Eric McKelvin, Executive Director of the New York State Blues Festival, makes a simple but powerful point — music enriches life whether you are a listener or a player. In a world where streaming has made music more accessible than ever, Eric argues that live music still holds something irreplaceable. There is nothing quite like being in the room. He reflects on how much the live music scene has changed over the years, noting that Central New York alone once had close to a hundred bands playing on any given Friday night. His message is clear: live music is worth protecting, worth promoting, and worth experiencing for yourself — even if you have never given it a real chance before.
