‘BAM!’ supports local music scene

Rather than play battle of the bands, the Bloomington Area Music organization, or BAM!, strives to connect Bloomington’s thriving musical scene.

In 2009, a group of volunteers coordinated a mission to enhance Bloomington’s variety of musical influences by supporting all aspects of its community.

“BAM! was created to promote and encourage Bloomington as a music destination,” said Emily Brown, executive chair of the board of directors.

Initially, the organization was inspired by the 2007 film, “Once,” in which musicians all had to bring something to the table.

Local musician and member of BAM!, Jenn Cristy, will host social gatherings at different bars such as the Crazy Horse to enthuse musical involvement.

With the addition of a few rounds of beer, Cristy said, “I swear to everything holy that if a mic is set up beside a drum set, a guitar and some bongos, people will get up and play.”

While Cristy facilitates BAM!’s social interaction, treasurer Skip Daley distributes a monthly newsletter, “Siren.”

“The ‘Siren’ is an avenue for the stakeholders of the music industry to learn and equally share in the happenings of Bloomington’s extremely rich musical community,” Daley said.

Competition is not an issue as the newsletter is featured throughout Bloomington’s different venues and coffee shops.

Dave Kubiak, owner of the Bluebird Nightclub, said he is in favor of anything trying to promote communication in Bloomington’s music scene.

The owner of The Bishop, Stephen Westrich, said he agreed; a tension-free music environment in Bloomington is best.

“We book different bands than the other venues and target an independent music audience,” Westrich said.

Aside from bringing music venues to the same page, BAM! will be campaigning for local musicians and local authors at the upcoming event, “The Fruits of Labor Concert,” on April 23 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.

Five bands of different genres will play, and two authors will read from their Bloomington-themed cookbooks.

Another BAM! member and Bloomington resident Melissa McReynolds said she welcomes and recruits artists from around the world to play in her house. 

“We have a wonderful array of artists, because Bloomington has an appreciative and educated audience passionate about what is happening,” McReynolds said.

The listeners, she said, feed the music that makes Bloomington vibrate with artistic expression.

“In my old town I was a freak if I played music,” said sophomore Antonya Wallace, member of the band called Handsome Dudes Minus One. “Whereas in Bloomington, you are weird if you don’t.”