No matter what genre, live music seems to bring people together.

People were united Sept. 7, as they turned out to see musicians play at different venues across the city.

I like watching bands and musicians play live. Some mix cover tunes and original songs in their sets which is fine. The reason I like watching musicians in a live setting is because I like the energy in the venue. I also like to listen to the musicians’ interpretations of their original songs and other songs.

What I mean is that some musicians may play in an intimate setting and some may not. So if you happen to hear a musician play his music in an intimate, acoustic setting, you are seeing him in a stripped-down, no-frills atmosphere, where it’s him with his instrument, playing his songs and maybe letting down his guard and letting you in to his music-making world.

Seems romantic, but put yourself in his shoes, and bare your soul. Try to connect to the audience.

And that’s what these musicians did on Sept. 7.

They gave their time, their energy, and their music for a cause — Infinity Visual and Performing Arts Local Music Showcase. The LMS helped raise money for Infinity so it can keep being a vibrant program in Jamestown.

According to its website, Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, Inc. is a multifaceted, innovative music and arts education program located in Jamestown. The Infinity concept was developed as an opportunity for aspiring young musicians to develop and enhance their creative talents and performance skills under the supervision and guidance of local, professional musicians and educators. The name Infinity was chosen to represent the potential for future growth and participation for youth throughout the community. What began in a parent’s living room in 1998 with a group of seven talented young musicians has evolved into a comprehensive visual and performing arts non-profit organization housed in a 14,100 square foot performance and learning center that serves more than 2,000 students each year in various program components. In its formative years, Infinity was nurtured under the umbrella of the Arts Council for Chautauqua County. In 2004 a volunteer Board of Directors was formed and with guidance and support from the Arts Council and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Infinity was incorporated on Jan. 20, 2005.

In 2014, in order to accommodate the growing number of students, its website listed, the Infinity Center relocated to a new, custom-designed facility in the ground floor of the Lynn Building, at 301 E. Second St. The move was made possible thanks to generous help and support from local and regional funders, private donations, and a grassroots community fundraising campaign.

I went to different venues and witnessed the intensity, the camaraderie, and music.

The showcase entitled “The Night Music Reigns”, took place at nine venues in Downtown Jamestown and featured more than 40 local musical acts. Events began at 6 p.m. and ended at 2 a.m.

The venues included Brazil, Forte, Labyrinth Press Co., Pearl City Hops, Shawbucks, The Beer Snob, The Pub, The Spire Theater and The Wine Cellar.

This city has a tight-knit musician community. During the LMS, I saw many musicians, before they were scheduled to perform, sitting in the audience to support their fellow musicians. And after performances, musicians did the same thing.

I’m glad I got to see the LMS because it brought back something that has been missing in Jamestown — live music. I know there are places to see live bands in the city, but there should be more. We have a lot of very good musicians and bands in the city and the area.

If you happened to see any the live music at any of the venues, then you probably had a very positive experience.