After posting my Requiem for a Flea Market Musicians Circle I got some additional news, and have some updates. Ivan got a call from Ralph saying that the flea market owners had tripled his monthly rental rate, and he wasn’t going to pay that. That meant that the musicians shed was once again available.
After much discussion with our core group, we decided to approach the owners and see if they would work with us. We would share the cost of the shed. This is kind of how it went. I posted this on Facebook and Reddit…
We spoke with the owner about continuing music in the shed. He agreed, provided that we only played “Christian” music and Gospel. He wanted “no Hank Williams” or songs about smoking or drinking. He said that he wanted a family friendly place.
Family friendly, for a place that allows open carry of weapons and has allowed the display of “Fuck Biden” flags, as well as who knows what being sold by the vendors. But our old time music is not considered family friendly.
For nearly 40 years we have provided free entertainment for those that visit the market. Ivan has given out hundreds of harmonicas free to passing children. We’ve had people come to the market just to see us, even internationally. Not family friendly??
We’ve never asked for payment, but have taken donations to help cover the cost of renting the shed. We have welcomed anyone who has a song to sing or an instrument to play. If continuing means we let this bozo dictate who plays and what we get to play, then we’re done. I really can’t stand this type of “Christian” hypocrisy. I hope he breaks his arm patting himself on the back for his moral stance.
So that’s it. No more music in this venue. The Pickens Flea Market is actually two separate markets with different owners. It’s possible that the other side would be more amenable, but the setup isn’t as good as what we had. Right now I just don’t have the energy to pursue it. I still have lots of other places I can play.