The Runcible Spoon is a quaint, house-like café in the heart of Bloomington. The homey structure is small and compact, giving the room a very personal feel. The food was delicious, but the main attraction was the Irish music being played in the corner of the main dining room. The sounds of a guitar, a mandolin, a couple of flutes, an accordion, a drum and a violin flooded the café. A majority of the crowd was made up of students in our IFS class, while older couples and young couples also dined at the café. The musicians were squeezed in a compact booth in the corner of the restaurant, sharing their leg room with their instruments. The musicians played at the table as if they were conversing with one another through sound. It was a motley gang of common interest musicians, all of which genuinely enjoyed playing music. The audience rotated between listening and chewing, enjoying the environment throughout their stay.
People in attendance were generally light hearted and happy to be there. The music was merely pleasant background noise to their evening meal. Though people were happy and enjoyed the music, applause was not given after each song, which reflects a participatory style, rather than presentational. Everyone understood their part in the café as a whole, and was mindful of the roles of others as well, contributing to the participatory claim support. The musicians seemed to sync together and flow together easily. The group was flexible, allowing the guys to play the instrument of choice, and welcoming any musician who wanted to play along. The instruments seem to serve as a level playing field for all of the musicians. They connected immediately and joined forces to play music. The product was nothing to be ashamed of, songs sounded clean and together. Songs were long and generally upbeat and euphoric. We probably heard about ten in total. The musicians seemed to have natural or possibly even learned instincts for tune switches. In between songs the musicians would talk about what they wanted to play next. No one complained and the song was played in a peaceful manner.
I believe that when people join together with positive and peaceful energy and attitudes, togetherness and sincerity can be achieved. When the group of gentlemen began playing, a certain wave of flow caught them and they felt the music. This presentational form of music resembles communities who actively take part in participatory music. America has a primarily high fidelity musical preference, so to see this type of music played in America is inspiring. Their energy and desire to play music is what allows the musicians to join in song. Basic music concepts are applied and brought to action. There is a certain feeling the musicians get out of performing together, and an irreplaceable social environment that keeps them coming back week after week. They are not being paid or anything, they simply continue to play music together because they share an interest Irish music. Coming together based on a common passion is a truly unique experience.
Gray Larson graced spectators and musicians with his presence, as he is widely viewed as the fourth best flutist in the World. However this fun fact was not an important one when this group of guy’s got together. No leaders or followers were necessary as the group of guys followed each other, and mutually lead the musical performance. I found it very interesting that the accordion was being used as an Irish musical instrument, when the two are not normally associated. Acoustic Guitar was incorporated as well, providing an Irish style rhythm. Musicians were able to adjust their instruments and musical habits to fit well together and complement one another beautifully. The awareness and attentiveness the musicians played with was incredible.
The Runcible spoon is a genuinely cool place to grab a meal, cup of coffee, or even just to sit and talk to friends. The comparisons between participatory music and the hustle of the café are easy to see. Everyone is somehow involved, in a way very similar to the Bloomington Farmers’ Market. There was nothing making the performers stand out, or separating them from the rest of the loungers in the café. You can tell Tuesday night Irish music is a regular tradition because it seems to be a perfect fit for the atmosphere of the restaurant. Participatory music values community and a strong community is what we were able to witness in visiting the Runcible Spoon.
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