To the editor:

I miss live local music. I miss the Bottleneck and the Granada. I miss Pale Tongue and Tyler Gregory and JC & the Nuns and the Vedettes. And Cuee and the Unfit Wives. Serene Fiend. Psychic Heat. Low-key moshing and high-key head banging. Proud parents–and kids– in support: smiling, dancing, selling merch. I miss the charming contrast between inside Replay and patio Replay and the amazing cocktail of styles, dress and attitude that follows: flannel, punk, hippie, prep, goth, unclassified, (who really cares anyway)?

Dead cover bands packing the Jazzhaus wall-to-wall for a 6 p.m. show. I miss fantastic beer specials and slick basslines at Lucia. Picking and pale ales at Kaw Valley. Chilling with Crystal at her spot. Heck, I miss the White Schoolhouse and I haven’t even been there! Creativity and individuality and nonconformity and “I can’t believe we’re in Kansas?!” and joy. I yearn for the funky odors of downstairs Taproom and the cool breeze of patio Gaslight. The occasional big show at Liberty followed up a hot cup at La Prima or a cold one at Free State. I want to high-five Fally Afani for all her amazing work with I Heart Local Music. I do “heart” local music. You heart local music. We all heart local music. Can’t wait to see you again, local music.

Conor Taft,

Lawrence