Working for their art

Madison "has a reputation for supporting the arts, but the experiences of local artists suggest that it may be vastly overrated," writes Laura Stempel Mumford in her feature story on local artists. "Few artists can support themselves here through full-time devotion to their art," so "staying here almost guarantees a limit to their artistic futures." She focuses on Rousers guitarist Dan (Ernie) Conner, who like all four of his bandmates holds down a part-time job. His boss at the Regent Street Market is supportive, letting him take time off for out-of-town shows, but the workload takes its toll. "Still, Conner sees something positive in the fact that the Rousers don't live on the income from the band. It allows them the freedom to be selective about where they play, and even to trade higher-paying gigs for those that bring good exposure." Conner and the Rousers have persevered across the intervening 20 years, continuing to perform at music clubs and events like the Marquette Waterfront Festival.