Finger Lakes Sound: Welcome back!

Welcome back to That Finger Lakes Sound. 

2018 was filled with musical inspiration for me – reconnecting with my childhood music hero, recording an album of original songs, and a trip to Nepal to play traditional Himalayan folk music with the Gandharba musicians – all of which I’ll write about here in The Owl Light.  In 2019, I’ll put a special focus on remembering and in some cases revealing our musical roots.  I’ll interview old-timers, performers, appreciators, recorders – anyone who can help shed light on where we’ve come from as a collective local music culture.

Never before has our culture been changing so rapidly.  If we don’t stop periodically as a community and ask “where did we come from?”, then how will we know where to go?  Did anyone know that the last time you walked out of a video store would be the last time you walked out of a video store?  Technology aside, the actual quality of our social interactions is changing quickly.  It’s hard to know what is socially appropriate anymore.  Which might be a good thing.  All I want to offer is contemplation.  On the now, and on the then.

My goal with the column in 2019 will be to hear some of the stories about how participating in the local music community has brought meaning to folks’ lives.  I’d like to understand how our local musicians came to carry on the traditions of those who came before them.  I’d like to ponder how to best navigate the demands of modern life while maintaining what’s important to us culturally.

Finally, I’d like to hear from you!  If you know of an old-timer musician who ought to be interviewed, or you’d like to share your own stories about how your life has been touched by the local music community, please e-mail me at:  ben@benharavitch.com.

In the meantime, enjoy the sounds of ringing in the new year.