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Bruce's version of Dialogue was a highlight of Shadowmania.

What a shame that it was almost drowned (on my side of the auditorium) by loud conversation and laughter from the bar by the entrance door. I attempted a couple of pointed looks to no avail.

Why come to Shadowmania if you want to do that?

Sorry. Needed to get that off my chest.

Iain

Hello Iain,
I don't "do" Shadowmania, so can't comment on your specific experience, but sympathise immensly with your general point.
SWMBO and me have, over the years, been regular supporters of "live" music - especially the Blues genre. However, we now rarely go to live events for the very reason you have highlighted. We now tend to limit our gig-going to those where the Bar is remote from the performance area. About the only exception is a live music venue in Leicester, where the Guy that organises the Blues gigs has the b**ls to loudly tell the Bar Conversationalists to "Shut up" and respect both the performers and other members of the audience! Regretably, "pointed looks" (of which SWMBO is an expert) rarely have the desired effect.
Performers, Promoters, and Venue proprietors often bemoan the decline in audience numbers, citing many causes, but rarely seem to recognise the significance of "The Bar Conversationalist Effect"!
Regards
Paul

Iain,
Did not attend this year and have only been once and yes that problem was a real distraction.
It also happens as anyone who plays gigs will appreciate, that you are there playing away and realise that very few are listening and most are talking. In fact one gig we played they asked us to turn down the volume as they wanted to have conversations. Brilliant!!!!
But after the BINGO they want to dance. Go figure???????????

Ron