The following column will appear in the March 2009 edition of Gaston Alive:
Some say life without passion is not much of a life. I tend to think life without music may be even worse.
That’s what I like about Laurie Koster. She’s passionate. Even better - she’s passionate about music.
If I were ever to forget about Laurie’s passion, it wouldn’t take long for me to be reminded. That’s because every Wednesday, I can expect an email from her chock full with more music news you could ever want. And this isn’t just any music news. It’s all about the music and musicians that live, play, and record in our backyard.
Her email newsletter is a weekly snapshot of what’s going on in our area. It’s an exhaustive list of concerts taking place that week, as well as concerts coming up that you should know about. It’s filled with music reviews, news, contests, giveaways, and special benefit concerts involving our local music community.
If you were to measure Laurie’s passion, you’d think she lives in either Nashville or Austin. Not so. This former Ohioan is now a Carolina girl, and she couldn’t be any more proud of her newly adopted hometown, and the music it creates.
Laurie’s not alone in her support of North Carolina musicians and their sounds. In fact, in a recent ranking issued by the Roots Music Association, North Carolina came in at #9 in states that support their local music scene.
As budgets and resources shrink in newsrooms everywhere, it is becoming harder to find good quality local content. Before you know it - national syndication becomes the norm.
This is what makes Laurie’s newsletter so special. It’s compiled by someone who loves the music.
When people move into town and ask me about local music in the area, I automatically refer them to Laurie. She’s the expert.
Waving the local music flag doesn’t pay big money. Most musical endeavors rarely do. But as one musical mentor and friend told me the other day, “music is a spirit quest - not a money one.”
I wonder if she has been reading Laurie’s emails too.
To learn more about Laurie Koster’s Charlotte Events Weekly Newsletter,visit her online at www.lauriekoster.com/happenings.htm
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