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“Live music.” That common saying may contain some truth, but these days the word “live” is having less and less to do with music. For many people, a dj is their form of live music. Despite what dj’s would like to have you believe, musicians make excellent entertainment.

In the first place, people enjoy human performance. Many musicians like great athletes are multi-talented. They will croon on the tenor saxophone right to your soul, then turn around and chunk out a funky rhythm on a Fender Stratocaster. Can a dj play a turntable behind his head or with his teeth? Professional musicians love to sing and groove on just about any style of music from a Frank Sinatra to Outkast. They especially enjoy playing when the audience is responding to their performance.

In the second place, musicians are students of the arts. Musicians do not merely “push buttons.” They’ve had years of practice in their homes, and they do their thing on stage. Unlike dj’s musicians do not try to sing over or add other loud or strange noises to program music. Once a song starts it flows to the end and in the unfortunate event of a power shortage musicians can continue to entertain acoustically until power is restored. Even non-professional musicians usually understand “the show must go on” concept.

Lastly, one of the most attractive features of bands as entertainment is the affinity between them and their audience. Watching a great drummer is never boring because they’re constantly moving…feeling. An animated solo violinist playing an old wooden Stradivarius violin has a much greater chance of reaching into your soul and stirring your emotions than a dj with an array of magnetic speakers and digital amplifiers no matter how great his system sounds. It’s an apple trying to be an orange. It’s the difference between human blood and electricity.

Contrary to popular opinion, bands can be affordable. Just like with a dj, finding a band well in advance and securing them with a low down payment, the price can be negotiated to avoid costly or inadequate entertainment. Bands will even throw in a free cocktail hour or an extra half hour at the end to secure a date! Many bands are now offering “dj time.” This is when the musician hat comes off and the dj hat is put on to play the Techno, House, Hip-Hop, etc…Genres of today. People who have small parties should appreciate these characteristics of bands. However, many people who have large parties opt to have bands because they love the musician personality. In many ways, musicians are the ideal entertainers.

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Partybands.com is home to over 200+ bands from all around the USA.

Explore World TV took a trip to Samui Island in Thailand to relax and take in some of the sights. This is what we found. View more travel pieces around the world at: ExploreWorldTV.com Ko Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, northeast of Surat Thani town, and is the third largest…

Austin, the “Live Music Capital of the World”, is a slogan based on the very essence of this city that is supported by residents and local government alike. There are virtually hundreds of venues where locals and visitors can enjoy every type of live music imaginable.

In 1991, blues musician Lillian Standfield approached the City’s Music Commission to propose Austin be labeled the “Music Capital of the USA”. After extensive research, city officials discovered that Austin had more live music venues per capita than any of the major cities including Nashville, New York City or Las Vegas. It was suggested the city slogan be upgraded to the “Live Music Capital of the Universe”, but the council compromised, and on August 29, 1991, the “Live Music Capital of the World” became Austin’s official slogan.

Since that day, Austin has more than ‘walked its talk’. Not only do they organize a number of regular musical events, they have integrated music into the day to day running of the local government. City officials have also developed various programs to assist up-and-coming musicians with the promotion of their music. Here are just a few of the events and programs supported by this city.

Events

Live from the Plaza provides a series of free concerts on the plaza at City Hall.

Parks and Recreation provides an extensive calendar of events that have musical performances. They sponsor annual events such as the Trail of Lights (a holiday music venue) and a number of summer concerts.

South by Southwest is a major annual film and music festival.

The Austin City Limits Music Festival is a three-day music and art festival held in the fall.

In the summer, local businesses support a series of free blues shows in Zilker Park

Memorials:

Austin Music Memorial at the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts honors deceased individuals who have contributed to the music community in some way.

Stevie Ray Vaughan has a striking life size memorial at Lady Bird Lake.

Local Promotion:

Music on Hold is a program where local music is played in the City’s telephone hold music system.

Austin Music Channel is a local station devoted to showcasing local talent.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has live music throughout three different venues in the terminal.

City council meetings include live music in their weekly sessions.

Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau actively promote “Live Music Capital of the World” as a travel destination and also provide assistance in booking local musicians.

Texas Music Office – Texas Talent Registry provides a listing of over 1700 bands and their contact information.

Local Government Support:

Creative Industries Loan Guarantee Program provides loans to individuals or companies involved in music, film, art and technology.

The Austin Music Economic Impact Study describes how music affects the economy and discusses various ideas to promote the music community.

Austin Energy is a rebate program that provides energy savings incentives to over 220 of Austin’s live music venues.