It was not allowed to sing in public - Wait, what?! - BAK performance, music love

During corona times it was not allowed to sing in public. Did you know that?! wtf...

I mean if you play music, and especially sing, you have probably known this. This whole lockdown was hard on everyone, and now I had to realize, on musicians in particular. Real music (no matter what kind) is performed on stage. Done.

Though I have listened to music every day, I haven't realized what was I missing with lacking the chance of getting to listen to live performed music.

Until last Sunday, when I went to BAK, basis voor actuele kunst to see the Open Stage organized by De Voorkamer.

Sitting there (strictly 5 - 6 seats away from each other)  made me realize that the simple act of playing the guitar and singing next to it is a magical act and how much I was missing it. Really. Already there I though of cheesy stuff to tell about the concert and how talented the guys were, and how music is magic and this kind of stuff.

The 'On the Spot' open stage is a usual event in De Voorkamer's agenda, but due to this situation, they weren't able to come together and play music for a long time. 

But the whole point is making music together. And enjoy it. Together. 

As they say "‘On The Spot’ - New Neighbours and locals come together through music and performance art. Bringing Western and oriental sounds together.

The open stage is for everyone; you are welcome to come to listen and watch, and/or play/sing!"

In BAK now they had enough space to do this in a safe environment. The curtains had functional and symbolic meaning with separating the artists, so the won't go too close to each other - though they needed to be reminded from time to time, because you know...you can't really enjoy music in a distance, can you? - and it shows the distance that they had to keep during the last half-year. Also, made it difficult for them to see each other, showing the challenges of playing on Zoom, or online or all other crazy ways.

In the break, I overheard that Anan, one of the organizers excitedly saying to the other guys "It's working! It's really working!". And it was. It was working on so many levels. We, as listeners, were as hungry for live music as the performers themselves. 

All in all, I'm not close to the musitians world, so it completely slipped my mind how hard it must be for them. I'm glad I joined last Sunday afternoon. 

So guys, go on live concerts! It fills your souls!