We have a great music scene in Oxford, but it is not without its ailments. One particularly troublesome affliction is the time constraints under which we are forced to operate. Mostly, it’s not our fault. There are laws that limit the time at which the music venues must cease their sales. Inevitably the music ends about then, too. But we are citizens and the law of the land is derived from the consent of the governed, so the citizenry must only voice their grievances and come to an agreement if the laws are to be changed (and they should).

But in the meantime, we abide by the law. And that means the end of our nighttime musical entertainment endeavors is out of our hands. But the start time isn’t. Night after night, Oxford’s so-called music lovers trickle into their chosen music venues a mere two hours or so before it’s time to call it quits. If it’s a 12 o’clock night, people show up at 10:00 or 10:30. On later nights, they drag-ass until 11 or later. Musicians need an audience, and they want to play for one. But without one, they often don’t. They are waiting for you.

They are giving their all by writing original music, rehearsing and, oh yeah by the way, rocking! Your obligations in this equation include not just paying the cover fee, but providing the band with an audience for which to rock By showing up late, your are giving them less time to do so.

Such ass-draggery doesn’t just mean that you are getting less bang for your buck. It’s also poison to an otherwise rooting music scene, the Round-up© to our rock and roll. By getting to the clubs earlier, our musicians will have the opportunity to play more. All that’s required for them to start earlier is for you to show up earlier. As the length of shows grows, it provides more opportunity for up and coming bands to secure the all-important opening slot and build an audience of their own.

So, please, do your part. Show up early. Stay late. Support local musicians and music venues. Our music community depends on you.

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Touring Pick: Peter Rowan @ Proud Larry’s, Friday May 25th. Now, this is quite a treat. The legendary Peter Rowan, of “Panama Red” and Old & In The Way fame, will be visiting our little town again. Rowan is a stunning performer who

displays his energetic brand of reggae-licious countrified boogie-grass every night. This one’s not to be missed.

Local Pick: Shady Deal @ Two Stick, Saturday June 2nd. Speaking of ROCK, these guys bring it and bring it loud. Taking their cue from equal parts Widespread Panic and Waylon Jennings, Shady Deal is sure to give your neck some aches and pains on the day following this show.