A bunch of drinking straws, by DaDaAce

I happen to think hosting events where people get drunk and listen to opera sounds like a helluva time. Obviously other people in my age bracket living in Nashville agree. This article discusses a variety of events taking place in Nashville that have been successful bringing new audiences to operatic and museum events.

Martinis mixed with Puccini? Highballs and hydrangeas? How about beer at the ballet? For young professionals, the arts might go better with alcohol.

Mixing cocktails with culture has become a popular way for local arts organizations to capture a younger age group. The party-like atmospheres offer young adults an appealing alternative to another night at the bar. In turn, the social events may aid nonprofit organizations such as the symphony, opera and theater, which hope the gatherings groom future members and financial supporters.

I thought it would be interesting to delve a bit into the history of the arts and see where drinking has fit in.

I came across this curious blog, Alcohol and Drugs History Society, which has links of interest related to the arts and drug use, including this comical Cruikshank map of the artistic alcoholic’s London. This reminds me that some famous artists have also been famous drug and alcohol users. While this is no endorsement of such techniques to improve creative output, it is interesting anecdotally. There are also artists who have made a point to abstain from mood-altering drugs as a way to prove art doesn’t require some kind of bizarre mental state, such as Jethro Tull (except he inhaled a few times), Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys (who became abstinent after becoming a Buddhist practioner and working to Free Tibet), or Andre 2000 of Outkast (Urban Dictionary informs us that Andre’s urge “to keep it crunk” is possible without drugs, and is simply a powerful metaphysical state of energy and excitement.)

Of course, the art of opera has a strong tradition of incorporating drinking songs and scenes into the music. It makes for comic relief and fun crowd scenes that directors, singers, and audiences love. I particularly enjoyed dressing like a Russian Prince and singing about champagne in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. Of course, even if you are not an opera buff, you are almost guaranteed to have heard Libiamo from La Traviata.

So, what are your thoughts? Do arts and alcohol mix? Is this something we should be promoting like sporting events and drinking? Would it help de-stigmatize high art and culture for those who feel it is too prim and proper?

**Update** Another article I just read had a new twist on the drinking and arts theme, http://www.examiner.com/x-11916-DC-Arts-and-Crafts-Examiner~y2009m8d26-Cocktail-coloring-with-the-McLean-Project-for-the-Arts#mce_temp_url#g.