Irish Music at the Runcible Spoon

Tonight I had the opportunity to witness participatory music in action at the Runcible Spoon restraint. While entering the building I was greeted by the soft timbre of an Irish singer. I felt at once that this place had a great sense of belonging. The group of men sitting around a table played instruments such as the Irish flute, Irish bouzoubi, fiddle, accordion, and bodrah. Their playing inspired me to be more open and friendly with my classmates. By creating music in a communal setting these musicians inspire the sharing of ideas and values in Bloomington.

                The setup of the Irish “band” was incredibly casual. They sat with instruments in hand around a table in the corner. They had lots of empty glasses and blended in with the rest of the restaurant patrons. Every ten minutes or so they would dive into an Irish tune, illuminating the atmosphere. I would label the performance as successional. One member would start a song off and each would join in as they felt comfortable. My ears weren’t used to this style, but their music had a relaxing quality and encouraged me to open up. Through communicating and sharing ideas the musicians would decide which tunes to play in each of their “sets.” The group had no identified leader and each person would contribute equally to the music being created. I came to a conclusion that this small gathering of men represented something more than having fun on a Tuesday night. Their presence showcased Bloomington’s strong sense of community. By communicating with other people, we can all create and share ideas. Whether through music, art, or dance - freedom of expression is a vital part of the human experience.

                Besides learning that the Runcible Spoon has absolutely delicious food, I was intrigued with experiencing participatory music first hand. It surprised me that the musicians never rehearsed together and there was no pressure to show off or be the best at anything. This activity pinpoints an important characteristic of this community. This is place where individual contribution is valued more than the amount of talent he or she possesses. What these musicians appeared to value more was their time spent with each other. By meeting every week, they form friendships have regular exposure to the community. This way they consistently highlight music’s importance to Bloomington and the world. If live music was played everywhere, I think people would enjoy life a little more. Imagine seeing a musician at the grocery store or the BMV. By introducing people to different forms of live music, society becomes more connected and open minded .This experience leads me to believe that music could be used for other purposes than entertainment.

                Even though I have only lived in Bloomington for a week, I already know so much about how the community functions here. My experiences at the farmer’s market, IFS coffeehouse, and the Runcible Spoon have given me a new perspective on my role in society. I now have a lot of motivation to make a contribution to this community much like the Irish musicians do every week. The open atmosphere here really allows me to be whoever I want and find my niche at this school and in the world.