In today’s world, with digital music just a click away and virtual performances becoming the norm, you might wonder why live, in-person concerts still hold so much value. For the Central Arizona Flute Ensemble (CAFE Flutes), live performances are not just an opportunity to showcase their musical repertoire—they’re a powerful way to connect with audiences, build community, and create memories that transcend the music itself. We believe that nothing can replace the energy, engagement, and authenticity of a live concert. Here’s why.
An Immersive, Shared Experience
One of the most rewarding aspects of live performance is the immersive experience it offers. In an in-person concert, audience members can feel the vibrations, hear the subtle details, and fully engage with the sound and energy of the ensemble. At CAFE Flutes, we are particularly passionate about showing off the entire flute family in live settings, from the high piccolo to the deep, resonant contrabass flute. In person, listeners can appreciate the distinct timbres and ranges of each instrument in a way that recordings simply can’t replicate.
Live concerts also create a shared experience, where the audience becomes part of a collective moment. When we perform at venues around Phoenix, from senior centers to community stages, we’re not just playing music—we’re creating an atmosphere where listeners of all ages can come together, react, and participate. The spontaneous applause, laughter, and reactions we see in a live audience amplify the emotional experience, making the concert a truly communal event.
The Magic of Connection
Concerts include a Q&A segment
For CAFE Flutes, music is more than sound; it’s a tool for connection. Our interactive approach to concerts allows us to break the traditional barrier between musicians and the audience. We intentionally “mindfully disregard the classical concert tradition of keeping the audience at a distance,” as CAFE manager Leslie Etzel explains. Instead, we bring people into the music-making experience by talking with them, answering questions, and encouraging them to engage. From introductions to our musical pieces to birthday celebrations in the audience, our goal is to make every audience member feel like they’re part of the concert.
In live settings, we have the chance to speak with concertgoers before and after each performance, hearing their impressions and answering questions. This personal interaction is especially meaningful to us because it builds rapport and deepens the impact of our music. By showing up to these concerts, our audience becomes part of our story, and we become part of theirs.
The Power of Spontaneity
CAFE playing at a library
Every live concert is unique, with its own moments of surprise and spontaneity. Unlike pre-recorded music, which can be edited and perfected, live performances are dynamic and ever-changing. Sometimes, the most memorable parts of a concert come from unplanned moments—a spontaneous interaction, a playful exchange with the audience, or even a small mishap turned into a lighthearted moment. These instances remind us and our audience that live music is a living, breathing experience, one that’s meant to be enjoyed in the present moment.
This spontaneity is one of the reasons we avoid printed programs. Rather than sticking to a rigid setlist, each of us takes turns introducing the pieces we’ll be playing, adding interesting tidbits and a bit of humor to keep things light and engaging. This approach gives us the freedom to interact directly with our listeners and to adapt based on their reactions and energy. The result is a more flexible, responsive concert experience that feels personal and engaging.
Bridging Generations and Cultures
Touching is learning
At CAFE Flutes, we believe that music should be inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. By performing live across different communities and venues in Arizona, we’re able to reach a broad audience that includes people of all ages and backgrounds. One of the most fulfilling aspects of our work is performing in senior centers, where we bring a mix of genres and styles—everything from classical pieces to Disney tunes, jazz standards, and patriotic songs.
For many audience members, especially seniors, live music is a nostalgic experience that brings back memories and evokes emotions from different stages of life. Our performances offer them a chance to connect with familiar melodies, share in a communal experience, and break away from the isolation that can come with age. Music has the unique ability to transcend language, age, and culture, and we’re proud to play a part in bringing people together through our concerts.
The Impact of Real-Time Feedback
At the Glendale Public Library
One of the most powerful aspects of performing live is the immediate feedback we receive from the audience. Unlike a virtual concert, where we can only imagine listeners’ reactions, in-person performances allow us to see their faces, hear their applause, and sense their engagement. This real-time feedback energizes us and motivates us to give our best in every performance.
The feedback goes both ways. During the Q&A sessions that follow our concerts, we encourage audience members to ask questions and share their thoughts. Many are surprised and delighted to learn about the unique qualities of instruments like the contrabass flute or the lesser-known bass flute. This interaction transforms the concert from a passive listening experience into an active dialogue, enriching both the audience and us as musicians.
An Invitation to CAFE
For those who want to experience the magic of a CAFE Flutes live performance, we invite you to join us for CAFE at Peoria, Arizona Libraries on Saturday, November 23, 2024. We will welcome the holiday season with a variety of international and traditional favorites at the Sunrise Mountain Library at 11:ooAM, and at the Peoria Public Library at 3:00PM. More information is on the website.
We promise a fun, interactive concert where you’ll be part of the music, connecting, learning, and enjoying the energy of live performance. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing the unforgettable experience of live music!
About CAFE Flutes
CAFE enriches, enlightens, and inspires Central Arizona residents by presenting interactive concerts and educational programs that showcase the flute family’s diverse instruments.
The 7-member group offers interactive concert programs that feature various musical styles: show tunes, patriotic, folk, oldies, pop, and classical. They demonstrate all their instruments, including the 10-foot-long contrabass flute, and introduce each piece with interesting tidbits about the music and composer.
The flutists take it a step further during the concert by passing around demonstration flutes and piccolos, allowing the audience to experience the instruments firsthand.
Since 2014, they have performed over 250 concerts, including Desert Botanical Garden, Mesa Art Center, senior communities libraries, art galleries, Tempe History Museum, Arizona Broadway Theatre, and Peoria Center for Performing Arts.
With a music library of over 150 pieces, CAFE Flutes can customize their concert to fit the occasion. Themed programs include a selection of Patriotic, St. Patrick’s Day, Summer, Show Tunes, Singalong, Mother’s Day, and Winter Holiday melodies.
Are you looking for a fun, educational experience? “Fascinating Flutes” is a 2-person demonstration of flutes worldwide through live performance, storytelling, videos, photos, and sound clips. Diverse flutes are sent around the room for listeners to examine up close in this 1-hour presentation.
Music creates community while activating memories, movement, and emotions all at the same time! Research confirms that listening to live music, especially with others, enhances overall health. CAFE harnesses the power of music to connect people in our community.
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