Blog Layout
Main Street Music - Summer Series
Oftentimes we spend our brutal winters inside as we wish for summer weather, but when summer comes and goes we often feel let down or disappointed. Whether it be that you feel like you should’ve hung out with your friends more or you didn’t take advantage of the weather as much as you hoped, it’s quite common to feel this way for people, especially high school students. Summer seems to go by so quickly, and with so many students being busy with work or other things it can feel impossible to find the time. But when you are able to find the time to plan activities, it can also be difficult to find the money to be able to do those things. So where is the middle ground that is both fun yet inexpensive, and what can also interest people of all ages? The answer is something that almost every human being enjoys. Music.
Luckily, Wooster has all sorts of musical stylings to offer. During this summer, Main Street Wooster has live music from six to eight p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. The musicians play on the square and their music ranges from jazz, to rock mixed with blues, and even some tropical tunes. This past week I was even lucky enough to be able to speak with one of the musicians in the jazz band named Standard Time Jazz.
Eric Fairhurst is a jack of all trades as he can play all types of saxophones, the flute, and the clarinet. He even goes on to say that it is unlike him to not have at least two to three instruments that he brings to a show. The name Standard Time Jazz speaks for itself as to what genre of music the group plays, but they do occasionally play some blues music. Eric believes that he most likely got into music and specifically jazz music because it was the genre that he grew up listening to.
While most people nowadays might not have a strong connection with jazz, Eric knows that most people quickly form a positive bond with live music of any kind. To quote his wise words, “The nature of live music draws them in. It's improvised, it's fluid, and they hold on because they want to know how the story of the music ends.” Eric certainly understands the complexities, but also the simple things in music; he explains that his favorite part of performing is “to play a beautiful melody with my friends."
During my time learning about what Wooster’s musicians have to offer, I also got to speak with the solo act of Island Cocktail Entertainment. Craig Butdorf started off playing the trombone in high school, and then learned bass guitar before eventually learning how to play piano. But where he really found his passion was on the steel drums, which is the instrument he currently plays. These drums are actually very unique. Their full name is the double second steel drums, and they produce a very tropical sound. Craig believes that their sound is a part of what draws people into his music as they don’t look or sound like anything people have ever heard or seen. He mostly sticks to playing tropical music, and plays some Jimmy Buffett songs, as well as doing some singing.
While attempting to talk and play does make him worry that he will mess up, Craig’s favorite part about performing is getting to see people’s expressions and excitement as they listen to his music. He also expressed his love for getting to play in the atmosphere of downtown Wooster, and he talked highly of his other performers by simply stating that “there’s a lot of talent in Wooster.”
As a whole, there are a lot of great musicians in Wooster that perform purely for the enjoyment of their listeners, though they do appreciate the occasional tip. But if you would like to access the schedule for their performances, you can go to the Main Street music page by going to Main Street Wooster’s home website and clicking on the event tab. With so many different music acts that are listed, you are sure to find something that you like. As Craig Butdorf said, “Come on down there’s a lot for everybody, and you’d be surprised how much fun you’d have. So come on down, and visit. And it’s free.”
If you find yourself seeking refuge from the ever-changing Ohio weather or simply wanting to explore Wooster's indoor gems, we have suggestions!
Welcome to Wooster, where creativity thrives and artistic expression takes center stage. In this blog post, we're diving into the vibrant arts and crafts scene, exploring local studios, craft workshops, and galleries that make Wooster a haven for the creatively inclined.
Whether you're a local seeking a romantic escapade or a visitor eager to explore, Downtown Wooster offers a myriad of opportunities to fall in love.
Elevate Your Downtown Event!
12 Days of Christmas: Wooster Edition
'Tis the season to spread some local love and joy! As we gear up for the holidays, let's remember the magic of shopping local and supporting the awesome small businesses in Wooster.
Our Favorite Haunts in Wooster
Lifelong Learning in Wooster
Back-To-School Shopping: Think Outside the Box
Embrace the Dog Days of Summer
