DAMN THE BLUES POLICE...
I've dealt with similar problems in Poland. There was a time when my band kept packing everywhere, and the badmouthing that went on behind our backs not only hurt, but it kept us from getting other gigs.
This is absolutely despicable. I hope this kid gets world famous overnight.
Many states have laws governing child labor in the entertainment business. For the curious, here is a list showing the regulations in each state.
The people in Wisconsin seem like they do not want child entertainers in "a roadhouse, cabaret, dance hall, night club, tavern or other similar place."
What is strange is that in my experience there are more children (children of the patrons) in Wisconsin bars than I have ever seen in any other state. 
Well, it was an anonymous tip.
It could've been the mother.
I had a legitimate offer to sign my two youngest boys to a record deal and flat out refused to do so. They are not prepared for that life yet, and they need to have their boyhood unmarred by the pursuit of fame.
Think about what a boy that young gets exposed to. I hope that his father is looking out for his best interests, but honestly, if the kid is playing gigs 'til 2AM in a bar, there isn't much time to make time for homework and other things a boy should do.
Someone has to lookout for the kid's well being, even if it means going against what the kid wants to do.
They aren't banning him from playing, just from in bars. The kid has the right attitude though, he'll be fine without the bars.
As a mom, I have to say that I agree with crowbone. I don't want my 17 year old playing in a bar or nightclub. There is a local restaurant where he has played at from time to time and after nine, they stop serving food and only serve alcohol. It can get kinda rowdy and I would prefer him not to play there. The kid in the story is obviously talented and seems to have plenty of venues to play instead of bars and such. Plus, with the publicity from this story, he is bound to be a phenomenon overnight.
I agree 100% with crowbone. IMO most "showbiz" parents are living through their kids and pushing them into something they themselves can't do. Most times its without regards for the child or his or her well being.
Even if this is really what this kid wants (which I kind of doubt), its the duty of the parents to put it into perspective for him and regulate. Thats why kids have parents.
I've seen this particular child on TV with his dad locally several times (I'm in WI) and I can tell you that the "words of wisdom" he says are not coming from him. What kid at that age doesn't want to please his dad?
I think the parents should at least wait until he is in his teens before doing tons of bar gigs. That being said, I think there are much worse things going on in bars that the State of WI could focus on than an 8 year-old playing blues music. For all we know, the dad could have called in the complaint in order to get more media exposure.
I was playing the bars in Wisconsin at 17. I live very close to the Illinois/Wisconsin border. The drinking age in Wisconsin was 18 at the time. My parents had no idea what I was doing or where I was playing. I survived.
What a talented kid. The thing is they should let kids be kids but when you've got a prodigy and the kid enjoys doing it I think that you are letting a kid be a kid. If he's not forced into it than who is he hurting. Some people need to get a life rather than make a stand to bring attention to their selves. I understand what Crowbone and Debbie are saying but if the kid is mature enough to understnd these things then I say give him a chance. But hey, that's just me,. Dave
I too played the clubs and dives in Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan while still in high school. I too survived. However, I can see both sides of the issue. 16 or 17 is a lot different than 8.
The kid hasn't even reached puberty yet; what's he going to do with all the drunk chicks in the bar throwing themselves at him? As a gesture of good will, I offer my services as rhythm guitar player and groupie handler. We can work out the monetary arrangement at a later date. I can't pay a lot.
Superdave said: but if the kid is mature enough to understnd these things then I say give him a chance.
He's 8 for God sakes!!!!! Not 16,17,18 or even 13.
Nobody is saying he shouldn't be allowed perform or play guitar. They are just questioning the wisdom of his parents allowing him to be playing in bars at this age. It isn't exactly a great environment for an 8 year old.
It's up to the parents to make the decision IMO. If someone is taking parenting advice from their 8 year old than they have some major issues.
I say, if he is the one makeing the choice let him play. It's amazeing, if he was a movie star it would be ok!
I have to say, I'm 17 and I usually play a couple nights during the week, and then more on the weekend. I have to say, I have no problem with me doing this, but I question other peoples abililty to do so. I get along well, and I don't have any serious problems getting through the day, I'm a closet insomniac.
Michael Jackson was doing gigs when he was five. Look how he turned out. Seems to happen a lot with child stars. I heard this young man on TV today---phenominal talent. There are child labor laws in effect in all states. Even though this young man WANTS to play, he legally cannot; and the bars can't afford the fines if they hire him. Will he still want to play when he's 18? How many of us still do what we did when we were 8? I still play piano, but, certainly not the same tunes as I was playing 50 years ago. Good luck, kid. Keep up the good work.
That's what I'm talkin' about
Jukebox said: I say, if he is the one makeing the choice let him play.
I'm saying (and I know this won't be popular) an 8 year old shouldn't be the one making the choice in this matter. His parents should.
You guys keep saying that you played (or currently do play) in bars when you were 17 or 18 etc. He's 8. There is a big difference. He shouldn't be playing in bars IMO. There are plenty of other venues for an 8 year-old "prodigy" to play. The gimmick (and for all intensive purposes thats what it is) and his talent is good enough were he could be playing blues festivals, guitar shops, street and church festivals, schools, etc.
And before anyone starts firing on me for calling this a gimmick- I'm not saying he's not talented and isn't a prodigy (although I think that word is thrown around a bit too much), just that you wouldn't hear about him if not for his age- hence why I'm calling it a gimmick.
Again, I'm not saying he shouldn't be playing or performing. If I were his dad, I would not book Bar gigs for him and I certainly wouldn't ask the opinion of an 8 year old or give him a choice. If he wants to perform- great! more power to him and he should keep doing it, but a bar is no place for an 8 year old.
That being said, whomever complained to the state about it has entirely too much time on their hands. It clearly is illegal according to state law, but many times is overlooked. I would think that the state of WI would have better things to do with their time and our tax dollars than to pursue this.
"The gimmick is good enough where he could be playing blues festivals, guitar shops, street and church festivals, schools, etc."
I believe this is exactly the case. The child, and that is what he is, has an ability that is very impressive. However, listen to him sing and you realize that there is a whole lot of mimicry going on here. He can't carry a tune, and his SRV routine gets a bit old. Who wants a little boy to be singing about his "baby", his "little mama" and all the troubles in the world that are making him so weary? Please. Let's check back in eight years, ok?
I spent my eighth year of my life building model airplanes, eating cereal and watching cartoons. Definately not mature enough to do what I'm doing now.
a few years ago ,we had our singers 15 yr. old sister playing keyboards for us. at this time we were playing dining lounges only, and had no problems with the law BUT--during each and every break she had to go up to her room or to the kitchen. she also had to carry a letter of permission from the licquor board. this is all fine and dandy but to see a 15 yr.old grow up to 30 in 2 years was a little much. keep the kid OUT of the bars.
good luck jimmy peters
An 8-year-old CHILD is not capable of deciding whether or not he should be playing in bars. Crowbone, bobby, Deed, and jimmy have this one nailed.
Comparing the situation to that of a 17-or-18-year-old is silly. The "age of reason" used to arrive somewhere between 12 and 18, and in modern industrial societies, with the complexities that attend the process of maturing through adolescence to adulthood, that age has been pushed upward and upward, both practically and legally.
We can all name a dozen people who weren't mature enough to handle "the bar scene" at 18 - 30, much less at 15 or 12.
But 8? Come on. Kid should grow up in that environment...and be considered a STAR in it? Let's go back to Storyville and defend the working girls raising their kids around the brothel.
This kid may have genuine talent behind the incredible physical facility and mimicry. But we would NOT hear of him if he was even 16 or 17 and "that good." Years will tell if there's really a "bluesman" in there.
And IF he's that good, even now - WHY is he playing in bars? Plenty of other venues for novelty acts.
When I was 19, my parents, along with the pastor and his wife, stopped in to the (Wisconsin) bar where my little trio was bashing away. They had gone out for dinner and wanted to check it out. Fortunately, it was still pretty early in the evening----this place was no country club. Although immature at that age, I had had the benefit of sensible upbringing. I had a good idea of where I wanted to keep my lines drawn....well, a sort of good idea....
I agree with crow, Debbie, bobbyrivera, Deed and anybody else who expressed the opinion that 8-year old children shouldn't be calling their own shots, or gigging in bars. Most people will live long enough to get their fill of the bar scene as legal adults.
Hmmm.
Well, he's not there by himself. His dad's there. I thought you can be in a bar with a parent.
I wouldn't want him exposed to the smoke that I'm exposed to, however, playing in Poland.
But what it appears to be is that nobody minded until he became popular. That's what bugs me.
K
Wait a minute.
Bear, are you the same Bear that used to be on the Fender Forum?
K
Konrad,
Nope, that wouldn't be me. The only other forums I've ever been active on were the old King of the Blues forum that GC had running during their contests and a little on the TDPRI forum. My name (logon) at those is OldMan. Bear had already been taken. I've had the Bear nickname since I was a teenager. More people know me by Bear than they do Steve.
However, this is by far my favorite forum.
Okay.
Bear at the FDP was a cool guy. I got kicked off the forum eventually - as do many people, I hear.
Maybe even a thread like this would have gotten me booted.
Oh well.
Good to meet you, by the way.
K
Konrad, it takes a whole lot more than a difference of opinion to get thrown out of this place! I have seen it happen once, and that was after many members, and Baxter, tried their level best to straighten out the problem.
As far as Tallan Latz is concerned, I think that this little boy has a very proud parent, which is natural, but there is no reason to have a child exposed to the various situations that always arise in an adult environment like a bar. Yes, smoke is a problem, but there can be very raw conversation, mature relationships are being "established", there is alcohol, and sometimes, drugs are available. The little guitar player needs to wait a few years before jumping into that scene, don't you think?
Konrad,
Nice meeting you as well. I hope I can be as "cool" as the other bear. I am housebroken by the way and no longer $%&+ in the woods.
