I’m a local musician living in Mid City. The two bands I play for were given the weekend off for Essence Fest. News came this morning that time off was permanent. This is a crushing blow to me and my SO, who is in active treatment for stage 4 cancer.

General tourism is way down, and a lot of venues are pivoting to DJ’s or Spotify playlists instead of live music to save money. I’m fully aware it’s an abnormally hot summer out there, but the lack of tourism has been a thing since we all came back from the Covid live music ban.

I also keep seeing local businesses close for various reasons, the lack of law enforcement, rising rent, and apathy from local leaders.

Am I justified in my concern, or am I just wallowing in my sorrow? Either way, I’m about to smoke a bowl, pet my doggle, and do some introspection.