “back that free-wheeling old school Marin vibe,” she writes.
“Live music isn’t all that welcome anymore in recent years, at least outdoors, and I can’t help feeling we’ve lost something that made us “just a little out there,” as our county tourism gurus deemed us,” Larson writes. “How can we be “out there” when some residents — and it’s a minority — are nixing live music outdoors because of “noise”?
Larson points to a trio of examples: neighbors grumbling about — and considering legal action against — the loud rock music at Tam Valley’s Junction Beer Garden outdoor events during the summer. Others complained about the noise emanating from the handful of free Shakespeare (the Bard!) performances and weddings (weddings!) in Mill Valley’s Old Mill Park. She also points to her enjoyment of happy hour at the Depot Café and Bookstore on the square in downtown Mill Valley. “For about three hours on Friday and Saturday nights, there’s live music and food and drink specials,” she writes. “The few times I’ve gone, the square was full of people — young parents, hipsters, happily boisterous children, the gray-haired crowd (aka, me) and etc., exactly what a dynamic downtown looks and sounds like. And it all ends by 8:30 p.m., which seems quite tame for this county, or any county if you think about it.”
And yet. A neighbor complained about the loud music and the city put the kibosh on amplified music in the square.
“Our downtowns have struggled mightily during the pandemic and even before, when big-box stores hit our mom-and-pop stores hard,” Larson writes. “Free outdoor music seems like a no-brainer if we want to bring life to our cities and towns. I love my community and my county. Please, let the bands play on.”
Right On Vicki! I front the Musical Feast band that has played weekends at the Depot for more than a year, and our community of joyful engaged friends has grown to nearly 300 people. I can’t count the number of people who have come up to deeply thank us for the gift of music and community we so love to provide — there seems to be a spiritual impact in all of us gathering together, playing, breaking out of the walls of work and home to engage with like-minded humans! And you are literally correct: ONE person’s complaints have shut us down time after time, closing down joy for scores of people. I wish they’d come down and join us instead! Thanks again for your article,
-John Pearce
Thank you so much for fabulous music, John. We have throughly enjoyed our Friday evenings with you.
During the pandemic, we couldn’t dance inside, so our little group of seniors with sass tried to find a place we could keep our spirits up. My little 20 watt karaoke speaker was far from loud, but a neighbor complained when we tried line dancing on a Tuesday afternoon in Old Mill Park and we had to shut it down. I get late night music on full blast being disturbing, but we all have to be cognizant of others and accept a little sound when others are clearly enjoying themselves.
Social interaction is what makes one feel alive. Sitting in front of a TV is mind numbing. Whoever is complaining should join the community and feel happy
couldn’t agree more with John, Laurie and Vicki!
Sounds like Mill Valley residents need to be louder than these (few) loud wet blankets! Most residents agree that live music helps proliferate culture and a sense of community (plus happiness— remember that?). We just haven’t been as organized as the complainers…
Music is wonderful. But it doesn’t need to be amplified so loudly. The amplification is the problem. The bands love it loud and many of them have hearing loss. Anyone that lives anywhere near downtown knows how the sound travels. You can hear a squirrel eat a leaf. Sometimes I feel the band is playing in my home. It’s disturbing and often ruins a peaceful afternoon. Sounds like we found a balance.
I agree. It’s the amplification that’s the problem. It’s terrible for the musicians who will lose some or all of their hearing in the future, but also for the audience. Why does it have to be so darned loud?