“BIG” DEAL

On the whole I truly enjoy your publication and admire the coverage the Phoenix provides our fair city. However, I feel compelled to take issue with the consistent emphasis by your local music writers to help perpetuate the pursuit (myth?) of breaking Maine’s first “BIG!!” musical act. Every issue seems to contain a reference or two to “major label signings” or some equivalent of a local band making good on “making it big” (or at least pursuing that end).

It may seem a trivial matter, but it bothers me for two reasons. First, I would assert that it is the rare band that assimilates their art with commercial success, and typically the latter is an unplanned consequence. The Phoenix promotes itself as “Portland’s News, Artsh and Entertainment Authority”; it is not touted as a commercial/promotional publication. Secondly, the Phoenix is an important voice and steward in our arts community. Your opinions undoubtedly influence the people who read the paper (including our local musicians). Do we really want to encourage bands whose primary motive for making music is to get rich, get laid, and see themselves on MTV?

Is it that important for Portland to be known as the city that brought the world “Check” or some such comparable fluff? Bands like the Slowing Room, the Jerks of Grass, or Mystic Outbop Review are probably not likely to achieve broad commercial success, but that’s because their art comes first; by focusing on the creative and skillful elements of their work (and disregarding whether they will end up on TRL) they provide integrity and complexity to their audience through their art. Your repeated efforts to promote the shallow (i.e. commercial) aspects of our burgeoning music scene will only serve to encourage our musicians to pursue their craft for all the wrong reasons and undermine your mission to cover the arts in our community.

Nicholas Sherman

Portland

GET OFF YOUR DUFF

I am extremely disappointed with Al Diamon’s remarks regarding John Eder (“25 Ideas for a Better Maine,” Jan. 10). Although I have never met Mr. Diamon personally, he does give the impression that he may be the type of person one meets from time to time who, although possessing learned opinions on every subject under the sun, finds it difficult to remove their rotund posterior off the closest barstool and actually attempt to DO anything constructive.

Evidently, Mr. Diamon must have some “inside dope” that the citizens of the 31st Congressional District, their families and friends with ties to the military, are somehow exempt from having to serve in this particular conflict with Iraq if it arises. Since I doubt this to be the case, it is very much a local issue for every person from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon, and Mr. Eder, as a citizen of this country, has as much right to express his views as you or I or president shrub.

One of the great problems in this nation over the last three decades or so has been the reluctance of its citizens to let their voices be heard. We have accepted the status quo and often seem to have a “father knows best” mentality. I would counter that the only ones who know what is best for the people of this nation are the people themselves, and it is time for us to speak up and set an example for our leaders to follow, since they seem incapable of setting a good one themselves.

Mr. Eder is trying to make a difference both by his words and by his actions and should be applauded for his efforts. If Mr. Diamon and his ilk cannot seem to grasp this concept, then it is time for them to step aside, because the carpool containing those of us who would finally like to see some positive changes in this country is coming through.

Gregory Lewis

Portland

GOOD IDEA

This note is to echo Mark Scearce’s call for a PortFest in the January 10 issue. I could not agree more with the concept, it’s been a topic of discussion at PORT (Portland Opera Repertory Theatre) for years now. Portland is a perfect place to establish a summertime event that would one day equal or outdo Spoleto, which brings opera, theater, and dance to the lucky people of Charles-ton, South Carolina, each summer.

Portland has everything it takes to make an event of this nature successful: a strong and diverse arts community, merchants who know and understand the need to reach out to residents of Maine and beyond, and world-class indoor facilities and outdoor locations. With the right amount of imagination and collaboration among each organization interested in creating a PortFest, and let’s not forget the city, we can create something new and exciting for Portland and Maine.

PORT has made part of its mission statement the goal of working with other organizations, and our season has included films at the Movies on Exchange, lectures at the Portland Public Library, outreach performances, and now includes a strong tie to USM. It is essential to our growth to truly involve the Portland community.

PortFest is something that would be enjoyed by all, not just those of us who posses a passion for opera, and is a concept that we would be thrilled to see develop.

Bruce Hangen

Artistic and General Director

Portland Opera Repertory Theatre