WSV’s Charles Thomas writes, “I know a lot of people my age often talk about how contemporary music isn’t as good as it was when they were younger, but that hasn’t been my impression. There’s still a lot of great music being made in 2021. What has struck me, though, as I compare the music of my youth to the music of today is the general lack of musicianship in today’s popular music. I’ve sampled dozens of popular songs in the last few weeks and I’ve been struck by the total and complete lack of songs featuring a guitar solo, or any instrumental solo for that matter.”

A new outdoor music event in downtown Three Rivers drew a full audience this past weekend. Backstage Bash 2020 was organized by the Riviera Theatre and the Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority and Main Street Program (TRDDA). It took place Saturday afternoon and evening on a temporarily closed section of Railroad Drive behind the theatre. Featuring four music acts, it served as a fundraiser for this year’s upcoming Christmas Around Town.