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Reminder Assistant Editor SPRINGFIELD Artists have been coming from all over the country to participate in an original spotlight on talent taking place in the Pioneer Valley, and the county's own residents may not even know it exists. Gumbo is a stage for artists of all kind to express their talents. This monthly showcase gives the public an opportunity to see original talent in a new atmosphere. Right now Gumbo seems to run on the backs of its dedicated committee, but originally it started with James Lewis, owner of music store Reflections Emporium and local WTCC radio DJ. "Gumbo is the reincarnation of some past events," Lewis explained to Reminder Publications. Lewis has been helping put on shows throughout the city of Springfield for years. Way before shows like Def Poetry on HBO were cool to watch, Lewis was putting together spoken word and poetry shows. And while he said that he started Gumbo by himself, he said it is now helped by co-owner Andrew Keaton and a Gumbo Committee. With the help of Keaton, the duo have been financing the nationally recognized event themselves. Up front Lewis said that Gumbo is not a competition between performers, its a place for them to showcase their talent. "The stage is open for whatever talent people want to express. Basically they come and do a sample and give people a taste to see what they're about," Lewis said. He also explained that many nightclub owners are invited to attend to see if they want to book any of the acts. Gumbo is open to anyone, that's why Lewis hosts it at a neutral event like the Days Inn in Chicopee. "Sometimes we do have some young high school performers. [Some students] are from high school poetry clubs, some come with their parents. [That's why] we host it in a hotel banquet room. It lends itself to a new atmosphere rather than a stuffy club," he explained. Gumbo attracts performers from New York, Boston, even as far away as Philadelphia and Los Angeles. And when some of these performers come from out of state, the Gumbo organizers pay for their transportation which can include things like airfare, train tickets, even hotels. He's currently in the process of booking Laura Jane, a singer from Los Angeles. She was supposed to perform at the August 19, but "she was snagged up for Kelly Clarkson to sing background. She has also sung background for Teena Marie and Julio Iglesias. I hope to get her for October," Lewis said. It is for performers like these that Lewis has to use funds to support their visit. "It's a labor of love. Gumbo isn't making any money. We usually break even. Our goal is to make it profitable and then sponsor some scholarships for interns [looking to go into a music career]," Lewis shared. "We're just trying to find cost effective partners to be involved in the process." He later noted that his committee is looking for companies that would provide shuttle service from the Pioneer Valley to places like New York City. They are also seeking companies interested in advertising. At Gumbo they provide program booklets that feature ads, and they're looking for more businesses to fill ad space. That's why Lewis and the committee are doing everything they can to encourage artists and audiences to come to Gumbo. He believes there is an untapped market of talent in New England. "For western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut, there is no music scene," he explained, adding that when there was more club competition in Northampton there was much more diverse shows."[Now] it's the same bland shows, there's no risk taking. There is a lot more music out there than what is being presented at the local bar scene." Lewis said a lot of nightclub shows feature bands that do cover songs. "I want to see cats do the original material. The cover stuff is easy. This area used to turn out a lot of world class bands. [Gumbo] is not just for Springfield. Southwick, Westfield, we know there's a lot of folks in this area leaving to get jobs in the music industry," Lewis said. Gumbo takes place the third Friday of each month at the Days Inn in Chicopee. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Anyone interested in learning more can call 788-7600. Other recent Springfield stories can be read online at www.reminderpublications.com. | ||||||
