Ask foreigners what they miss from back home and quite a few will say "concerts." Taiwan is in a weird position where some people are quite serious about foreign music, but there just aren't enough people here to justify most musicians to come here. Meaning most people, Taiwanese and foreigner alike, will travel to Japan or even to Europe to see a concert.
Taiwan does get concerts though, but usually from people who haven't been popular in a long time. It's not unusual to see ads up for a concert by a single Backstreet Boy or a guy from Nsync. Older artist come here as well. Olivia Newton-John and Bobby McFerrin come to mind.
The surprising thing is that most of these concerts are in the huge Arena in the city. Every time I see these adds, I wonder who knows these people, let alone is going to see them. But I guess it's the power of ads. Cause sometimes I will see an ad for some classical musician I have never heard of and think "oh he must be famous and just I don't know." but i'm guessing since the week before was Backstreet Boy no. 3, it means that the classical musician is also not so famous or talented.
Occasionally popular people come here though. Radiohead is very popular here, and they have concerts here every few years. Really other than that I can only think that 50cent came here back when he was somewhat popular. Also Kobe Bryant comes here for a few days each summer. Granted he's not a musician or performer, and really just goes around making appearances and doing interviews. but he seems to be the most famous celebrity who comes here with any regularity. His visits do work since he is probably the only basketball player that all Taiwanese know (most non-fans have never heard of Lebron).
The picture is of a pretty big surprise. Walking by a coffee shop I noticed that they had this ad for an afternoon with Michael Sandel. I know he is uber popular in Japan, but it was still surprising to see him coming to Taiwan and just being in a tiny coffee shop. It was shame that when I saw this, it had already past, as I would have loved to taken some former students to come see him. His "Justice" series and other books were good material and discussion for more advanced classes.
But it's ok. I will just resort to my typical answer for whenever there is something I think Taiwan is lacking or needs changing..."Just wait until i am Minister of (insert corresponding government department here) and I'll solve this issue." Is there even a Ministry of Cultural Advancement and Exchange? I sure hope so, cause if not it means that I could just start it now and would actually have to make good on my promise to solve the problem.
