Local musicians tune up so you can tune in

The universal language of humankind – music – is getting a lot of people through these unusual times, and the Region’s favorite local artists have a message: We’ll keep playing if you’ll keep listening.

Local musicians are making their way into living rooms with live digital tiny concerts, and while it’s not the same as performing in person, the trend has become an outlet for thousands who look forward to grooving away their worries, even if only for a little while.

One of the latest developments during the pandemic has been the onset of Valpo Parks launching the Central Park Plaza concert series, bringing local musicians right to your living room from the Plaza’s Facebook page. It’s the next best thing to gathering in person at this favorite pavilion.

The series, sponsored by Porter Regional Hospital the series features local musicians or bands who are welcome region favorites and are missing their usual opportunities to perform live. Musicians who are interested in particpating can email Central Park Plaza Director Dan McGuire at dmcguire@valpo.us to inquire about availble slots.

Upcoming Central Park Plaza shows include Dan Reisen on April 18 and The Scoop on April 20.

Countless posts from families and individuals across the nation are pointing to how the arts are helping them stay happy at home.

“One of my favorite musicians had a sign on his Instagram page that said the following: ‘If you think artists are useless, try to spend your quarantine without music, books, poems, movies, and paintings.’ I think that pretty much sums it up,” Cicco said.

The music-makers of tomorrow are still in the making during this pandemic as well. In fact, it might be a good time to think about taking up an instrument.

“We are doing Skype and FaceTime lessons at Front Porch Music,” Clifford said. “It has been a struggle for sure, but we are trying our best. I worry about many of my co-workers, but musicians are a resilient bunch. ‘We will get by, we will survive’ is my current motto.”

Local performers are looking ahead, though, to brighter days.

“I’d like to tell fans that we miss them just as much as they miss us and to please keep watching all of the local musicians on social media,” Sulcer said. “When we’re able to get back to normal, please come out and see us and maybe even recruit some new live music fans to come with. Festivals, restaurants, and bars are going to need the support.”

“Try to use the time wisely. Write a song. Learn an instrument. Paint a picture. Get back to a simpler life and rediscover love,” Clifford said. “Someday, we will tell our grandkids about these days. They will look at us and think, ‘Great. Here he goes with those old stories of 2020.’”

This weekend, turn off your news alerts on your devices, grab a beverage, and plan your next in-home concert with your favorite local musicians. Better yet, clear a space on the floor and dance, too. If you love what you hear, consider saying thanks if the musician has a virtual tip jar available. Either way, the tunes are flowing, so you just need to get online and go with it.