The Bloomington Farmer's Market

I had an incredible experience at the Bloomington farmers market today! This was the first time I had been to something like it and I learned a lot about this community and how it functions. Everywhere I looked families shopped for food, casually chatted with each other, and attempted to control their crazy children. I also noticed how a lot of the stands were run by entire families. Both elderly and young women worked at a peach stand I purchased from and one man ate the walnuts he was selling at every meal in his house. Each family represented themselves by the product they were selling and they took pride in the fact that they were known for a specific product. A similar concept can be seen throughout different cultures and their music. Different styles and sounds of music are identified with different regions of the world, just like food. Whatever these farmers bring to the market contributes to the vibrant diversity created in this small area. Even though all of the vendors sold different things, they were all friendly people. They didn't let their differing products become an excuse for unhealthy competition or jealousy. The farmers market represents a way for this community to gather and celebrate its diversity; much like participatory music would in another part of the world.

As I ventured around the market I noticed various sources of music. There was an “official” looking gazebo were microphones and speakers were set up yet unfortunately no one was performing in it. Overall I saw 4 performances; one jazz group, a banjo player, a double bass/guitar duo, and a man playing ukulele with a dancing parrot named Charlie. All of these performers practiced the presentational form of music making as audiences stood by and watched. I could interact with the performers, but I did not give any contribution to the musicians. Having the instrumentation in the atmosphere gave me more energy and made me stay in the area longer. By purchasing things at the farmers market I gave my contribution to this participatory event. This gathering symbolizes the importance of including everyone and celebrating Bloomington’s diverse community.  

Here is a map I drew of the Bloomington Farmer's Market: