Musical Musings - Keep the Music Playing

Grand Opening of Dirty Water Music - Dirty Water Music Brings Grammy Nominated Nashville Artist Tom Wurth to Le Claire 

 

(Photo:  (left to right) John Taylor, Tom Wurth, Ray Burge, Scott Soderberg (of Soderberg Productions)

Dirty Water Music’s founder, Ray “Doc” Burge, had a vision and it began when he crossed the Big Muddy into the thriving river town of Le Claire last year. He became attracted to Le Claire with its progressive reverence for the past exhibited by Mike Wolfe’s Antique Archeology and American Pickers. 

In an unexpected turn of events, Burge while wandering down Cody Road, came across an 1852 building at #102. Burge’s vision started there and grew as he imagined a lower floor intimate performance venue, the main floor with a top of the line recording studio and room for music lessons as well as a backyard filled with live music events. 

Burge’s own passion for music and playing pushed him forward to talk with the building owner, Judge John D. Telleen. The Judge, who Burge describes as an active player in Le Claire’s progress and one who is particular about what type of business resides in the building saw the value of Burge’s vision. Soon the Judge was Burge’s neighbor and a friend who has supported Dirty Water Music and its own forward-thinking plans for music in Le Claire. 

It didn’t take long for Burge to get Dirty Water Music up and running. To celebrate the new home of the arts in Le Claire he paired up with his friend, John Taylor from outside of Nashville. Taylor, also a doctor and musician suggested he bring in a Grammy Nominated Artist from Nashville, Tom Wurth. 

Wurth is Iowa born with his own appreciation for preservation and the arts. His music reflects honoring classic country music and singer/songwriters in many genres. He has collaborated with a distinctive list of artists including Vince Gill, John Ford Coley, T. Graham Brown, Eddie Money, and others. 

The event was held in the back with an outdoor stage, a gently sloping yard, and an impressive rock-edged terrace. It allowed VIP guests (along with a few that ventured up the sidewalk caught in a wave of the music) to take to lawn chairs and blankets around warming fire pits to enjoy the music. 

Burge and his group, including the dynamic Kacey Russell and friend John Taylor on Cajon, kicked off the show followed by Wurth. Wurth’s smooth stellar vocals and engaging personality kept the intimate crowd entertained on a beautiful Le Claire evening. 

If you are still wondering why a doctor had a vision for Dirty Water Music, Burge summed it up best when he said, “Music is about healing. Being a doctor and musician is really not that far apart.” 

The vision for Dirty Water Music is just beginning. Look for more events coming soon. 

Visit Dirty Water Music at 102 N Cody Road in Le Claire and check out their events on Facebook @DirtyWaterMusicQC 

Visit Tom Wurth at www.TomWurth.com

A special thank you to Rick Lewis of Dirty Water Music for the use of the photos.

Supporting An Artist in a Virtual World 

Today we are in uncharted waters, but for music lovers everywhere, those who support their favorite artists and are missing live concerts, they are working hard to help #KeepTheMusicPlaying.

We have created a TOP FIVE List to #KeeptheMusicPlaying

1.  Attend the virtual shows, and when things open up be right there in the audience to support your favorite artist(s).

  • Share tour dates with friends via email, calls, and social media.
  • If attending a Facebook Live show click the "event" and choose your friends you want to share the event with for the artist.
  • When you arrive, let the artist know you are there and during the show engage with emojis, claps, and comment on your favorite song and why you love it.
  • Enjoy the music and let it show!  That means if you can, tip the artist as if you bought a ticket.  Assign that ticket a price for the night and let people know that you are buying the ticket.  These virtual shows are today's live audience shows at a fair, festival, or other venues.

2.  Sign up for the artist newsletter for the latest updates on their career and music

  • Many artists give you free downloads when you sign up.  Take advantage of that and then email back or post how you feel about that song.
  • Share with friends to get more people signed up for the newsletter.

3.  Follow on all Social Media platforms and share with friends - become an active fan posting, repost, and share.  Share the love of the music!

4.  Buy the Music & Merchandise

  • Buying artist music direct from their site can have big advantages.  Sometimes there are specials and many artists will autograph and some even personalize to you or whomever you are giving the CD to as a gift.
  • Many CDs also come with instant downloads in addition to the CD.  It's a double deal!
  • Merchandise is a great way to support the artist monetarily and show your appreciation, but you also then become an instant promoter as you wear or use the merch.  T-shirts aren't the only great items - phone cases, bags, masks all are great items.
  • Look for special deals in artist newsletters too!

5.  Fan Clubs/Subscriptions

Take your appreciation for an artist to another level.  Many people love the music and some support the music in many of the ways we have listed above, but then there are people who are so passionate about keeping the music playing they like a more personalized experience where they cover all the bases listed above to help an artist promote their music in the best possible way.  Those Fan Clubs/Subscriptions are a win-win and for the fan can involve a variety of special advantages while acting as a member of a fan base, street team, or another concept to further an artist's career.  Here are some things these may include:

  • Meet and Greets at Shows
  • Special Merch and Music Pricing
  • First to hear a new song or see a new video
  • Presales and special pricing for tickets at shows
  • and more!

Whatever you choose to do, are comfortable doing or can do know it will be appreciated.  You will play a big part to #KeepTheMusicPlaying in these ever-changing times and when you are back in that front row supporting your favorite artist(s)!

 

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