Plattsburgh on musical map thanks to nonprofit

PLATTSBURGH | With a population of under 20,000 people, Plattsburgh doesn't seem like an ideal stop for big musical acts. The nonprofit Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz, more commonly known as PB&J, is working to change this. Founded four years ago by Laura Carbone, PB&J has brought roughly 50 shows to the area. "I started this because it's a way of bringing in national and international music to our community," Carbone said. PB&J isn't just picking small-town acts off the street, they're bringing in national and international recognized names in the blues and jazz communities. "We bring in bands that play major festivals, they play all over the world," explained Carbone. The vision of PB&J is to expand the culture, arts, and music of the community. They work to bring in music from outside into the community. PB&J has also provided to the community by helping with projects such as the Plattsburgh Public Art Project. Community was one of the reasons PB&J was formed. What started as a simple house party hosted by Carbone was seen as a wonderful opportunity for the community by former Mayor Colin Read. Read was the one who initially helped Carbone form PB&J into a nonprofit. Like most live entertainment, concerts aren't cheap. Funding for PB&J comes from a variety of places. PB&J is applying for a grant this year to help with funding. Community donations and profits made off of shows are also a source of income for the nonprofit. Carbone tries to keep the costs low by doing most of the work herself, with the help of her board. Expenses for PB&J aren't the only thing Carbone tries to keep down, she also tries to make sure that tickets are reasonably priced. All profits made by PB&J go towards putting on more shows. The pandemic hasn't been easy on PB&J, Carbone described it as an isolating time. "Musicians are itching to play and we're just hoping to see all of our friends. And to get out there and experience it all," said Carbone. With restrictions lifting, PB&J is having their "unofficial kickstart" March 20 and 21. "[It's a] PB&J socially distanced dinner with some music," Carbone stated. This is a private socially distanced event limited to 50 people each night and is already sold out. Grammy-nominated Danielle Nicole will be playing music at this event. While this is the unofficial start of the PB&J season, it is the first event that they have hosted since the lockdown. Ana Popović, a blues-rock artist, is lined up to play in May. The location of that event is still to be determined. PB&J is putting Plattsburgh on the musical map. Carbone wishes that more of the community would give their events a try. "You may not know their name, but you should give it a try," said Carbone. Although this concert season may not look like the past ones, Carbone is making the best of it, saying that she would rather have fewer incredible concerts than a bunch of smaller concerts. "I have my eyes set on some really special acts," Carbone concluded.

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Plattsburgh on musical map thanks to nonprofit

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