It’s wrong!

I wholeheartedly support all social- distance mandates, masks and outdoor/indoor regulations deemed necessary by health officials. So, when waiters can walk right up to you and counter persons can interact within a foot of you, why can’t a musician work more than 6-feet away. I know some people are under the mistaken impression that all music draws an unruly crowd, that is not the case. Music and musicians are an important part of every community. We pay taxes, teach your children (and you), inspire, and enhance the quality of life. Musicians have shouldered as much of the brunt of the pandemic as anyone, and now we’re being singled out as everything reopens. Why is this one small group of people deemed a health risk and barred from earning a living? This a blatant violation of civil rights and would not pass muster in any reasoned court in the land. There’s even a phone ‘ hotline’ to report us! Again, there are regulations that state what distances people have to maintain, and against crowds that might be a health risk. Merely enforcing that and not unfairly punishing a group of artists is sensible and just, and would allow people the opportunity to earn a living and provide much needed live entertainment. If this regulation is allowed to continue, then we should demand every establishment turn off recorded music, (and big screens too)…they’re often louder and just as likely to create an unsafe gathering. It’s wrong…don’t blame musicians!

— Bruce Forman,

Carmel Valley