Our monthly event brings together people from all parts of our music ecology to update you on our work, present useful information, and create community. Join us to Unite, Defend, and Amplify Portland music.
The relationship between music and alcohol is complicated. Many live music patrons enjoy the experience of drinking a beer or cocktail while watching a show, and are longing to do so again when venues reopen. Drink sales subsidize live music in our city. But an alcohol-centric culture and economics has impeded access for fans and musicians under age 21. Venues and performers are denied the chance to build a dedicated younger fanbase. Completely dry shows are financially unfeasible for venues. Musicians suffer higher rates of substance abuse than the general population, but they rely on alcohol to support their professional viability. The centrality of drinking culture and liquor brands to live music can make sober people can feel excluded. Selective and unequal enforcement of liquor laws often negatively impacts Black people. We need a candid look at the realities of alcohol in our music culture.
The goal of this conversation is not to vilify or glorify alcohol but to acknowledge that in is at the center of our current music economy and culture. It is a nuanced topic that we need to approach with openness and creativity. Let’s have a candid exploration in this moment of pause to consider new ideas to make our music culture more economically sustainable, more inclusive, more equitable, and more fun
Let’s catch up at our December First Monday, hosted via zoom and featuring a catch-up from MusicPortland, followed by a breakout session so everyone who wants to can catch up face-to-face.
Register Here: bit.ly/fm-december
Join Breakout Session Here: bit.ly/fm-december-meet
password is PDX