Saying NO to Glow Sticks!!

[jjwood64]

During the Leftover Salmon set, glow sticks started flying. 

I am usually tolerant of this...until I saw two "kids" (probably
around 20 years of age) start throwing glow sticks at the
stage, one of those barely missing Ronnie McCoury!

The two kids started cheering and was about to throw more
glow sticks at the stage...

...until I stopped them!!!!

I felt like a prickly old man, but I had no remorse in telling off
those two kids, "What you are doing is not only irresponsible,
but TOTALLY STUPID!!! Stop it NOW!!!"

During the time I was still there -- I left midway through to
hit the YMSB Sheridan show -- the kids refrained from throwing
glow sticks. 

It was only the second time I have ever become angry at a
Planet Bluegrass Festival (the first being Ani DiFranco's 2006
Folks Festival set where many drunken morons took over the
Planet Bluegrass stage and brought a negative dark vibe).

However, I have no remorse...and to be frank, if I never see
a glow stick at any musical event, as far as I'm concerned, we're
all better off for it.

Please, Planet Bluegrass....SAY NO TO GLOW STICKS!!!

[Debbiefromtucson]

Please, Planet Bluegrass....SAY NO TO GLOW STICKS!!!

Please don't say NO to all glowsticks just flying glowsticks..... Glowsticks at the night sets are one of the things the kids enjoy the most..plus it helps you keep from losing them....  This would be one of thise wonderful things that all would have to suffer from because of a few idiots.

[TellurideTom]

Anyone that throws ANYTHING at the artist on stage (except maybe flowers) is an idiot.

I wonder how they'd like it if the artists threw a microphone at them!

[GoodleDays]

While seeing anything get thrown at a musician cheeses me off more than just about anything at a concert, anything flying and glowing this weekend looked to me like a Glow Ring not a Glow Stick.

This seems like an important distinction....

Glow sticks: make a lot more light, but could cause a concussion, or take an eye out with ease.

Glow rings: mostly harmless, might be embarrassing if hit in the face, could knock your glasses off, but, as far as I know, won't inflict physical pain.

Maybe Jet Puff can start producing glow in the dark marshmellows?

[connielv]

If Planet Bluegrass stopped things that caused moments of pure stupidity.....They would have to stop serving beer!            

[Ron N Deb]

Beer ???
just say NO !!
 
Cough......

[landshark]

Anyone that throws ANYTHING at the artist on stage (except maybe flowers) is an idiot.

I wonder how they'd like it if the artists threw a microphone at them!

I have to agree Tom. I also see a disturbing trend starting that I will mention in a few days.

[Bevin]

In addition to possibly hurting someone, glow sticks often become litter that just lays on the ground until someone picks it up. 

But I'm on board with the distinction between glow sticks and glow rings.  The sticks are too large and heavy to be thrown around the audience.  The rings are small and light.  It's fun to watch them fly through the air, but it sucks to get hit in the head with something heavy, and it's not OK that many glowing items end up in the trash.

And I agree with the sentiment that anyone who throws things at the stage should be dope slapped.   Cheers to jjwood64 for being the voice of reason - you're no prickly odl man, just a responsible Festivarian!

[Dewstar]

If Planet Bluegrass stopped things that caused moments of pure stupidity.....They would have to stop serving beer!            

Hear Hear!

[jjwood64]

Bevin, thank you for understanding where I'm coming from.

To me there is no difference between the glow sticks and rings because
you can take a couple of sticks and make them into glow rings to
begin with.  So, unless I'm missing something, I treat them as literally
the same thing.

Plus...what The Mayor said.  For me, unless it's flowers or something
truly for the performing artist, throwing anything at an artist on stage
is simply unacceptable.

[headlight]

John, let's agree first of all that throwing anything, but a fit, should not be allowed.

Long before I was headlight on the Zone, I was Mr. Glow to a lot of folks; still am to many.

I used to sling (not throw) the cyalume glow sticks on tour, but gave that all up long before Jerry died for the very reason listed above. They are invariably instant landfill the next day.

One of the reasons I switched to the next generation of glow sticks; battery operated and reusable for a long time.

I daresay, that no one would complain about the look on the faces of any of the kids, regardless of their age, which I gifted with some of these during the festival.

Now if folks don't like psychedelia mixed with their bluegrass, then all they would need to do would be to speak up and I would quit spinning them. I would hope it would not take more than that, least wise an overall ban on these type of toys.

My pet peeve, with respect to these, is folks who cut or break them open and then sling the gunk all over anyone in proximity.

I've been told on more than one occasion, that it doesn't stain, but know better.

Anyway, just wanted to chime in on a topic that is sort of close to home.

Yes, the blue and occasionally white spinning was yours truly!



 Listening to: RRE Amen Corner

[jjwood64]

Well said, Mr. Headlight!

When it comes to kids factor, I am then all for the glow sticks.  It's
when they are being thrown...especially at the stage...where I
object.   

If anything, perhaps this should be more stressed as "No throwing
anything at the stage".

[Flagstaff Jess]

Well said, Mr. Headlight!

When it comes to kids factor, I am then all for the glow sticks.  It's
when they are being thrown...especially at the stage...where I
object.   

If anything, perhaps this should be more stressed as "No throwing
anything at the stage".

I think it would be terrifying to be on stage with an instrument in your hands and have something thrown at you.  You can't shield your face - you can't do anything.  Throwing anything at the stage is assault as far as I'm concerned.  Those twits should have been escorted out.

The only offer the folks in stage need from the audience is love, cheers and applause

[Cindy Lou]

Anyone that throws ANYTHING at the artist on stage (except maybe flowers) is an idiot.

I wonder how they'd like it if the artists threw a microphone at them!

Now Tom, I know you throw kisses to Emmy Lou! I throw kisses too, and sometimes they throw one back to me - yee ha!

[david blair]

I don't think anything should be tossed around the crowd. Beach balls, for instance. People shouldn't have to worry about something landing on their salad!
 Ronnie's new/old Gibson Loar mandolin is likely worth 200k, and irreplaceable. There were a number of Loar mandolins on stage this year.