There is a possibility of a move to
Bloomington Indiana. Can anybody tell me what
living there is like? Also the music scene:
I know Grey Larson is there…
Bloomington Indiana plays well, with just a hint of chiff and no airiness. I’m sure we will be hearing more about these whistles in the future.
I grew up in Bloomington. They have one of the world’s finest music schools there at Indiana University. There are nonstop free concerts year round. Also, musical greats visit the area regularly as part of their concert tours. The music there does slant toward the classical style, but when I lived there that was all I was interested in, so I expect there’s a much wider variety than I ever was involved with.
The town has lots of cultural variety because of the university there, and lots of entertainment options (great restaurants). It’s fast becoming a city in size, but still has that great “small town” feel.
I think it would be a wonderful place to live. (What do you plan to do there?)
Dana
It’s been many years since I was in Bloomington; attended Indiana University for one year, grew up in Evansville, Indiana.
At the time I was there, the IU music school was said to be the biggest (in terms of number of music students) in the country. Generally speaking, you can expect to find a big, very active music scene there. You’ll have to wait for Bretton to chime in on the Irish trad activity.
It’s a big, respected state university in a not very big town. Close to some of the most beautiful scenery in the whole state, many outdoor activities, state parks, etc. Not too far from Indianapolis if you need a big city or Columbus if you need a smaller city.
My take is, you couldn’t land in a much better place, Jim.
Best wishes,
Jerry
I did my undergrad work there and I loved it but that was a loooong time ago. Most of the music I heard was jazz and there was a lot of good stuff at the time. There is apparantly an active old-time and contradance scene there if you’re into that. As everyone else has said, there’s lots of music and great scenery. Coyotebanjo, who sometimes posts here, was there for awhile and might be able to fill you in on the Irish scene if he’s around. If you’re particularly interested in Irish music you could try posting at the session. No Bloomington sessions are listed there but there are two in Indianapolis. Look under “sessions” at The Session. http://www.thesession.org/index.php
Steve
Bloomington is near if not in Brown County, a lovely area of rolling hills with a great state park. It’s also near Beanblossom, the site of an annual bluegrass festival (Bill Monroe’s) which I’ve attended several times. I would have to think it’s a wonderful place to live.
Carol
It’s a long draw better than West Lafayette. . . .
Tyghress - Boilermaker
Indeed it is. But the Indiana Fiddler’s Gathering in Battleground just North of Layfayette is fun. Bloomington is in Monroe County which is adjacent to Brown County. You won’t find many places nicer in autumn than Brown County.
Steve
There are a lot of positive responses here, which is great to hear. However, I did know someone a number of years ago who moved there from New Haven, CT for a faculty position at the music school, and she absolutely hated it. She thought it was the most boring place she could imagine. Knowing her and having some experience of the Midwest (most of my family is from Ohio), I don’t think her personality was terribly well suited to that lifestyle, but it does go to show that not everyone will like a place just because it’s a really nice place to live with lots of great things to do. It will also depend partly on your personality and what you like about a place to live.
I don’t know where you live now, Jim, but if you’re not familiar with the Midwest I would suggest going to visit for as long as possible before making your decision. A lot of people think it’s a really nice area to live in, but it’s mighty different from either coast in terms of pace, attitude, and general lifestyle, so it’s a bit of a shock for some. A welcome change of pace for others. If you do go there, I hope it suits you well!
Steven
Thanks to everybody–much appreciated.
My wife may (or may not) apply for
a faculty position. We’re in St. Louis now.
obviously we need to go for a drive…Thanks again
Hi Jim,
I live in Bloomington and have (off and on) for about 24 of my 34 years.
As you mentioned, Grey Larsen is here, which is a big draw for a whistler. Michael Casey is another local Irish flute/whistle player. They both give lessons if you’re interested in that sort of thing. Jamie Gans is a great Irish fiddle player that lives here and Sam Bartlett is a wonderful Irish tenor banjo player.
As someone else mentioned Chris Smith (aka Coyotebanjo) used to live here and started a wonderful slow session (which has now, unfortunately, fizzled out). However, while Chris was running the slow session it created a lot of interest in trad. Irish music in the community and brought quite a few beginning players up to an intermediate/advanced level.
Currently there are two sessions (and many house party sessions). Grey’s session is Tuesday nights at The Uptown Cafe. There’s also a session at Fiddler’s Green on Fridays (I think once or twice a month). There are also a couple of sessions in Indianapolis (about 50 miles away).
I know there is a pretty big old time music scene here but I’m not really involved with it so I don’t know many details.
Additional facts:
We have a really good community radio station (WFHB) that plays old time music on Saturday mornings/afternoons. They have a show called “The Old Changing Way” that plays mostly trad. Irish music.
The Lotus World Music Festival happens once a year and usually brings in at least one big name trad. Irish group/person. http://www.lotusfest.org/
There are lot’s of music/art/culture events and things to attend. Many many wonderful ethnic restaurants.
Email me if you want more info.
-Brett
Thanks, I’ll be in touch. Probably PM. Much appreciated. Jim