OYes, I've been known to whine, to moan, to bitch. That fact hasn't been lost on some readers. But I do try to be selective in my complaining, thinking it more justifiable to bitch about what Arkies don't support than what they do support. So while I might gripe about tiny turnouts for talented local bands, I try not to deride people for flocking to dance to cover bands. I might marvel at the choices made, but any attendance is good attendance in the grand scheme of things.
Involvement beats apathy every time.
That's why when some folks openly groan and roll their eyes when Britney Spears and, now, 'N Sync sell out almost instantly in a teen-driven feeding frenzy, I rejoice. Not that I'm dying to be among the screaming throngs at those shows, but I root for their success nonetheless. That's been Butch Stone's message since the day he got his booking deal at Riverfest Amphitheatre. And he's done what he can to help, with a smallish amphitheatre converted from a Junior League-conceptualized home for symphonies. Success begets success in this industry.