I am often asked whether I like small or large concerts better. Truth is, I like both, but for different reasons. Two days ago I played at a very small church in Pinellas Park, FL for about 35 folks. Some would say this is uncomfortably small. I call it intimate, and even exposing. It’s hard to hide behind a big sound system, smoke and mirrors when you can see the whites in peoples eyes. It’s just a scenario that is less forgiving.
A favorite Bruce Cockburn tune of mine has this line “headed to the northland, where the weather keeps you real.” There’s something about small concerts and house concerts that keeps you very real, and in touch with real people.
Large concerts are certainly fun, but you just can’t shake everyone’s hand, share cookies and coffee, hear about recent struggles, joys, and hopes, etc… The more the merrier, and the fewer the less less forgetful – both for the performer and the people.
