The holiday season is upon us. In all honesty, I can say this has been the most bizarre year I think any of us have ever experienced. So, as we move into the holidays, it’s so important to retain what traditions we can. A big part of those traditions center around music. Carols and holiday music are such an integral part of the season. Even now, retail workers are preparing for the mental gauntlet of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” on replay every hour or so for the next two months. 

While we can joke about what may be the world’s biggest guilty pleasure Christmas tune, we can’t joke about where musicians are currently. Many of us are still without a substantial portion of our income. While restaurants are opening back up, many are still unable to support live music when they are only seating at one-third their capacity. Particularly at Christmas time, many musicians are missing the extra income that helped make Christmas possible for their families. Although it’s been a crazy year for all of us, I do have one Christmas wish to share with you all. 

I am sure that many of you will be planning holiday parties throughout November and December. I believe we have an opportunity to help many of the musicians we might otherwise take for granted. As you plan your parties, hopefully, you will be able to have them outside or in large well-ventilated spaces. I invite you to reach out to your favorite local musicians or bands. Every party needs some great music, and every musician right now is trying to find ways to make the holidays a time to celebrate. Bring the holiday spirit in with live music. 

In the new year, many of the “old haunts” in Statesboro that have taken on new life will, hopefully, be inviting local musicians to perform. When they do, find a way to support those businesses and let them know that you love live music. Until then, it’s up to us to keep the music alive here in the Boro. Find a live stream and leave a “virtual tip,” and plan for live music at your holiday parties. Even supporting local restaurants and bars over this season will help keep them alive so that in the near future, they can bring in live music. 

I don’t believe this is the end of live music. Many of our local venues still have performers in regularly. For those venues, we are so grateful. Seek them out and support in whatever ways you can (most offer curbside take-out or delivery if you are concerned about avoiding crowds). 

This Christmas, help keep the music alive. That’s my Christmas wish. Happy holidays, everyone. 

Love, always, 

-B