Those who know me well know that I am passionate about music.
For these past 27 years, I’ve continued to produce and host a nationally syndicated radio program, with its focus on the blues, soul, gospel, and far too many other genres to list.
During the hour, the listener’s enjoyment of the music is only occasionally disrupted by my voice, informing them of what they’ve heard and of the evolving theme of our ride together.
No one has ever complained that I don’t talk enough, and my subordination to the music hasn’t hurt the popularity of the program. “The Blue Light Central” airs all over the country, from Anchorage to Asheville.
I’m proud of that, if you can’t tell.
Recording the show is a weekly vacation to a land where the issues of life, living and the responsibilities of the office have no access. It is my regularly scheduled escape, and I treasure it.
Over the years, my passion for music regularly found me angling my way toward the stage, often to a spot near a speaker. (I might have lost my hearing anyway, but I’m sure that didn’t help.)
I’ve had an opportunity to interview so many wonderful artists. Some, the legends of my youth, and some who have played their whole lives for the sheer pleasure and not the success.
A few weeks ago, I saw a band whose music I appreciate and share with my listeners. The president of the band’s record company invited Betsy and me to a show at the Ark Bowl and BBQ.
The performers call themselves Jack’s Waterfall.
Jack’s a killer keyboard player with a taste for a zydeco groove.
I was introduced as a radio host and incidentally, as the mayor of Oneonta.
Oneonta? Jack knows Oneonta. He’s a SUNY Oneonta alum. He played in a band called the Water Street Blues Band. Some of you will remember them.
We spent the length of his break talking about the icon of jazz who was a mentor and hero during his time here, Al Gallodoro.
He was thrilled to learn that we would be honoring Al’s memory with a jewel box of a stage in Muller Plaza this summer.
Our conversation generated so many fond memories, that they prompted a decision on the part of his family to consider relocation from Long Island. They spent this weekend here in exploration.
Interestingly, alumni are the target of our campaign of recruitment. (Remember my pledge to bring in a thousand new residents? That is still a thing.)
I hope Jack and his family find Oneonta to be the better choice for their lives. We would love to have them join us as new neighbors.
And if they do, you can be assured I will be recruiting Jack to lend himself and his talents to the Downtown Renaissance.
Music, performance, and art — where it’s expected and where it’s least expected. That is the shorthand description of the Renaissance. And it will be enticing.
Jack and his family are examples of those whom we are recruiting.
Thanks to the internet, he can work from home, she is a professional who will likely fill a need at one of our colleges, and their young son is sure to find a warm welcome in our school system.
Jack’s family may move here, or not. Finding housing is still a challenge.
But there is a chorus being joined. It’s a song of new neighbors, new lives being shared, and with their incorporation into our community, a more vital city.
Now multiply that.
And again.
It’s music to my ears.