What's in a name?

Among the ideas being floated for the next City of Roses Music Festival is that of changing its name. One reason for considering a name change is because Cape Girardeau has changed its identity from "City of Roses" to "Where the River Turns a Thousand Tales."

Last year, the music ranged from classical to hip-hop at four stages downtown.

Much about the festival has changed since its inception in 1997. The early festivals brought in acts from St. Louis and Memphis and were headlined by such well-known musicians s Rufus Thomas, Dave Mason and Christopher Cross. A yellow barge on the river. There was a banquet with awards and three days of entertainment.

Since then the focus has been more on local talent, a boon to young bands struggling to find places to play. The downtown nightclubs fill up with music-lovers both nights of the festival.

Now Don Ganim, one of the organizers, says the future of the festival is in jeopardy in this, its 10th anniversary year, if funding is not obtained. Organizers have asked the Old Town Cape redevelopment organization to become involved.

That's a start. Organizations such as the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri could be invited to participate as well.

The name isn't the problem with the City of Roses Festival. Festivals invariably wear out the volunteers who organize and stage them. Fresh blood is needed from year to year. Involving organizations that are already well-established could provide a reliable stream of new ideas, volunteers and means of funding.

Our region is home to wonderful musicians. A way must be found to continue this event celebrating the sounds that come from Southeast Missouri.