Utica music scene: 'You have to have perseverance'

I recently hung with the boys from Modus and The Bourbon Mothers. Well, some of The Reuben James boys were there, too. But they’re also Modus and Bourbon Mothers boys.
Confused? I’ll explain.
Two of the boys – Ryan Miller and Dom Cecconi are actually The Reuben James boys. A year ago, TRJ started “seeing other people.” Cecconi now plays drums with the Mothers, Miller with Modus.
Got it?
OK, so my intention for meeting the boys in Miller’s bar/recording studio basement was to find out more about their Saturday show at The Electric Company for this week's Fusion music column. Modus and The Bourbon Mothers are performing together. The conversation turned from the topic – as it sometimes does with musicians — to the viability of a music scene in Utica.
“You have to have perseverance in this area,” Cecconi said. “If you can’t stand playing for four to five people who hate you, then you can’t survive here.”
Even after I left, I couldn’t stop thinking about what Cecconi said. What he said about the often sparse support for local talent got me thinking: I’m lucky. As the area’s entertainment reporter, I’m very aware of the great talent that’s out there. In theory, I’m forced to find it. I don’t, however, necessarily have to support it. But, I do.
So, why do I? That’s easy. I’m stubborn, and I like being right. I love rattling off the list of weekend attractions happening in the area to the whiny resident who says “there’s nothing to do.”
And if you don’t believe me that there truly is something to do, call me (792-5013), e-mail me, pick up a Fusion (they’re in the paper every Thursday).
I’m happy to be right - again. ;)