Letter to the editor - Dear Editor,
I write this letter for the purpose of bringing a little more to the forefront an issue that I feel sometimes burns in the minds of local people who perform music and songs at festivals and other public event venues.
Many times we have performed on stage for a period of time which is usually a half hour or an hour or more. When we finish, after giving quite a significant number of dollars worth of entertainment we are offered a food voucher that usually has the value of a cheeseburger or there about.
That can be and has been insulting and degrading to people who perform and the musical culture that was passed on to us. It also sends the message that our talent is worth next to nothing. In a real sense it makes us feel that we are slaves to a line of thinking, which says that we and our culture will never amount to anything.
I believe that festival committees and others need to develop more respect for people who give of their time, talent and work to play music and sing songs and also to offer performers a decent reimbursement for expense, token of appreciation, etc., otherwise the cheeseburger indignity will continue to belittle performers.
This could be an issue for the future in order to properly preserve and respect our dignity and culture.
Thank you,
Joseph Emberley
Joe Batt's Arm
Showing respect
- Published on May 13th, 2009
- Published on June 28th, 2010
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Letters to the Editor (The Pilot)
Dear Editor,
I write this letter for the purpose of bringing a little more to the forefront an issue that I feel sometimes burns in the minds of local people who perform music and songs at festivals and other public event venues.
Many times we have performed on stage for a period of time which is usually a half hour or an hour or more. When we finish, after giving quite a significant number of dollars worth of entertainment we are offered a food voucher that usually has the value of a cheeseburger or there about.
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- Frank
- - June 29th, 2010 at 15:38:15
Very interesting Joseph! I have met many musicians from Newfoundland and Labrador who feel the same way as you do. br However, our Newfoundland musicians here in Ontario are given the best of respect. Again, it all depends on the organizers of each event. There are those who are really trying to help our local musicians around Newfoundland, and there are other's who are on an ego trip for themselves. This also goes for some organnizers and the musicians who are on an ego trip..They feel they are the best, and need special attention. br br The best musicians here in Ontario come from small towns around Newfoundland and Labrador, they are not on ego trips, just wanting to see everyone have fun. br br You can bet your green back dollar, they don,t all rake in big bucks for their service, and they don,t get steaks for lunch. They get the best of respect and enjoy a good supper and sometimes a good hamburger or fish cakes with those who appreciate their music. br br I think what we need to see is organizers who know what they are doing when they organize a special event. If they are outgoing and down-to-earth people you can be certain everyone will have an enjoyable time at any event. br Don't forget Joseph, there are always those who want everything for nothing when it comes to entertainment and luncheons. br Come and perform for us here in Ontario sometime, and we,ll treat you the best. here, Newfoundlanders are fun loving people who enjoy their back home traditions no matter where they are globally.
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