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Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

This needed to be said. There's nothing worse than hecklers and inconsiderate people.

5 of 5 people like this.
Posted by Tamara Younkins on April 25, 2013 at 4:04 PM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

Yea, this is about as Charleston a problem as obesity. Yea you see it everywhere here....and everywhere else in the damn country. This piece would have been much more interesting if it was directed at the nation of self-centered jerks as opposed ot the "I just moved to Charleston and why do you people suck so bad" crowd

4 of 6 people like this.
Posted by Foodmancing on April 25, 2013 at 11:35 AM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

I guess the souther folks had genteel smiles on their faces while brutally lynching their slaves.

3 of 6 people like this.
Posted by Tim Brown on April 25, 2013 at 11:30 AM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

The concept of southern manners is a myth - like the brutality they showed when they were whipping and lynching their slaves.

Southerners are more ideological and nasty that anywhere else in the country.

5 of 9 people like this.
Posted by Tim Brown on April 25, 2013 at 11:27 AM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

I think the "anyone who does anything I don't like must be a Yankee" thing is a dead-end road in Charleston. Sometimes yes, sometimes no, sometimes they moved here 14 years ago from NJ and have a palmetto flag decal on their car so then what?

9 of 11 people like this.
Posted by Cid95 on April 25, 2013 at 11:06 AM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

As one poster said: "Most folks around here these days are not from around here, like you. The concept of genteel Southern manners is only a cliche ....."

Not sure it's quite yet a cliché (GSM), but I seldom encounter this sort of rudeness here in my little town south of Chucktown or in Savannah where I hang out also on the weekends. You neglected to say whether these people had Southern accents or northern or Canadian or whatever. But then so many Southerners have no accent whatsoever (like me)....In the past 30 years I'll also lived in NC, Atlanta (and Chas. in the 60s and 70s) and only have encountered that kind of rudeness occasionally. I do remember the "Yankees" in Atlanta NOT holding open doors or even acknowledging your basic human presence or smiles, but have no idea if that extends to not giving a damn whether you enjoy a concert or not. Wdn't be surprised. lol

I think it's generational mainly. Us Southern boomers (most of us anyway) had manners drilled into us and told to dress up when going out to dinner, church, plays, etc. I've seen young folks (and now Boomers sadly) enter white tablecloth establishments with high ambiance in cut-offs and flip flops. They shouldn't be seated, frankly. Now people just don't give a damn, esp. younger ones (imo).

2 of 2 people like this.
Posted by RedheadinDixie on April 25, 2013 at 10:20 AM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

50% of those in Charleston Country lived here less than 10 years. Explains a great deal.

4 of 6 people like this.
Posted by Mitchell Crosby on April 25, 2013 at 8:20 AM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

I had similar experience, but it wasn't people being to loud. It was at a Punk Rock show. This was in New Olreans at a community space (That no longer exist) called the Abstract. The band playing was a great band from DC called BORN AGAINST and there were some meat head jocks in the crowd , elbowing people and punching people as the crowd was slam dancing. and yes slam dancing or Skanking can be rough and sometimes people get hurt. but most of the shows I've gone to in my 30 years in the scene, (im 40). people walk out unscathed and have had and incredible experience. but anyway these meatheads were hitting people and the singer of BORN AGAINST, Sam Mcphetters, told the guys to stop or they will play lounge music and he will read from the book, The Wizard of Oz. Well, the meat heads didn't stop and in the middle of their song Mary and Child, they broke into a light lounge jazz song in C minor and Sam began to read the Wizard of Oz, this went on for a good 10 minutes and the finally the meat heads walked out the door and in that moment, he threw the book into the air and they went right back into the song, Mary and Child, right where they left off, in the middle of the second verse and the show went off without an incident. One of the best things I have ever gotten to experience in my life. Ahh it was great to be in my twenties in the 90's!!!

0 of 1 people like this.
Posted by John Barber on April 25, 2013 at 2:59 AM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

Ok I've experienced this a few times, but at most of the quiet acoustic shows I go to people are very quiet, attentive, and respectful. Even when no ones heard of the performers and even when its free.

I've experienced the opposite problem at more energetic shows - no on effin dances or moves. Not even like a get close to the stage and head bob attitude. I don't live in Charleston but I've lived in several southern cities, including Nashville right now, and experience this every time I go to a show with a headlining touring band + openers that attracts a decent size crowd. People will pay to get in, are digging the show, and are either standing in the back with their arms crossed, or sitting down and actually doing some sort of minimal dance in their chairs. Get up! It affects the energy of the room and how good of a show the artists put on. Why pay to be somewhere, full of fans, of something you supposedly also really like, to act all apathetic and devoid of energy? I experienced the same kind of thing at shows in Raleigh/Durham and Boone, NC. I think it may actually be giving southern cities a bad name in the realm of touring music. Because I'll tell you this - when good music comes to rust belt cities and college towns in the midwest, even weird circuit bendy artsy stuff, they go freaking nuts and show their appreciation.

1 of 3 people like this.
Posted by Derek Cohen on April 25, 2013 at 1:40 AM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

Talking during a show is cool. But what's even better is when someone holds up their fat iPhone in front of your fat face for three minutes and "tapes" a whole song or takes multiple pics to post on the interwebz face gram twit jagbag thingy while the show is going on. That shovels and rope show was good. When is GAM gonna make a comeback?

1 of 3 people like this.
Posted by lamaquina on April 24, 2013 at 11:26 PM

Re: “ArtFields takes over Lake City”

Congratulations to the citizens of Lake City for a successful launch! During a recent walk downtown, I stepped into a jewel at The Mercantile, and memories of working in the local tobacco fields as a young adult to earn the privilege to shop Main Street were quite nostalgic. Thank you Darla Moore for returning home and sharing life's blessings with the many. Quite frankly, I was disappointed with the lack of corporate support from the anchor businesses like Wal-Mart that helped shut down Main Street decades ago. But, I know as a fellow collector how home-grown art can fill your life with much inspiration, joy and happiness. I look forward to supporting this fabulous event and Lake City on its journey thru revitalization. Its local roots run deep and wide, and I cannot wait for the boutiques, hotel and convention center to open. Charlestonians will embrace the short trip, and relish in the discovery of this new hope Southern town embracing its past and heading steadfast into a luxurious future.

Sean Carter
Daniel Island, SC

3 of 3 people like this.
Posted by Sean A. Carter on April 24, 2013 at 9:48 PM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

As a musician that plays in Charleston, as well as about 100 other cities regularly, I don't think it's any worse there than it is anywhere else. I kinda expect that the audience will talk unless I give them a reason to LISTEN. Isn't that my job as a musician? To give them a reason to shut the f*ck up and listen? I see it as a challenge, honestly. If people won't stop, I play Smell yo Dick! Shuts them right up! Charleston audiences are just drunk man, just like every other audience. If people are talking over us, I will make it my mission to get them to shut their mouths and pay attention. It works like 7 out of 10 times. Those other 3, when they won't shut up, those ones are for me. That's my time to work on my craft, and humility. It's a lesson and a blessing in a profession plagued by shitty attitudes and egos. If you can play your heart out when no one is listening, and just accept that you are doing the best job you can...no bruised egos, no tantrums...you just PLAY because it's your JOB.

5 of 6 people like this.
Posted by Megan Jean on April 24, 2013 at 7:13 PM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

Thank you for this article, you have read my thoughts exactly. People need to have some bloody manners when seeing live music.

5 of 5 people like this.
Posted by lw83 on April 24, 2013 at 5:51 PM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

Wouldn't it be great if Charleston had a "Live Listening Room" to hear music? We think so too! Check out www.themusicbattery.com and Add Your Voice.

5 of 6 people like this.
Posted by feralcreative on April 24, 2013 at 5:50 PM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

I went to see a comedy show here-at the Performing Arts Center- people were loud, drunk and rude- it was very hard to enjoy the show- but they removed people there- thats a good thing!

8 of 8 people like this.
Posted by frang on April 24, 2013 at 5:45 PM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

I concur that this happens not only in Charleston but elsewhere as well. I saw Peter Himmelman at a venue in Aspen many years back, and when he couldn't get the loud folks at the bar in the back to be quiet, he asked anyone who was actually there for the music to follow him outside, and led us to a spot on the side of the mountain for a beautifully starlit acoustic set. I had the same problem at several Music Farm shows while living in C-town, most notably Bela Fleck & the Flecktones and Medeski, Martin, & Wood. It seems to be worse with "lesser-known" bands on slower nights in town, when the student population will turn out for a show because it's the only thing going on and not because they actually are familiar with the band. Sad.

7 of 10 people like this.
Posted by Amy C. VanHoose on April 24, 2013 at 5:11 PM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

Sadly that behavior seems to be widespread and not just a trait of "Yankees".

15 of 18 people like this.
Posted by Bernard R Sizemore on April 24, 2013 at 4:58 PM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

Go back up north Yankee

4 of 40 people like this.
Posted by nuthnBUTtheTRUTH on April 24, 2013 at 4:26 PM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

Thanks for this..unfortunately it's a widespread epidemic. There should be ground rules and signs posted at the venues. That'll never happen as long as they are buying the booze.

3 of 3 people like this.
Posted by Darren Brink on April 24, 2013 at 3:55 PM

Re: “Local audiences need a lesson in etiquette”

i have issues with the crowd at events in charleston as well. stop talking and have some fun! the crowds here are lame and embarrasing to the south. loosen up and get off your bums and dance. enough sitting and standing around, making the rest of us feel awkward for having a good time to good music. move to ohio if you want to sit around and be boring.

6 of 11 people like this.
Posted by local29401 on April 24, 2013 at 3:03 PM
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