The Park City Song Summit Goes for Woke

I got excited when I first learned about the The Park City Song Summit. I love songwriting, and I figured the event’s Labs would offer some insight to the craft. Event organizers promote the event saying, “By design it [the event] creates an environment for musicians to share, learn and recharge their passion for music through community and the power of song.

As I dug deeper, I realized the Lab events are really just forums for mostly obscure songwriters, and non-musicians who love music, to share their stories. So I was a bit disappointed. For me, the word “lab” means experiment and create. The word “Summit” implies learning and sharing you own knowledge.

…the Lab events are really just forums for mostly obscure songwriters, and non-musicians who love music, to share their stories.

Don’t get me wrong: I know there’s a lot of talent in the mix, but I’m really not interested in life stories of people I really don’t know. “How crass” you might say. But the reality is: there are incredible local artists, in Utah, that have stories I would rather learn about.

…there are incredible local artists, in Utah, that have stories I would rather learn about.

Still, I considered attending some of the events to report on the event for the Bard. 

Then I learned the event added a vaccine passport requirement and that was all she wrote. I’m all for private business operating as they see fit. I applaud that. But I’m also a huge believer that my health is my business. “My body my choice,” remember that?

I know I’m in the weeds, so let’s get back to the Summit. Getting vaccinated was a personal decision. The whole idea of vaccine passports will not—in my opinion—lead to anybody feeling safe at this event. It will only result in a lack of diversity and further division.

Getting the jab is a personal decision. So is the question of attending the Park City Song Summit. Go or don’t go…I will still give you a bear hug next time I see you—regardless of whether or not you got the jab.

For more info on the event, visit parkcitysongsummit.com.