The Deer Creek Music Center, more commonly referred to as the Verizon Wireless Music Center, located in Noblesville, seems to be on the brink of closing. With the threat of the prominent concert venue going up for sale after 2007, it's time to examine the value of local artists to the economy.
The journey of the 203-acre amphitheater possibly being sold due to the rapid growth of commercial development is disappointing from an entertainment standpoint. Undoubtedly, it won't be the only case in which entertainment loses out to commercial growth.
It's unlikely we will be seeing the Dave Matthews Band, Jimmy Buffett or Tom Petty making their appearances in Muncie any time soon. With that in mind, it's important to give those trying to provide local entertainment a chance. Oftentimes we have to rely on radio stations for a glimpse into local talent.
WCRD is a student-run radio station that provides Ball State University students and the Muncie community a unique opportunity to hear local artists perform. The station is focused primarily on rock, but its claim to fame is "College Radio on Demand," meaning it plays what the listener wants to hear even if it's from a local band or artist.
The names on WCRD's first concert roster of the semester may not ring a bell; however, the performers deserve your attention and support as they provide free entertainment. The sole purpose for some of these performers is often having fun in front of an audience because WCRD can't pay any performers it schedules.
Taking a few minutes to look at local artists trying to make their way to the top of the entertainment hierarchy may help you gain a new appreciation for music in general. The appreciation can easily come from witnessing artists holding onto dreams despite a bumpy road. One big bump often hit at one time or another is the burden of financial problems when it comes to buying equipment needed to perform.
Even with the increase in television shows with the potential to propel a no-name artist to fame, success still isn't an easy feat. Producers from shows such as "American Idol" often have tunnel vision toward the big-city atmosphere. In this year's edition of the show, tryouts were held in seven cities with the closest tryout to Muncie being held in Memphis, Tenn.
The demand for local artists may not always be present, but in some cases it may be all a city and a performer can grasp. Ending up in the Student Center's Tally isn't exactly a primary place to gain national exposure. Nevertheless, it's a starting point for young artists trying to fine-tune their musical talent.
If the prospective demolishment of one of Indiana's leading places to bring in big-name entertainment is an indication of losing old- fashioned entertainment value, then it's time to jump on the bandwagons of local artists for a long ride.
Write to Dan at daladig@bsu.edu
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