Currently, I find myself on the beautiful Mediterranean coast, attending a conference in Italy, a country renowned for its culinary artistry. While my passion for meatballs remains strong, there’s so much more to experience! My journey began in Milan and continued through the historic streets of Rome, leading me to Formia, a charming town nestled between Naples and Rome.
Italy, and much of Europe, thrives on its piazzas and churches, each steeped in centuries of history. These open-air spaces are naturally accompanied by music, an integral part of their vibrant atmosphere.
The resonant bells of churches chime throughout the day, their melodies evoking both joy and reverence. While perhaps not traditionally categorized as “music,” their rhythmic tones undeniably stir emotions – making them music in their own right!
However, the music I’m particularly captivated by is that of the wandering acoustic guitarists, mandolin players, and saxophonists who grace these grand piazzas. On almost every corner, these talented street performers fill the air with incredible songs, a mix of original compositions and beloved covers. The natural acoustics of these spaces act as giant amplifiers, transforming their solo performances into what sounds like a full orchestra!
As someone deeply involved in the entertainment industry, I instinctively observe aspects like sound systems and power sources – details often overlooked by the average person. It’s truly impressive how these traveling artists manage to create such captivating performances in locations lacking power, sound equipment, or lighting.
In Milan’s Piazza del Duomo, I witnessed a musician ingeniously using a car battery with jumper cables to power his mini-amplifier for his microphone and guitar. Pure creativity! In Florence, on the Ponte Vecchio, another artist sang Italian folk songs, accompanied by his shaggy dog who enthusiastically joined in on the high notes!
Rome offered a different kind of musical experience. In St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, a young priest’s ancient-sounding chants resonated across the vast space. And in a piazza in Genoa, a duo delivered a breathtaking acapella rendition of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s hit, “Shallow.” It was truly captivating.
These experiences reminded me of when I first took over The Arcada Theatre. These grand old theaters were built long before sound amplification became commonplace. Their design focused on perfect natural acoustics, allowing even the softest whisper from the stage to reach the highest balcony seats – much like these Italian piazzas crafted from marble and stone.
Reflecting on these acoustic performances in Italy’s historic settings, I gained a deeper appreciation for music in its purest form, much like the sounds of lutes, lyres, and harps in ancient Rome. It underscored the power of music before it became a science of sound engineering.
My regular work at The Arcada Theatre exposes me to a wide spectrum of musical genres, from Wayne Newton’s classic charm to Foreigner’s rock anthems, Bret Michaels’ energy to Paul Anka’s timeless hits. But the street music of Italy, in its raw and unfiltered beauty, offered a unique perspective. It amplified my appreciation for the music I work with daily, especially the energy and passion of rock and roll.
Now, when I envision George Thorogood electrifying our stage with “Bad to the Bone,” I’ll also picture him as a mighty gladiator in Rome’s Colosseum, wielding a guitar like a massive sword and swinging a microphone stand like a spiked chain mace. And while Joan Jett as Cleopatra might be a stretch, I can absolutely imagine Julius Caesar giving a resounding “Thumbs Up” to her rendition of “I Love Rock and Roll” as the defeated are… well, let’s just say they are enthusiastically enjoying the performance from a closer vantage point.
