A Fair lesson

Last night my family visited the 116th Annual Wapping Fair in our town of South Windsor. We always watch one performance of the racing pigs and enjoy the bumper cars. I particularly enjoy this fair because it proves once again that we are living our dreams by being able to attend a small town country fair in the USA.

While watching the live country music band, I realized how luck we are as speakers and presenters. I counted 8 microphones, with stands and cables on the stage. Having just purchased a new Samson G-Track Microphone this week, I realize the cost of equipment. During my research, I visited a local music store, and was offered studio quality microphones up to $1,000 and saw electric guitars at $8,000 a piece. Add in speakers, cables and paraphernalia, I recognize the investment that musicians make in equipment in order to give free performances.

As speakers, our investment in equipment is inconsequential compared to a live band. We are lucky. We get by with a portable microphone and recorder. We don't need expensive instruments to perform our craft.

I would have bought a CD on the spot if this band sold products because I enjoyed the entertainment. But alas, no products on sale. And the audience can't buy what you don't sell.

We are expecting downpours this afternoon and I believe the Wapping fair will suffer with slim attendance today.