tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422108638422002892023-07-31T16:09:31.510-07:00MidGaLive.comEducate and Inspire
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-77348571538676539692022-01-30T11:15:00.005-08:002022-01-30T11:28:43.787-08:00How to get a gig at MidGaLive<p> <b><span style="font-size: large;">If you are a new local band, WELCOME!</span></b><br /><br />It is my goal to revive Middle Ga's music scene by bringing new musicians into the fold. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Let me briefly describe our venue-<br /><br />1. Our layout is like that of a coffee shop. Open to poets and artists of all styles.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Soft drinks and prepackaged food available. (no outside food or drink)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">3. We cater to an under 21 crowd.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Police will be invited to every event in order to maintain a safe environment for all.</span></p><p><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></p><p><b style="font-size: large;"> If you want your band to play, you will need to make some decisions:</b></p><p><span> <span style="font-size: medium;"> a. What day?</span> Make sure you are not competing with a football game or any other local event or celebration.</span><br /></p><p><span><span> <span style="font-size: medium;">b. What cover? </span>You will set the cover charge based on what you believe your crowd will pay to come see you. $5, $10, or $15 are the suggested covers. Mid Ga Live will supply a person at the door to collect the cover. Mid Ga Live will split the cover with you 50/50.</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span> Example: If you ask for a $10 cover and you bring 40 people- you will make $200</span><br /></span></p><p> <span> <span style="font-size: medium;">c. What do you bring?</span> MidGaLive will supply a PA and some one to control the sound board.<br />You will need to bring your own instruments, and microphone for vocals. If you don't have your own, I can rent you what you need really cheap.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>HOW TO AUDITION FOR A GIG.</b></span><br /><br />Contact me to let me know you are interested in auditioning for a gig.</p><p><br />You will play at one of our "Open Mic Nights" so that I can hear you perform. (3 songs max)</p><p><br />If accepted, we will schedule the gig. This is where you tell me the date you want and the cover you want to charge. Also, if you need to rent anything for the night, this is the time we will work out those details.</p><p><br /><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-75153778484409947182021-09-03T18:35:00.003-07:002022-01-30T10:43:24.505-08:00What is Mid Ga Live?<p>I'm glad you asked.<br /><br />MidGaLive is now a brick and mortar live music venue for all of you fresh local bands who need a place to gig....But it didn't start off that way.... </p><p>I started MidGaLive.com a few years ago as my way of promoting the Middle Ga music scene...I had written articles on every musical act I knew of in the Middle Ga area (163 and counting). We had decided to film and interview local bands to further get them some notoriety. We wrote articles to help bands learn how to book themselves, setup a PA system, how to price themselves and how to promote their band. MidGaLive.com was very popular and we were doing quite well with viewership. </p><p>Sadly, I accidentally let the domain lapse and some Calvin Klein distributor out of Germany bought it (you can't make this stuff up). I sent letters to the new registered owners. I even spent a great deal of time using Google to translate some of my letters into German in the hopes that I could buy it back from them. Nothing.<br /><br />FINALLY, The domain was available to purchase and I was able to get it back with all of my pageviews intact. <WHEW><br /><br />So let me just say I am sorry to all the bands that used my website to promote themselves. I let you down. You directed people to a glowing article about you from a great online magazine-and they ended up shopping for skinny jeans through a German department store website. Please forgive me. </p><p>Not only is the website back up and running, but we now have a venue you can use to get your band the experience, publicity, and skill you need to take the country by storm. Let me know how I can help.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fimgflip.com%2Fmemetemplate%2F49050511%2FSexy-old-woman&psig=AOvVaw2kSd7RevkZdPjtQPG5CdVG&ust=1630804342339000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCIii1o6S5PICFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD"><br /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p>
<br /><br /><br /><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-29009204119380860482021-08-28T20:40:00.000-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.371-07:00Why does my band keep failing?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span data-reactid=".nl.1:3:1:$comment829971603706392_831702056866680:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$text1:0:$2:0">Having trouble getting success with your band? Yeah, I don't doubt it. There is ALOT of competition out there. <br /><br />A great many of the bands out there playing are not as good as you, but they bring a crowd -so they'll get booked LONG before you and 3 times as often.</span><br />
<span data-reactid=".nl.1:3:1:$comment829971603706392_831702056866680:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$text1:0:$2:0"><br />Of course sound quality is important, but without a crowd, your sound doesn't matter. Here are a few tips to help you build that crowd.<br /><br />1. Always make the effort to make your crowd feel special. This means take the time to LISTEN to them when they are talking to you. They believe that you are worth the cover charge and are excited to have your attention. Listen to what they have to say and engage in true conversation with them. It goes a long way. </span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".nl.1:3:1:$comment829971603706392_831702056866680:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$text1:0:$6:0">2. We musicians are a strange lot...we are arrogant and uncompromising, but often we need reassurance that our direction is right. We can get that from an outside source or build it in ourselves but having supreme confidence is like a poker player having an extra card. <br />Not Confident? GET confident.</span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".nl.1:3:1:$comment829971603706392_831702056866680:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$text1:0:$10:0">3. Whatever you do....COMMIT to it. Don't go in tentative and apologetic. There is nothing worse than some middle-aged guy half-heartedly wandering his way through a Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, or Adele song. You're thinking of singing "Let it Go"? BELT it out. Some people might hate it, but at least they will respect the courage you had to give it your all. When I sing "Baby, One More Time" I give it all I've got. If passion pays the bills....my bills are paid: and everyone in the room knows it.</span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".nl.1:3:1:$comment829971603706392_831702056866680:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$text1:0:$14:0">4. Stop compromising on the members you choose for your band. Wait for someone you gel with. Like a car, a band NEEDS a destination, guidance, and motion. If you ain't steering, why are you surprised when you end up in a ditch? TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR BAND. Lead, guide and direct it. Sometimes that comes from a mutual understanding of 'common sense'. Sometimes someone has to step up and say, "NO. We need to spend more time promoting THIS show than trying to find another one next month.". <u>Drive</u> your snowmobile-It's cold out there.</span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".nl.1:3:1:$comment829971603706392_831702056866680:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$text1:0:$18:0">5. I'll also add, wait until you're ready before you get out there. You got a gig coming up? Are you at your peak performance wise? No? GET AT YOUR PEAK. You can't afford to put on a shitty show.</span><br />
<span data-reactid=".nl.1:3:1:$comment829971603706392_831702056866680:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$text1:0:$20:0">Don't know if you're ready? Then you're not. Stop booking gigs and go back to the garage. You're screwing up the music scene with your out of key, off time, amateurish demeanor. GET IT RIGHT. Then get out there and kick butt.</span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".nl.1:3:1:$comment829971603706392_831702056866680:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$text1:0:$24:0">6. BRING a crowd. Nothing attracts a crowd, like a crowd. Promote. Advertise. Be consistent with your logo. Offer incentives to your followers. Know that your niche helps you target your customer. Know your niche. Dress for your niche. Name your band for your niche. Let your niche dictate your bands 'personality'. Your niche should be painfully evident in every ad, post, pic, comment or interview you do. YOUR crowd will be able to find you, and they will be more dedicated to you than the ones just looking for something to do. A RABID following of 20 is 10 times better than a "doesn't care" crowd of 100.</span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".nl.1:3:1:$comment829971603706392_831702056866680:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Now ......Quit whining and get to work.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-7676142808812424682021-08-28T20:36:00.001-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.312-07:00The 'Working' Parts (part 1)All successful musical acts have found a way to do more than just perform songs on stage. There's Booking, Promotion, Legal concerns and Marketing Strategies....and that's just for starters. <br />
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Most local bands ignore these pieces of the business, or they stumble along blindly hoping to stay 'small time' so as not to call attention to copyright infringement, or licensing violations. Their marketing strategies are usually non-existent, and their best promotion ideas involve an event invitation on FB and a flyer they'll hang up on the venue door. These acts are doomed to play local bars forever.....If this is you....welcome to the 99.9%<br />
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In this article I plan to list the jobs that are involved with a successful band. Sometimes, one person deals with several of these responsibilities...and some responsibilities are completely ignored. <br />
I'll miss some I'm sure. PLEASE comment and I'll add yours as well.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Performer</span></b>- Yeah, I know: this is obviously YOU....(<span style="font-size: xx-small;">you little bad ass</span>.)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sound Technician</span></b>- That's the guy who gets your sound right. It may involve setting the microphones in the right positions to receive sound from your amps or instruments and deliver them to the PA speakers. This guy would also be the one who selects the right microphone, speakers, or equipment for the application at hand. Pushing sliders around and applying reverb and compression is only a small part of this persons job.....(when he's a professional anyway).<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Electronics Repair Tech</span></b> - When things go bad, as they inevitably do, this person has the ability to bring that which is dead, back to life. When a tube blows during a performance, this guy can have you up and running before the next set. Bad connection on your guitar's 5 way switch? Good as new in 5 minutes. Did you set your acoustic down with the cable plugged in and now there's a horrible 'popping sound' every time you move? Yeah. This is the guy that turns 'spilled beer and bad habits' into 'not a problem'.<br />
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<a href="http://www.midgalive.com/2014/02/the-working-parts-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-21148653246549155662016-02-01T09:58:00.003-08:002021-09-03T17:27:56.343-07:00 Alpacas? Local Musician tries an Ad Campaign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Local musician Chris Neal has launched his ad campaign "Alpacas Unite!" The goal of course, is to entertain, and to garner more support for his shows. Following, is the time line of the 'dramedy':<br />
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As an alert of an upcoming 'gig' Chris Neal posted-<br />
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<span class="userContent"><b><i>ALLRIGHT!!! Tuesday night I'll be playing again at Applebee's on Russell Pkwy!!!! <br /> <br /> Kelly can't make it ('cause our Alpaca kicked her in the throat during the milkin') but I've made her some liquified potato salad so she won't starve and the party is ON!</i></b></span><br />
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Later that afternoon, Chris' wife Kelly was overrun with calls and emails, asking about her condition and the Dr.s prognosis. Remember, THIS WAS A JOKE!! People were genuinely concerned and Chris' dry sense of humor went right over their heads.<br />
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The next day Chris Neal posted the following in response to the overwhelming concern that people had for Kelly's well-being....<br />
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<span class="userContent"><b><i>OK. Kelly has been approached by several people regarding the alleged Alpaca attack. I want to take this time to make it abundantly clear, that Kelly was NOT in fact attacked by an Alpaca, and No, we do not own any.<br /> I want to apologize for the confusion I have caused and to anyone else who has started fundraising programs; to you we deeply apologize and thank you for your concern.<br /><br /> I WILL be performing at Applebee's on Russell Parkway tomorrow night (8/02) and I DO start at 9 and play until 12. That part was not a vicious lie.</i></b><br /><b><i> I also want to apologize to any victims of Alpaca violence for trivializing their pain and also to any Alpacas who have been hurt by the untoward accusation of being a violent group. I have friends who are Alpacas so obviously, I am not prejudiced.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It was at this point that Chris Neal seized the opportunity to start a promotional campaign.</i></span><br />
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<span class="userContent">As the story goes, some Alpacas were offended by Chris Neal's remarks, believing his apology was insincere, and insulted that the public so readily accepted the notion that an Alpaca could be so violent. In response they issued this press release:</span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><i><b>From the Associated Press:<br /> Alpacas for American Acceptance Official Press Release: <br /> We have heard Chris Neal's 'apology' for his baseless accusations...To reiterate: No one affiliated with our organization kicked Chris Neal's wife in the throat. Chris Neal's accusations were horrific and insensitive, and although we are usually non violent, we hope he burns in hell for his lies. This is exactly the sort of thing that causes people to live in fear of Alpacas. His actions were reprehensible, and we would like to further note that "Mr. Neal", or whatever his name is, can have his shirt back. We will no longer be participants in promoting his so-called 'entertainment'.</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="userContent">Several popular local musicians have jumped into the conversation/debate/campaign, and have shown support for both sides, namely, Tim Burris (singer for the hugely successful rock band 'FailTrain') who responded with a post:</span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><b><i>Do you own an Alpaca? Do you know any Alpacas that have been victims of brutal hate crimes by middle Georgia musicians? If you, or any Alpaca owning friends have seen signs of depression, withdrawal, or evidence of over milking, call the law offices of Burris and Burris today. We specialize in Alpaca civil rights, and noise ordinance disputes. We'll see to it that justice is done. <br /> <br /> This message paid for by Alpacas for American acceptance.</i></b></span><span class="userContentSecondary fcg"><b><i> —</i></b> </span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Lance Rodriguez (another well respected local musician) further responded, showing his support for the Alpacas with-</span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><i><b>The profiling and slander of Alpacas is a rampant problem in todays society. Please do your part to advocate Alpaca rights. Donate to your local D.A.D (Douchebags for Alpacan Diplomacy) chapter today.</b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">'The Alpacas ( Allen and Alexis)' started a Facebook page, and as their first post, introduced themselves with....</span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><b><i>Hi! We are Allen and Alexis Alpaca. We look forward to chatting with you all! We would love to offer you relationship advice, and discuss important topics of the day.<br /> </i></b><br /><b><i> Allen: I drive a light blue smart car and I like Nickye Minaj....She's hot!<br /> My wife and I love karaoke, Nickelback, and Honey boo boo!<br /> Alexis: I've got a thing for Justin Timberlake, but he doesn't even no I'm alive<sigh><br /> <br /> But the one thing we are currently very disappointed with is the Local Music scene in Middle Ga..... ESPECIALLY, Chris Neal. He is the absolute worst. His off hand comments and arrogance have caused the local Alpaca community to struggle with even more prejudice than ever before.<br /> <br /> Aside form helping you with your relationship problems, Our number one goal is to put Chris Neal out of business!<br /> <br /> Thanks for the friendship!!!<br /> Allen and Alexis</i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">They have further posted comments regarding Chris Neal and his performances....</span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><i><b>Caught the "chris neal show' ... He doesn't know ANY john denver.What a tool.</b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent">and...<br /><br /><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment110915322398960_50012}..[1]..[1]..[0].[2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment110915322398960_50012}..[1]..[1]..[0].[2]."><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment110915322398960_50012}..[1]..[1]..[0].[2]..[0]"><i><b></b></i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><i><b>He played a lot of 'popular songs' but I was hoping for some 'deepcuts', I asked for Glen Campbell, he played Glen Danzig.</b></i> </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment110915322398960_50012}..[1]..[1]..[0].[2]..[3]"><i><b>Hey loser! It's not the same thing!</b></i></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">And 'they' have also posted:</span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><i><b>Chris Neal will be 'performing' at Applebee's on Russell Parkway.....It's a really nice restaurant, but if you go...SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR ALPACAS!!!! When he finishes a song, don't applaude. Don't give him tips, and request songs like Brown eyed girl, or Sweet Home Alabama.<br /> We don't want to boycott any music venues, we just want Chris Neal, and other musicians like him, to FAIL MISERABLY!!!<br /> This way...they'll replace him with karaoke!<br /> We LOVE karaoke!</b></i></span></span></div>
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Now, THIS should be humorous to all local musicians, because it is common to play to an unresponsive crowd. With this sortof statement from the Alpacas, it could be assumed that an unresponsive crowd is simply showing support for the Alpaca Unite Movement.<br />
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It is also a genius move by the 'Alpacas' to make it appear that they have more support than they do in reality. Wait...Reality?.....Oh yes, back to reality....<br />
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It's a well crafted, multi-layered ad campaign which is destined to shake the cobwebs off the local music scene, and hopefully, will spark interest in the marketing aspects that many local musicians have neglected. <br />
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Really looking forward to watching this unfold.</div>
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I hope you are too.</div>
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<i><a href="http://www.facebook.com/alpacas.unite?ref=ts&fref=ts">The Alpaca's facebook page</a></i> </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-88437981164811956012015-07-27T06:15:00.000-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.509-07:00Josh Graff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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From a recent press release:<br />
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<span style="color: purple;">“Josh Graff is a real bluesman!” -Joseph Palmer, owner of The Hangar Bar and Grill<br />
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On Friday, June 1 the walls of The Hummingbird Stage and Tap Room will be reverberating with the sound of traditional blues guitar. Josh Graff has been making a name for himself in the Macon, GA area for nearly fifteen years now, and says, “I finally feel like I’ve found myself.”, and where better than where it all began. The twenty six year old guitarist/singer/songwriter has gone full circle, playing everything from blues, R&B, gospel, country, pop, and rock, to hip-hop all over the country from coffee shops, bars, churches, frat houses, festivals, and music venues, to opening shows for Blues Traveler, Huey Lewis and the News, Kansas, and .38 Special. <br />
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Josh Graff spent his early teens playing blues guitar and sitting in with bands like Stillwater and The Wall. By the time he had graduated high school, Graff had released three independent albums of mostly original music, and gained a local following doing solo acoustic shows. Then came the creation of Josh Graff & Co., which played relentlessly all across the southeast, and in 2006, recorded an EP in Atlanta, GA with Grammy Award Winning producer/singer/songwriter/musician Clay Cook (Zac Brown Band, John Mayer, Sugarland, Shawn Mullins, Marshall Tucker Band). After a few years together, Josh Graff & Co. went their separate ways and Graff found himself moving to Atlanta, GA to play guitar in Ben Deignan and Suburban Soul. Two years later you could find Graff on stage every Sunday playing guitar at a local church. Still not feeling as though he was doing what he knew he was here to do, Josh Graff found himself at a crossroads.<br />
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In early 2012 Josh Graff decided go back to his roots, and be true to himself, as a blues guitarist, doing something he has always wanted to do, put an all-blues band together. Graff throws a few original tunes into an eclectic mixture of traditional blues covers from Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, JB Lenoir, Otis Rush, Freddie and B.B. King, to name a few. With his ever-evolving and rotating backing band of A list musicians, Graff and his band keep the house rockin’ and the good times rollin’ all night.</span><br />
The first time I met Josh, he sat in with a friend of ours to play lead. Josh proceeded to rip his guitar apart. He played behind his head, behind his back, he walked out to the crowd and stepped up on the fireplace. He really got the crowd going, and when he walked away, many thought the show was over.<br />
In many ways, it was.<br />
I'm bringing this to light, because it appears that Josh is trying to downplay his amazing stage presence. Does he play the blues? Yes, very well; but he is a professional showman waiting to scorch the venue with searing licks AND attitude.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-65407321915017220972014-03-23T17:58:00.003-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.462-07:00The Swayze's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuzkaVKNrm_kT-b7wtGUYdh3uYIP7KVfn-gHs8GnxXlJockIhem2inp4wyuoWE7muBSVs8Ay56nfR3pKgha_zSccuRwRJFzwRMmMaZuzX7ZF_evovqisPOf20pIy2h1rJxOQVWA5da34/s1600/The+Swayzes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuzkaVKNrm_kT-b7wtGUYdh3uYIP7KVfn-gHs8GnxXlJockIhem2inp4wyuoWE7muBSVs8Ay56nfR3pKgha_zSccuRwRJFzwRMmMaZuzX7ZF_evovqisPOf20pIy2h1rJxOQVWA5da34/s1600/The+Swayzes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuzkaVKNrm_kT-b7wtGUYdh3uYIP7KVfn-gHs8GnxXlJockIhem2inp4wyuoWE7muBSVs8Ay56nfR3pKgha_zSccuRwRJFzwRMmMaZuzX7ZF_evovqisPOf20pIy2h1rJxOQVWA5da34/s1600/The+Swayzes.jpg" height="320" width="307" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
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A powerhouse rockabilly quartet with attitude to match!<br />
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These guys are destined to be the go-to power band for any college party in the southeast. Imagine The Stray Cats meets Johnny Cash in a drunken fistfight and you have....<br />
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The Swayze's...."named after the greatest damned american actor to ever grace the silver screen".<br />
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No argument here.<br />
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For Booking: contact <br />
Michael at 478-952-3842<br />
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<object class="BLOG_video_class" contentid="UPLOADING" height="266" id="BLOG_video-UPLOADING-0" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="320"></object><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-cBwg3THQM" target="_blank">Watch it on YouTube</a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-75276393729484683212014-02-05T17:50:00.002-08:002021-09-03T17:27:56.478-07:00The Working Parts ( part 2)<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Business Manager</span></strong>- What are the short term goals that carry you to your longterm goal? How closely are you meeting them? What is the overall strategy regarding the branding of your band? What demographic will your band appeal to, and how can you best engage them? What cover songs should you perform live? Where will you spend the night when you play a gig out of town? The Business Manager has his mind on all of these things and is the person who sits down with the Booking Agent, Promoter, Marketing Specialist, Lawyer, and Poll Data Analyst. When he makes sure that all of you are on the same page and working toward the same goal, you have made a significant step forward. The most important person in your band is your Business Manager, so get a good one.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Booking Agent</span></strong>- "Finds you the gigs!" Yes, but again, it goes further than that. A good Booking Agent knows your strengths and weaknesses and will put you in the venues that can propel your career. It's not just about finding work....It's about finding the work that helps you find MORE work....which turns into making more money per gig and playing to larger, more anxious crowds. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Promoter</span></strong>- The Promoter, obviously promotes your shows for you. He'll know how to focus your promotional efforts on your target demographic. This is your money he's working with, so don't waste time with someone who is just good at a putting together a blog page for you and who MIGHT share your Event Invitation. < wink, wink......nudge, nudge>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.midgalive.com/2014/02/the-working-parts-part-3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-37149842563040219172014-02-05T17:48:00.000-08:002021-09-03T17:27:56.385-07:00The Working Parts (part 3)<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Entertainment Lawyer</span></strong>- Keeps you out of legal trouble and keeps you from being manipulated by unsavory characters. This might include the contracts you sign with the promoters, booking agents, or the venues. This would also include the contract you would have used to hire your Business Manager in the first place. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Poll Data Analyst</span></strong>- This one might not seem very relevant but hear me out. All business that deal heavily with public opinion, use poll data. Polls are taken VERY often and they tend to show trends developing or fading. Now, I am NOT SAYING YOU SHOULD FOLLOW trends....However, you will. You might not do it on purpose....or you might LEAD a trend, but it is always good to know if a certain demographic is spending more money in that genre or style of performance than another. This is how you target your promotional material. It is also the key to developing/adjusting your marketing strategy to get the most out of your time. <br />
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<span class="bqQuoteLink">"If I could find a white man who had the Negro sound and the Negro feel, I could make a billion dollars."- Sam Phillips<br /><br />Knowing who would love the product and who had the money to spend on it made all the difference in the lives of Sam Phillips, Elvis Presley, and a two-bit carnival hustler named 'Colonel' Tom Parker. So, The Poll Data analyst is the guy that tells you who's spending the money, what they like, and how they communicate. He provides the info that the Marketing Specialist works from.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.midgalive.com/2014/02/the-working-parts-part-4.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-52900594544500179672014-02-05T17:45:00.001-08:002021-09-03T17:27:56.432-07:00The Working Parts (part 4)<b><span style="font-size: large;">Publicist</span></b>- Sort of bridges the gap between the Marketing Specialist and the Promoter. This person gets the word out there about what you do and how you do it. You need publicity and although promoters get your shows heard about, and your Marketing Specialist focuses on inspiring a particular group to take action; the Publicist gets you publicity. Many times he uses your private life to call attention to your professional one. Publicists encourage those in the entertainment industry to do things that call attention to themselves....One type of publicist may encourage you to start a charitable foundation....and then be sure it is leaked to the media. Another type may encourage you to do a music video of your latest song completely nude or wear a dress made of meat. to the Grammy's red carpet. Good or bad....you've been talked about and that job is done.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Marketing Specialist</span></b>- Works with poll data to focus your music toward the most appropriate audience. This way your efforts are more focused- making them more efficient and successful. This is where 'branding' comes in and is the hub from which much of the decisions regarding your band will come from. Just playing a large, varied setlist of songs means that when they describe you to a friend they will say..."He plays a lot of good songs of different styles and we had fun"<br />
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HOWEVER; If all you play are songs by Tom Petty and Johnny Cash, then the name of your band will likely be 'Petty Cash' and one of your gimmicks will be giving out 2 dollar bills to everyone in the front row, <b>or</b> the girl who gets up and dances to your favorite song, <b>or</b> as change when someone buys your merch or pays the cover. People who LOVE Johnny Cash and Tom Petty will be there and to them, your song selection has already passed inspection-without even playing a note. The crowd will be waiting anxiously for the next song they can sing along to or the next trivia question they can answer. You will make a connection that lasts and your next show will be even more successful.<br />
Branding is important. and the Marketing Specialist will help you get it right.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stylist</b></span>- Who dresses the band? Yeah, I know, it's weird trying to dress a certain way. Your stage and beyond clothing choices should reflect the public's perception of your 'style'. You probably think that each member of the band should just dress in whatever makes them comfortable. BUT, if that was 'how it's done' then how would KISS, DEVO, The Ramone's, The Beatles, The Blues Brothers, Metallica, Judas Priest, Motley Crue, Stray Cats, etc. have communicated to you what type of music they played with a picture?<br />
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I know there are more (especially when it comes to putting together an album, for example), but I think this is a good start. How much time have you put into considering which member of your band is currently dealing with one or more of these responsibilities? Who is in your band BECAUSE they are good at one of these responsibilities?<br />
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Anyway.......Food for thought and discussion, I guess.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-81794318773702894372013-09-22T09:59:00.003-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.485-07:00Sister Sandoz<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh9Ss2xj4fVzPFqJJdZx9MQJt5XZlnZzdYYEgXdzszHMCrJatoY0kBLUp0MiIMQZUkelC8PQ6LLce97ei-uXvYD5DbcpWu32tibatgYcrOtUoAEx6AehZs4Bm7751R3BABqhHS9hMlds/s1600/6L6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh9Ss2xj4fVzPFqJJdZx9MQJt5XZlnZzdYYEgXdzszHMCrJatoY0kBLUp0MiIMQZUkelC8PQ6LLce97ei-uXvYD5DbcpWu32tibatgYcrOtUoAEx6AehZs4Bm7751R3BABqhHS9hMlds/s320/6L6.jpeg" height="299" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Trino Prados- Bassist</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Russ Hearst- Guitar, </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Back Up Vocals</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Russell Bell- Guitar</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Eric Moore- Percussion</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Becky Sandoz Carlisle- Vocalist</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The '90s called. They want grunge to come back! 6L6 is a refreshing cover band specializing in the new oldies! <br /><br />Sister Sandoz will rock you like you keep begging to be rocked!!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14px;">They cover many of the alternative songs from the 90s & today, & have a few '80s faves in the mix. If you wanna hear System of a Down, Nirvana, No Doubt, the Ramones, Joan Jett, & Jackyl in the same show, then 6L6 is your new favorite band!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Call Becky at </span></span><span style="line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">478-951-1085</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: normal;"></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-39285228059918664192013-09-16T06:54:00.000-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.393-07:00Uncle Earl and Friends<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151802481128844" target="_blank">Uncle Earl and Friends promo video on Facebook!!</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Band Name & Members "Uncle Earl & Friends"- Uncle Earl Tribble (Drums & Vocals) Al Scarborough (Bass & Vocals) & Ben Caldwell (Guitar & Vocals).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Contact Earl for booking! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">prodrummer67@windstream.net</span><br />
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Uncle Earl wanted to put a band together but found all the musicians he wanted to work with were committed to other bands and projects. He worked around the musician's schedules by calling on other friends that played. About 6 months into scheduling gigs, he had his core players in Al Scarborough (Bass & Vocals) & Ben Caldwell (Guitar & Vocals). The result is a 3 piece group that focuses on tight harmonies and grooves. The band, when needed, also adds Sax, Keys, Trumpet, Harmonica and occasionally a female singer. These are Uncle Earls "Friends". We also have a lot of horn players that sit-in on regular gigs. It would not be uncommon to see 3 different sax players at any given show!!</div>
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Influences and artists they cover: Wet Willie, The Beatles, Van Morrison, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty,Otis Redding, ZZ Topp and 60's Rock & Soul (Temptations, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, etc.)</div>
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</span><i>Any recent gigs that stand out?</i></div>
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We had some crazy moments on stage with the crowd when we were booked on Tybee Island at this year's Pirates Fest. The whole crowd was in Pirate costumes and partied ALL day and night long. If they liked a certain song they would hold up their mugs and yell "AAARRRHH!!". We drove an electric golf cart to the gig but ran short on power. We were pushed by 4 Pirates to the front door of the club. The whole weekend was an insane party from dusk to dawn!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We really enjoy playing all the clubs around the Middle Georgia area but we call The Dawghouse and Shooter's in Gray our home clubs. The owners/managers/staff are so good to us and all of our friends! The Dawghouse is a great biker bar and Shooter's is great for the whole family. We do different shows for different clubs. That's the great advantage of having 3 lead singers in the same band.
</span><i>What do you see as the best part of the Middle Ga. music scene?</i><span style="font-size: x-small;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"What we love most about the Middle Georgia music scene is the wide variety of music that is played in the clubs around town. We along with other bands will start a set with some Otis Redding move into Charlie Daniels and end with some Pink Floyd. No where else are you going to hear that!!"</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vplBuXM7xSE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-58782976433855016192013-09-01T09:44:00.001-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.445-07:00How to build yourself a great band website for free.<br />
First of all- I have done this.<br />
As a matter of fact this entire website was built for free- exactly the way I am descrrbing it to you.<br />
<br />
I eventually decided to purchase a domain name and pay for my own hosting which I now know was totally unnecessary. I bought the domain name for the 'easy to remember' URL (MidGaLive.com) but I didn't have to....with all of the tools and resources available, having an easy to remember domain name is not nearly as valuable as it used to be.<br />
<br />
So let's get started.<br />
<br />
First, go to Blogger.com and sign up. Yes. It's a Blog. Who cares? Does MidGaLive.com look like a blog? It can be a Blog about your band.<br />
It's free, except you'll have to have a gmail account. There are other free blog services out there...WordPress appears to be very popular, although I have no experience with it; So, for the purpose of this article I'll focus on the one Blogger.com offers. <br />
<br />
You can make it appear any way you want, but I suggest using the templates available and just dressing it up with your own color schemes. It's VERY easy. On the 'layout' window, you can move things around or add 'widgets' these are the tools (or toys) of your site. The calendar, the Contact Form, the advertisments, the 'flyers' you want to post, etc. ...are all added here. Copy/paste/done. <br />
<br />
Once done, you can add 'pages' which are the tabs at the top of this screen. Here are some suggestions for yours...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Bio</strong></span> This can give a history of your band....how you met, your influences, your aversion to mustard sauce on your sardines, whatever. Regardless, MAKE IT INTERESTING. Stretch the truth a little. People will forgive a little stretch of the truth for the sake of entertainment.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>FanOfTheWeek</strong></span> Reward your most active and 'fanatic' fans by giving them a shout out on a page of their own. Tell them you love them for loving you.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>MerchPage</strong></span> You can show pics of the merch you have for sale. Show pics of your T-Shirts, your CD's, koozies, keychains, calendars, condoms, panties, coffee cups, pens, pencils, water bottles, athletic supporters, etc.. You would of course need to go ahead and order one or 2 (I use vistaprint....I get my Tshirts for $5 or less.) Sign up for a PayPal account and then go to the merchant services tab to create a 'button" for your purpose. It'll give you an "HTML code" that you can copy and paste to your page. You have to pay a very small percentage for every transaction- 2.9% plus 30 cents for each transaction. If you sold a ten dollar CD.... your take would be $9.41, not bad.<br />
Your Bands' Merch Store? Done.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>GigCalendar</strong></span> I got mine from Brown Bear software. It's free, but you can pay them for a more advanced version later if you want. It's a brillliant thing to put on your website. <strong>It gives you options that you may not realize you have.</strong><br />
For one, you can make a contest among a small group to get you gigs. These people will compete with one another for a prize of your choosing. The prize could be a free concert at their house, or a lump sum of cash. The contest can be restarted as often as you like. Each person in the competition can have a color coded 'label' that shows up on the calendar telling EVERYONE who booked it....The one with the most bookings will be the winner.<br />
It has a hierarchy style of password protection, which means you can set it up so that several people can add gigs, but only YOU can delete them.<br />
<br />
Oh- and it's a great way to show your fans where you are playing.<br />
<br />
A site like this gives you easy, consistent promotion because it's always in the same place. Share the link with everyone everywhere online. You can make a QR code that links to your website and then put that pic on EVERYTHING. All your merch should have it.....All your business cards, mailers, posters.....stickers....The QR code should be everywhere. It's too easy and too effective to ignore. NOT familiar with it? Check out the tab above labeled QR Code Generator.<br />
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You can collect email addresses of your fans (if they want to give them to you). Just by adding a 'Contact Form' like the one on this page.<br />
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When you write posts, you can add your latest video, or pics from last nights gig, or a link to your Reverbnation, Facebook, Twitter......whatever.<br />
<br />
It's a great FREE tool....and I don't understand why you had not started using it before now. If you have any difficulty.....let me know....I'll help out. Once you get it going, let me know....I'll add a link to your website from your MidGaLive.com page.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Please know that your page here on MidGaLive.com can be turned into a single page website! I can give you access to your own page and you can put anything you want on it. Merch, Links, whatever....<br />MidGaLive.com averages 2000 pageviews per month....and costs you nothing.</strong></span><br />
<br />
So, if you're nervous about building one from scratch.....The offer is there....just let me know....Send me a message and say...."I want to use MidGaLive.com as a home for my bands single-page website." I can only do this for 82 more bands so, don't wait long....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ok.....Breaks over....and your excuses are dead......Get to work.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-24870315379707059662013-08-19T18:08:00.004-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.363-07:00Big Daddy and Company<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
These guys really get the crowd moving. I saw them take a club and turn it completely upside down......The night began with a decent sized crowd, and within 30 minutes, the dance floor was full people were groovin' away.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHopj4CWHbxLS9C3yixEr0PiwkEyvcmHOglqkOdm3IC0xk6XAHbtp-UBxWKQh2nd96Vh0Lhnt3BsqgMgQ52fbr9PGZMt8RWwIJ_uohxk1eLjUBRpJJuKADVMrnOEC7M2rhm7f6a4G-dE/s1600/Big+Daddy+and+Company+cherry+blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHopj4CWHbxLS9C3yixEr0PiwkEyvcmHOglqkOdm3IC0xk6XAHbtp-UBxWKQh2nd96Vh0Lhnt3BsqgMgQ52fbr9PGZMt8RWwIJ_uohxk1eLjUBRpJJuKADVMrnOEC7M2rhm7f6a4G-dE/s320/Big+Daddy+and+Company+cherry+blossom.jpg" width="320" /></a>Paul (Big Daddy) Carreker knows how to get the crowd hoppin'. He picks the right songs at the right time. He lifts them up with the dance grooves and let's them rest with the slow jams. He keeps this combination going all night long, and unlike many frontmen, he'll get out there and dance too!<br />
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He can belt out the soul like a man twice his age, and he'll pull rock, blues, or funk out of his backpocket like a surgeon selecting a scalpel. It's on, people; It's ON.<br />
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The band has the skills to back him up and everyone walks away spent. They put their heart and soul into all they do and the crowd eats it up. It's no wonder the venues love 'em. They get the crowd sweating and folks have to replenish those liquids somehow. OH. There's a waitress ready to get you hydrated.<br />
What more could you want?<br />
<br />
<em>From their </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/messages/100001141706983#!/DynamicVarietyBand.Hot5" target="_blank"><em>facebook</em></a><em> bio: We are a hot new Dynamic Variety Band, We play many different types of music. We have a little something for all music likes, and tastes. All the members comprise a wealth of years of music and experience and knowledge on the local music scene. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>WE LOVE TO ENTERTAIN YOU!!!!!!! <br /><br />Lead Singer, Band Leader Paul Carreker "aka" Big Daddy, Percussion, James Hayes, Lead Guitar, Eddie Stevens, Bass Guitar, Vocals Eric MaGouirk, and Keyboards, Mike Harrell.</em><br />
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For booking contact Big Daddy himself at 478-297-1035.....and tell him I sent ya!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-45827757397484894272013-08-18T08:36:00.000-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.413-07:00Keith PattersonGreat lead guitar player with band experience, but is just as much of a showman onstage alone with his acoustic.<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-3233951666596793352013-08-11T06:31:00.000-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.305-07:00Big Mike & The Booty Papas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gKOl7hEfAmnizJuzFy9nCFmduXp02IGhvuNeVownIrD2x2v4ul4wpoN7q_cMiUnOED1I6bCFjLtSZDOH3t7KxfmCUZNZ8C3fBuFyYSmEsY83ioyLKg8SPMo9ZQ3J9NPjiTOMQ6z0t2I/s1600/big+mike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gKOl7hEfAmnizJuzFy9nCFmduXp02IGhvuNeVownIrD2x2v4ul4wpoN7q_cMiUnOED1I6bCFjLtSZDOH3t7KxfmCUZNZ8C3fBuFyYSmEsY83ioyLKg8SPMo9ZQ3J9NPjiTOMQ6z0t2I/s320/big+mike.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Mike-and-the-Booty-Papas/193006936289?id=193006936289&sk=info#!/pages/Big-Mike-and-the-Booty-Papas/193006936289" target="_blank">FB page</a>:<br />
"Whether you’re carrying the world on your shoulders or primed for a good time Big Mike and the Booty Papas know exactly what to do to get you up and moving. One thing is certain, you won’t leave the show the same way you came in. Chances are with Big Mike and the Booty Papas in the house you’ll be shakin’ what your moma gave you before the night is through…dancin’, laughin’ and lovin’ your worries away."<br />
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There's not much I could add to that. These guys really know how it's supposed to be done.<br />
<br />
I saw him perform at a blues club probably 12 years ago. He had me chuckling at his witicisms and his observations. Early in the night he announced: "Don't waste yer money on the bubble gum machine in the bathroom! The gum has gone bad ......but it makes one hell of a bubble." Later, I ended up in the bathroom and looking around, I wondered where the bubble gum machine was...and why would anyone put a bubble gum machine in a men's room in the first place? I had given up my search when I saw the condom machine and realized what he was talking about. I laughed so hard that night.....and I still crack up everytime that memory strikes me.<br />
<br />
THAT'S what Big Mike does, and does better than anyone else in Middle Ga.: He gives you memories. Every show is special. The music is authentic. The banter is fresh, creative, and hilarious. You leave with a story to tell the next day or a silly comment to talk about 12 years later.<br />
<br />
I got the honor of meeting Big Mike a few years ago. Back then, he certainly fit the moniker, BIG Mike, and it appeared to me his heart was even bigger than he was. Everyone I talk to who knows him will pretty much say the same thing -"He is the kindest guy you could hope to find."<br />
<br />
Check him out and ask around. You won't find better live entertainment in these parts than Big Mike and the Booty Papa's.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Big-Mike-and-the-Booty-Papas/193006936289" target="_blank">Big Mike and the Booty Papa's on FB</a><br />
<a href="http://bootypapa.com/" target="_blank">bootypapa.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-70090506679981656312013-07-29T15:12:00.000-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.470-07:00The Matt Brantley Band<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisH5ycsjaHKAba430J4bAHI-Iq6Oy7bMWaLcNUKHEtw0PYauNCbYo4ht6imz4Rl_pfVWrPY-Y3l20mgphSA1aQ-GErp0VY4pAXNaB0DfEmwoPi3ObDPM0sbQAC68Xh-Ewt7uwKrcB2UJ4/s1600/Matt+Brantley+Band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisH5ycsjaHKAba430J4bAHI-Iq6Oy7bMWaLcNUKHEtw0PYauNCbYo4ht6imz4Rl_pfVWrPY-Y3l20mgphSA1aQ-GErp0VY4pAXNaB0DfEmwoPi3ObDPM0sbQAC68Xh-Ewt7uwKrcB2UJ4/s320/Matt+Brantley+Band.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I just heard their debut<br />
WOW! these guys are going to tear it up!<br />
They will be playing Sept 21 in Sandersville.<br />
<br />
I have GOT to check this out!!!<br />
<br />
<strong>From Their Reverbnation Bio:</strong><br />
<br />
Matt Brantley is the 2012 second place winner of the Milledgeville Idol. He's bursting onto the Middle GA. music scene playing covers ranging from classic country gold to edgier newer country. But, don't mistake this boy from Ivey GA. for some spit polished, Music Row boxed and packaged deal. You just have to come to one of his shows and check him out. His band is made up of top notch players from his hometown and out of Sandersville GA. Ken Zeke Dixon also from Ivey is one of his two more than capable guitarist, along with Jason Black. Laying down the groove on bass is Chris Lanthrip. And the foundation of the band is Johnny Brewer on the drums. This is a tight group of musicians breathing life back into a suffocating music scene, not to mention they can throw one helluva party. If you're ever out and you see a flyer for this band, take note and go check 'em out. It'll be well worth your time and money!!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/themattbrantleyband/song/18117980-i-tore-up-our-love-song?1336410755#!/themattbrantleyband" target="_blank">The Matt Brantley Band on Reverbnation!</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-35966767644920241462013-07-24T06:53:00.000-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.377-07:00Mystery Road<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 12pt -1.05pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzBXea2pyq8FYUvI8jk8M3llr3_DIpySFwnEJQ5K8NtWjCGg0kWENePtODqWa-B0XXIZDgr0PkULxTxAT5R4em4DOu8nxJJ3v_hK7GiV8AmdFb6bz4reS0Kp8_UPOIAyKe4c567erCWw/s1600/Mystery+Road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzBXea2pyq8FYUvI8jk8M3llr3_DIpySFwnEJQ5K8NtWjCGg0kWENePtODqWa-B0XXIZDgr0PkULxTxAT5R4em4DOu8nxJJ3v_hK7GiV8AmdFb6bz4reS0Kp8_UPOIAyKe4c567erCWw/s1600/Mystery+Road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzBXea2pyq8FYUvI8jk8M3llr3_DIpySFwnEJQ5K8NtWjCGg0kWENePtODqWa-B0XXIZDgr0PkULxTxAT5R4em4DOu8nxJJ3v_hK7GiV8AmdFb6bz4reS0Kp8_UPOIAyKe4c567erCWw/s320/Mystery+Road.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />If you're looking for a band who can really perform in the spirit and sound of the Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughn; you must look no further! These guys rock!!Check 'em out!!!</span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mysteryroad"><span style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.facebook.com/mysteryroad</span></a> </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/mysteryroad1"><span style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.reverbnation.com/mysteryroad1</span></a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 12pt -1.05pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Email: <a href="mailto:mysteryroad1@yahoo.com">mysteryroad1@yahoo.com</a></span><br />
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<br />
Mystery Road was forged in early 2010, from the ashes of various Middle Georgia bands.<br />
<br />
The band plays evocative cover versions of songs by influential blues, rock, soul, and funk artists, and is currently rehearsing original songs that will become its debut album.<br />
In 2011 the band opened for country music legend Marty Stuart at the 2011 Smoke on the Water BBQ and Bluegrass festival, and female blues legend E.G. Kight at the 2011 Barnesville BBQ and Blues Festival. They were also featured on television on Channel 13 WMAZ “Summer Concert Series,” played the Hummingbird’s “Big Bird Bash,” the 2011 Bragg Jam, and Third Street Park for First Friday Fest, all in downtown Macon.<br />
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Mystery Road played a large part in the 2011 GABBA Fest, opening the weekend-long celebration with a show at Cox Capitol Theatre and opening for Cowboy, and hosting the “members jam” at the Big House the following day. A New Year’s Eve show at the historic Grant’s Lounge closed out 2011, about the same time the January issue of Hittin’ the Note magazine hit stands, which features a review of Mystery Road’s five-song demo, recorded in August 2011.<br />
The year of 2012 was a promising one, even through various changes in personnel. Again, Mystery Road played a huge part of the 2012 GABBA fest, opening for the band Kettle Of Fish at the Cox Capitol Theatre and again hosting the "members jam" at the Middle Georgia Raceway in Byron, Ga. In 1970, the Raceway was the site of the historic 2nd Annual Atlanta Pop Festival, which included acts such as The Allman Brothers Band, B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, etc.<br />
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<br />
Mystery Road is:<br />
Gregg Brooks - vocals<br />
Chance Royal – guitar and slide<br />
Chris Patterson - guitar and slide<br />
Justin Raffield – drums and vocals<br />
Robin Mauldin - bass and vocals <br />
Wayne Pierce – keys<br />
<br />
Check out this video by Gregg and Lisa Brooks!<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="800" src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=598041580216368" width="400"></iframe>
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In 2011 and 2012, Guitarist Chance Royal was a District Finalist in the Guitar Center King of the Blues contest, a search for the nation’s best undiscovered guitarist. Chance was one of eight finalists in the GA-SC-NC district, selected from 250 contestants.<br />
Mystery Road creates a genre-bending sound, fusing rock, blues, soul and funk. But their focus is the fun and fellowship enjoyed through powerful, liberating music.<br />
For more information<br />
<br />
email <a href="mailto:mysteryroad1@yahoo.com">mysteryroad1@yahoo.com</a><br />
or call 706-975-3684.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Check the calendar below to find out where to see them next!!!</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-60854173945732112222013-07-21T20:02:00.000-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.454-07:00Need Extra Money?...... Be a Booking Agent Part 2To work as a booking agent......I prefer the term "Booking Partner".....you need to know a little bit about the things the band looks at when they do their own booking. Your results should be greater than the results they had before you came along....but consistent with the bands perspective of the details. Of course you'll do things differently, but hopefully better.<br />
<br />
Here are some terms you should be familiar with. You should also find out how and if these things affect your band.<br />
1.The dreaded 1099.<br />
2. House PA<br />
3. Door<br />
4. % of Sales<br />
5. Merch Sales<br />
6. Ticket sales<br />
7. Set up and Tear down situation. (How difficult will it be, how early can you set up and sound check...etc.?)<br />
8. PRO License- This may not affect your band, per se', but I think it's something to look for. <br />
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Here is an example of a list ofconcerns that you and the band need to figure out. Feel free to copy and use to make your pitch to the band.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I need 6 things from
you…<br />
1. <span style="color: #00b050;">DO NOT BOTHER LIST</span>-List of venues/ cities/ days of the week that I
will not be paid for when booked. These should be venues that you have played
at before, or venues that you will be able to book yourself with ease. I WILL
CHARGE YOU A BOOKING FEE FOR ALL OTHER VENUES BOOKED, NO MATTER WHO BOOKS IT. I
am advertising for you through every channel possible and there is no way to
know how far my advertising has reached. The alternative would be that I have COMPLETE EXCLUSIVITY in booking you at venues. If you do not provide this list, it means that you do not want to have the option to book yourself anywhere.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">List it as :</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Venue City</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2. <span style="color: #00b050;">MILEAGE</span> Starting point for calculating distance. One
band members’ address, or landmark centered between band members locations. I
will add 1 dollar per mile/per band member to the bands fee for any travel
beyond 50 miles from:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">_________________________________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3. <span style="color: #00b050;">BAND FEE</span><br />
<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;">Public venue</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">flat rate</span>*________<br />
OR<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: red;">Judgement call</span>-Amount
you have charged/would charge….This will help me make a judgement call <br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Crickets
wr (max 75)_____________ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Hummingbird(macon) (max
190) ______________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">WildWings(northmacon)(max 260) _____________</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">*if you set a flat
rate, I will only charge you 10%.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent1;">For private parties-</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Flat rate*__________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">OR<br />
<span style="color: red;">Judgement call</span>-Amount you have charged/would
charge…. This will help me make a judgement call<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">pool
party 20 -50 ________<br />
small wedding reception 50-100_______<br />
large wedding reception (Or NYE) 100+___________</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
*if you set a flat rate, I will only charge you 10%.<br />
<br />
4. <span style="color: #00b050;">SCHEDULING</span>-<br />
All Thursday, Friday, Saturdays are mine. If you are not available, or if you
book something on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday- I get 10% (unless it is on
the DNB list) and you MUST LIST IT ON the Calendar on MidGaLive.com (Password
is midga- Do not list an end date)<br />
ALL BOOKINGS for Thursday, Friday, Saturday Will BE LISTED ON THE Calendar.
It’s how I’ll get paid. <br />
In the event of double booking, the one listed on the calendar first, will take
precedence and the other gig will have to be rescheduled or cancelled.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">5. <span style="color: #00b050;">BOOKING FEE</span>- At the beginning of each month, I’ll
send you an invoice. You can pay me then….with a check or through paypal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Note* If you are doing
a flat rate my fee will be 10% for all bookings.<br />
If the rate is a judgement call, I’ll get 15% for the first gig at a venue, and
10% for every gig at that venue as long as we work together.<br />
<br />
6. <span style="color: #00b050;">PROMO MATERIALS</span>- I’d prefer to create
these myself and you pay half the cost. It will consist of a post card sized
flyer on card stock. These will direct the venue to my phone number or the band
page on MidGa Live.com. All other promo/press will be in digital format that
you will maintain.</span></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-13669444960613213522013-07-17T06:37:00.001-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.320-07:00Need Extra Money? Become a booking agent!<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You wanna start Booking Bands?
There’s money in it, with a minimum amount of stress.<br />
IF you do it right. <br />
<br />
Three things that you need to focus on while you read through:<br />
<br />
1. Building Your Stable<br />
2. Scheduling Gigs<br />
3. Getting paid<br />
<br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">What’s in it for me?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Booking bands is not too difficult, although there are issues that you’ll have
to deal with that you may have never experienced before. The more acts that you
have involved, the more issues you’ll encounter. One act is probably best to
begin with, but in that case you’ll be limited on the variety you can provide
a venue, and you’ll be limited on your income potential; so you may be inclined
to stock your stable with more. <br />
<br />
I would suggest beginning with no more than 3 full bands, a 2
piece act, and a solo act to complete your stable. That’s 5 acts to pull from,
ranging from the biggest outdoor stage to the smallest corner of a coffee shop.<br />
<br />
Working with a full band means that you potentially have more people to promote
the show, which would give the venue a better return on their investment. They
will be able to play bigger, more elaborate events. With solo acts, and most
duos, you have more booking opportunities. Venues that host solos and duos
typically have live music most days of the week, and you have fewer schedules
to work around. Yes, the monetary return is less, but the stress is too.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are getting 15% for each
booking, here’s the rundown…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
BANDS should be booked at a minimum of $120 per person. A DUO should be booked
at a minimum of $250. A solo act should see a minimum of $175.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you have each one working once
on a weekend, you are looking at a minimum of ($785 x .15) $118.00 for a
Saturday night where you are just sitting at home.<br />
<br />
Bands (usually) will play on Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights. If you max
out the schedule, one week could bring you…<br />
<br />
Three -3 piece bands playing Thursday Friday and Saturday- will see $360 times 3 =
$1080<br />
Duo playing 5 nights- wll see $1250 *</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Solo act playing 5 nights- will see $875* <br />
(They should have at least 2 nights a week off for rest.)<br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The money that pays the booking agent comes directly from the above totals, so…<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This particular week (at 15%) gives
the booking agent…. $480. If you have 5 acts that are willing to keep up that
schedule for a full month, you are looking at almost $2000 for talking good
about bands you love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
This is not where you would start out, but this sort of schedule is reachable. That is booking 3 different bands, one gig per week, and then getting work for a duo and a solo act 5 days per week. With all the restaurants, and small bars in Middle Ga. This should be almost easy for someone willing to hustle in their free time.<br /><br />
(I would not suggest you work your bands this hard all the time. You don’t want
to burn them out.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 15% is negotiable….It could be
more….It could be less. Talk to your bands and work out something that makes it
worthwhile for both of you.<br />
<br />
First things, first. You should get into contact with acts that you enjoy. It
is so much easier to book an act if you don’t have to fake your love for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Booking
for Bands</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
A band may have 3, 4 or more members. Each one has his/her own personal calendar
which you’ll have to accommodate. They will also have their own idiosyncracies
that you’ll have to deal with. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Select bands based on their level
of professionalism. Availability is important, but don’t fall into the trap of
booking gigs that the band is not going to want to play. Some bands have gotten
quite accustomed to playing once every two months. If you suddenly have them
playing every weekend, they’ll get burned out pretty quick. Most musicians are
not assertive, or are passive aggressive. These are exactly the types that
won’t ‘cancel’ a gig….They just won’t show. You’ll learn to recognize these
types very quickly. Stay away from bands who don’t respect and appreciate your
work….<br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Booking Duos<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In Booking Duos, you must follow
the same basic guidelines as you would a full band, or solo acts, depending on
the situation. The stress is diminished, because, there are, of course, fewer
personalities at play than with a band. Also, in the event that a member of a BAND
or SOLO ACT is absent, the gig will usually be cancelled, But when dealing with
Duos, the missing member can usually be replaced temporarily, without much
headache and little notice.<br />
<br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Booking a Solo Act</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Solo acts have changed over the last few years. Many use backing music, looping
devices, and digital instruments to augment their sound. In some cases, a
‘solo’ performer will have the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sound</i>
of a full band. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Many venue managers consider a solo
performer to have the impact of ¼ of a full band <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">at most</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some venues welcome
this; especially if they are concerned about the volume of the music or the
space where an act may setup. Many restaurants, and smaller clubs prefer a solo
or duo. Larger clubs, with a dedicated room for live music, prefer full bands; so
pressing them to book a solo act is usually a waste of time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Finding The Right Acts</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
There simply is no substitute for going out to see a band perform. What they do
when you are not involved with them, is exactly what they will do when you are.
You cannot change them. You cannot give them tips to get better that they will
follow. You cannot expect to have an impact on their set list, or stage show. You
will not be asking to be their ‘manager’. Your job will be to get them gigs,
and this should be your primary concern. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Choose
acts that put on a show that people will talk about the next day.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So, the question that you should be
asking is whether or not you feel you can sell the product that they are
providing. If you think that they ALMOST have everything they need to succeed,
then keep on looking. It is not worth your time or the stress involved.
Musicians have fragile egos. If you start trying to make changes, they will
HEAR you saying that they aren’t good enough as they are. Eventually, they will
abandon you: leaving you with dates that must be filled, and both of your
reputations will take a hit.<br />
<br />
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">People who are
motivated by money, can be depended on to show up where they are getting paid
THE MOST.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You
should also choose an act who is mature enough to recognize the monetary
potential.<br />
Indeed, most musicians are lazy and immature and use ‘being a musician’ as an
excuse for not getting a conventional 40 hour a week job. (‘</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Know
thyself</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">,
right? ;) </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">)
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are, however, many musicians
who have found music to be a great option. Some have ‘real’ jobs and use music
as a 2<sup>nd</sup> source of income.<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, if they are taking time
off of their primary job to perform, they may end up losing money. This type
will resent that loss and will not allow that to happen very often. Dealing
with someone who’s primary source of income is not music, could result in a
cancelled gig, in the event they get the opportunity to work overtime at their
primary job. <br />
<br />
I would suggest choosing musicians that either use music as their primary
source of income, OR have real jobs that won’t influence their gig schedule.
Many government jobs lack the potential for overtime, so musicians who work for
the post office, on base, etc. would be good choices also.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Musicians who treat music as nothing
more than a hobby are RIGHT OUT.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
You must take this approach with every member of the band, duo, or the solo
performer. You must gauge their level of commitment to you, and your work. Do
not try to book an act unless everyone involved has the same level of
commitment that you do.<br />
<br />
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They way a musician
cares for his gear, shows you how much he depends on it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">One way to determine the level of
commitment the musician has to his career, is the level of commitment he has
made to his equipment. The amount of investment says something... But how he
treats his equipment shows the real deal.<br />
<br />
A musician who has a good ‘real job’ is likely to have spent a lot on high
quality equipment. A musician whose primary source of income is music probably
has less disposable income, and will make do with the cheapest options
available out of necessity.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In either case, it is not so much
HOW MUCH is spent….as it is HOW WELL his gear is protected, and cared for.<br />
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">These
are just guidelines I’ve used. Feel free come up with your own. <br />
<br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Scheduling</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
There are a few ways to schedule a gig for a band. <br />
You may do it over the phone or online. Usually, these will require an EPK
(electronic press kit) If your band doesn’t have one, they need to have
something that represents what they do. Whether audio, video, or simply an
article about them on a shamelessly self promoted blog such as MidGaLive.com .</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
The other way is to talk to the booking manager in person. In my opinion, this
is the most effective method for smaller clubs or restaurants.<br />
<br />
Tell them you enjoy the live music they’ve hosted, and that you think your band
will fit well in this venue.<br />
<br />
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They will ask what type
of music your band plays….be descriptive, but not too much</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.
<br />
If your band plays <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Last Dance with Mary
Jane</i>, tell them Tom Petty. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Highway to
Hell</i>, tell them AC/DC…The reason for the question is to determine how well
your band fits with their clientele….not to critique your setlist. Tell them
what bands best describe the style your band brings to the table. This person
usually has more important things to do, so don’t be forceful, but be direct
and quick. <br />
<br />
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Know when your band is
available, and be ready to fill whatever slot the venue has open.<br />
</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Use
a calendar that both you and the band can check and edit at a moment’s notice.
The MidGaLive Music Schedule works great for that. If the band is not
available, they can list that date as “not available”. Preferably, they will
list that date as being a “Private Party”, or ‘Practice’. Nobody needs to know
about the drummer’s colonoscopy. Either way, you will know at a glance when your
band is available, and the band won’t have to track you down to make sure you
know what they’re doing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course, you should maintain
close contact with your bands. But when booking with a venue, it is best to get
things done and over with. Having the venue hold interest until you get a
chance to settle on a date with all 5 members of the band, is inefficient at
best….and once you do, you’ll have to pray that the venue doesn’t have something
booked for that date already. REQUIRE THE ACTS IN YOUR STABLE TO KEEP YOU
INFORMED OF AVAILABLE DATES. The MidGaLive Music Schedule is the quickest,
easiest, most effective way to do that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
This schedule is also available for owners to look at when they decide to book
your band later….They’ll know your availability before they call you, which
translates into more bookings. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is also a good way to be on the
lookout for ‘double bookings’. Since it is updated in real time, and available
to all, it is easy to see when a venue already has a band scheduled. This will
help you keep surprises to a minimum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
MidGaLive.com has articles on most of the best local bands with links to all of their promo
materials, EPK’s and videos. Emailing the link to your bands article on
MidGaLive.com will give the venue everything they need.<br />
<br />
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Know the going rate for
the act you are booking, and what they are worth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I came up with a formula for
determining the ‘worth’ of a band. It goes like this.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Number of years</span> of stage experience of the members of the band.<br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">plus</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the <span style="font-size: large;">Number of people</span> <span style="font-size: large;">the band will bring in.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Multiply</span> that number <span style="font-size: large;">by 10</span>. <br />
<br />
I explain this in greater detail <a href="http://www.midgalive.com/2013/01/cheaper-sells-quicker.html" target="_blank">here,</a> but to put it simply.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A
more experienced performer should be able to entertain people who are not familiar with him. A less experienced performer should promote more to make up for the customers that will leave due to his inexperience.<br /><br />If your band is not worth at least 120 dollars per person, you should
reconsider booking this band for now.</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It
is better to overdeliver than oversell.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Do not promise the venue your band
will bring 20 people if you can’t get 2 people to share the event. Your job is
not necessarily considered ‘promotion’, but the way you sell your band does
affect the expectations the venue will have in the bands performance. The best
promotion for this week’s show…..is last week’s show and if they deliver more
than you promised, you’ll find it easier to get the booking again.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Getting
Paid<br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Most
small venues will pay cash at the end of the night. Some would prefer to pay
with a check. If the band takes the payment at the end of the night, you’ll
need to get with the band to get your cut. This is probably the easiest way to
get paid, although there’s a level of trust involved. If you’re dealing with
mature responsible, musicians, this is the method I suggest. Of course,
everyone involved is responsible for understanding their tax responsibilities.<br />
<br />
Some booking agents or managers choose to send an invoice to the venue. Doing
this has it’s risks, too. If a venue is struggling, you may not be able to cash
the check for a few weeks, if at all. Venues who cut checks are more likely to
issue 1099’s at the end of the year. Before you book the band, you should find
out if the venue does this and charge accordingly. If you are having the venue
mail you a check, understand that you will be required to account for all the
money that they’ve sent you… not just your take.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Any band you have booked, will be
expecting you to make sure they are paid. If the venue decides to pay less at
the end of the night, or if the venue tells the band that they will just be
paying you later, you’ll be in the hotseat. Know how to handle the situation
and become familiar with small claims court. Venues that play this sort of game
are not that common, but they do exist. If you run across one, let people know.<br />
<br />
There are MANY issues, that I just don’t have the time to cover…..and even if I
could….it may not do you any good. The only way to learn how to do this, is to
do it.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So do it.<br />
<br />
Select a band you are familiar with and ask them to let you do their booking.<br />
Find a venue you like that regularly hosts a similar style of music.<br />
Book the gig.<br />
Party like a Rock Star.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The High Points</b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">When you discuss this with the band you've selected, here are some things that should be addressed:<br /><br />1. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Area</b></span>- bands will not want you to book them in places that they've already booked themselves. They will most likely prefer that you book them somewhere out of town.<br />Also, you want to be paid for your work, so I suggest an agreement .<br />I would organize it this way. Before you begin, ask the band to list the venues that they have played before. Anything you booked outside of this list, you get paid for every gig played there for one year. The year starts on the day of the first gig played there. If either of you dissolve the relationship, then the gigs in venues you have introduced the band to, will still be listed as the venues you will be paid for booking until the year is out IF other gigs are played there.The decisions are to be made betwen you and the band....These are only my suggestions!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scheduling</b></span>- Most booking agents limit the gigs that the bands can book on their own. The reason is usually due to scheduling conflicts. Solution; Require that the band and Booking agent use the MidGaLive Music Schedule. Whatever gig is listed first gets that date. This way the band is free to book on their own, and the booking agent doesn't have to worry about conflicts. If the band is unwilling, or too immature to keep this caveat, you probably shouldn't be booking for them anyway.<br />If a member of the band is busy, or cannot play on a date in question, he can book his band as "Unavailable", "Private Party", or "Practice". This will provide a little advertisement for anyone watching the schedule and inform the rest of the band and booking agent of availability. Any member of the band can post to the schedule, and if he is not available he should list the BAND as not available if the band can't perform without him.<br />Also, don't forget to discuss 'time' issues with the band. If someone doesn't get off from their 'regular job' until five, don't book them for a gig 50 miles away at 5:30 on a Friday Afternoon. A rushed band is not as prepared as a relaxed one. This is only my suggestion. The decision should be made between you and the band.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3.<b> <span style="font-size: large;">Fee</span></b> - Bands need to charge more for travel. I suggest anything beyond 50 miles gets an extra 1$ per member/per mile. In other words, a solo act performing 55 miles away will be paid $180 instead of $175.....a 3 piece band will be paid $375 instead of $360. Choose a landmark and Google maps to determine the distance to the venue in question. Charge the venue the amount the band agrees to, and you'll make everyone happy.<br />Everyone involved wants to be paid as much as possible, so find out what the band considers to be their bare minimum before you get started. Later is not the time to find out that you are booking the band too cheap. Get the most possible for your bands and you'll rarely have loyalty issues.<br />Also, regarding your 15% fee....You might consider offering to the band a discount in your fee for repeat gigs....For example; the first time a band plays at a venue, You charge 15%. Everytime they play there after (for the next year) You only take 10%. Or even as low as 5%.Granted, you need to continue to recieve passive income from the venues you introduce the band to, but the amount is up to you and the band! These are only my suggestions.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Promo Materials</b> -<span style="font-size: small;">find out what the band has available for promo. This may include flyers, demo's, or Press Packs.Use these as needed but be sure you discuss with the band who is responsible for maintaining the stock. These can be a substantial cost to reproduce so someone will need to come out of pocket to provide them. I suggest that the person who can get it done the cheapest be responsible for maintaining the stock and every member of the band plus the booking agent split the cost evenly. All of these decisions should be made between you and the band. <br /><br />These are only my suggestions, and if I can help you out let me know!!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-16091680737978997792013-03-25T08:08:00.004-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.329-07:00Finding Your NicheHave you ever heard of Joey Holiday?<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ynIM7fPNV3g?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>If you're a trucker you probably have. He plays "Truckin' Music", and he stays within that. Listening to these songs, you can almost feel the wind in your hair and the pride of being the lion of the highway. It's Country twang, and you can almost hear the shifting of gears, while the songs set the tone for your 8 hours of getting the job done.<br />
<br />
Joey has found a niche that fits him.....If you don't live this lifestyle, they'd see right through you. He has found a market that is constantly out there working, while listening to music. He has a customer base that is fanatic, and growing. The fans of this music LIVE it.....and the musicians they support do too.<br />
<br />
This what I mean by differentiating yourself from the rest of the pack. Choose a style that fits you, so that you can be yourself, and never have a need to compromise your values (or lack thereof). But choose a way of presenting that style to focus your energy on people who will appreciate what you do, and support it.<br />
<br />
Look at it this way......<br />
<br />
James Taylor and Eric Clapton seem to be the choice for a certain group of listener.<br />
Jimmy Buffet and Kenny Chesney seem to play a style that appeals to people of a certain attitude (or 'latitude', if you will). <br />
Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Jamey Johnson speak for a particular group of people.<br />
If you can recognize how these examples apply, I think you will be on your way to forming a BRAND. By playing it in your style, you will not please everyone......but those that do love you will be fanatic about it.<br />
<br />
Find out where your heart is and play there. Most may not like you, but there are a few others who will have a voracious appetite for your presentation.......<br />
<br />
.......and isn't that what we all want?<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-46564826389186730762013-03-17T11:00:00.001-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.419-07:00Fiddlers Blues Band<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafnKSiuRp_JDepSPDR5Vc2UYltBki6Rqf6CTzHec239bZjSGOcJu1X0CJhjY1vhOJBRZ6_ucSX1PfgY5SobAokLqJQQJnbt0BVz2QfX0HEU21a3B_TxZw3yEmt3url5oRcOCJ9CIY9c8/s1600/fiddlerslogocopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafnKSiuRp_JDepSPDR5Vc2UYltBki6Rqf6CTzHec239bZjSGOcJu1X0CJhjY1vhOJBRZ6_ucSX1PfgY5SobAokLqJQQJnbt0BVz2QfX0HEU21a3B_TxZw3yEmt3url5oRcOCJ9CIY9c8/s320/fiddlerslogocopy.jpg" width="191" /></a>Fiddlers Blues band out of Columbus brings the 'Kit Shickin'" back to Middle Ga.<br />
Check out their website!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://fiddlersbluesband.com/">http://fiddlersbluesband.com/</a><br />
<br />
Pull on yer boots and get ready for the kind of hoe down you write home about!<br />
<br />
They read the crowd (cause readin' print is fer city folk) and give you what you came for.....A moonshine swillin', dance floor killin', rockin' good time! The keep it focused on real music. From classic and new country to southern rock..... from bluegrass stomps to jazz standards. And, of course, the blues.<br />
<br />
Git in, Git down, and be proud of your country roots....Fiddlers Blues Band will make you pine for that old pickup truck, the sweet smell of fresh cut grass, and swimmin' in the crick.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-1159931771563929612013-03-17T10:29:00.004-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.265-07:00Wayne Minor Band<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTZdZ4hv15HupRK24eus1BIL4qzb0EBArAF5hO2ZzqGmzXw6KR2lVQchLXUouei0j-g0QWYevHq3lULxwKrjzdrVKE0TC7oRO9llDTUXnVpgHqypRSwhYaBDtN32Nqm-P9wRSNnG55TU/s1600/Wayne+Minor+Band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTZdZ4hv15HupRK24eus1BIL4qzb0EBArAF5hO2ZzqGmzXw6KR2lVQchLXUouei0j-g0QWYevHq3lULxwKrjzdrVKE0TC7oRO9llDTUXnVpgHqypRSwhYaBDtN32Nqm-P9wRSNnG55TU/s320/Wayne+Minor+Band.jpg" width="320" /></a>2 keyboards, guitar and drums. An unusual setup to be sure, but the Wayne Minor Band makes full use of this setup to rock the crowd.<br />
<br />
The songwriting will remind you of Leon Russell. The execution is flawless and the arrangement is painstakingly tight and purposeful, but doesn't lose that all to elusive feel.You won't spend a moment at a Wayne Minor Band show, wondering who else is playing around town. These guys know how to craft the soundtrack of your night. Check out this live recording done by Mark Foley:<br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/50472237" target="_blank">Wayne Minor Band Live at Fountainfest</a><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />
This is one of the rare bands that other bands seek out to learn from.Don't pass up an opportunity to check them out live.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wayneminor.com/">http://www.wayneminor.com/</a></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-44608810319376888262013-03-11T05:09:00.000-07:002021-09-03T17:27:56.407-07:00LegenDerry Vs. the Big Hairy Monster <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53fjIEM-xOuHJBV900IE38iNfrg_2RkNnZUVdbUu92y9raZ9kvUn-y2NQnhxZ7dfutJdZ9ATkbTegcQpS26ezZy2YRkE1yPHklXPY232tsQWnwQGhV3JFZwhfFnM6XdY5iK0zSA85dh0/s1600/Derry+bhm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53fjIEM-xOuHJBV900IE38iNfrg_2RkNnZUVdbUu92y9raZ9kvUn-y2NQnhxZ7dfutJdZ9ATkbTegcQpS26ezZy2YRkE1yPHklXPY232tsQWnwQGhV3JFZwhfFnM6XdY5iK0zSA85dh0/s400/Derry+bhm.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a>The outrageous frontman for Ran$om has teamed up with the oddball geniuses of Big Hairy Monster to provide Middle Ga. with a much needed kick in the nuts.....(or maybe that was just me).<br />
<br />
I want to add more to this article, but I simply can't- If the first sentence doesn't excite you then nothing I say could. <br />
<br />
Derry has been a staple a round town for a few years now, and has always put on a great show. The band playing behind him as Ransom, have always been great musicians able to pull out an obscure cover with no preparation at all. Derry has always taken this quality of the band and highlighted it to the thrill of the crowd. His shows are always fun to watch, as there is rarely a repeat from the gig before.<br />
<br />
Big Hairy Monster is band of music afficionados who had gotten tired of the same old music being pandered around town.They started writing originals, and playing covers that lesser bands were afraid to touch. This led to Big Hairy Monster being considered by many to be the "cream on top of the cream of the crop".<br />
<br />
Combining these two will undoubtedly be the highlight of the year. I can't wait.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42210863842200289.post-89166977260211694172013-03-02T09:25:00.000-08:002021-09-03T17:27:56.517-07:00March Forth and September Twenty Seconds<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfOMMAhJVSgpTxmIh8eUJ3r7MCN936z4FwQ1QcCMNSWh6YmwDXmK5jSosJnOWZU48mvY3mHvOFjLkFlLquuwnSgsTFIe8KXZAff0J4MuaSRHzJ1YyURSMcpg5n4DP4ARz4cRNXf0zs-I/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfOMMAhJVSgpTxmIh8eUJ3r7MCN936z4FwQ1QcCMNSWh6YmwDXmK5jSosJnOWZU48mvY3mHvOFjLkFlLquuwnSgsTFIe8KXZAff0J4MuaSRHzJ1YyURSMcpg5n4DP4ARz4cRNXf0zs-I/s320/034.JPG" width="320" /></a>A few years ago I put together a birthday party for my wife...I was of course, booked to play that night. I got the idea that I could make it a birthday party for others born around the same date.<br />
I found people on FB with birthdays within a week of my wife's.<br />
I contacted these people individually, and asked if they wanted to participate. Several people wanted to but it was Memorial day weekend and they already had plans out of town. Of the 12 that I asked, 3 were available and agreed to participate. I got each of them an extra large cupcake of their favorite design, and a tshirt. Each person brought their own birthday party to the same location. I ended up with a substantial crowd.....70 people... All but 6 were there for the birthday party. If not for 'my birthday party crowd', the place would have been dead. <br />
<br />
Many in this crowd had never seen or heard of me before. I was sure to give out plenty of business cards and copies of my original music. That one event gave me new friends, and fans that have come out to support me ever since. I have gotten to perform at private parties, a Christmas Party, a New Year's Party and office parties because of someone's attendance at this one event.<br />
<br />
My birthday is March 4th. It just so happens that March Fourth is the only day of the year that is also a command ("March Forth!" for those of you from Twiggs County). I've also noticed that a few other local musicians have birthdays around that same time, so I'm thinking that it would be a cool idea to have all of us born around late Feb/early March get together and have a big birthday jam.....<br />
<br />
Then the good ideas started coming.....<br />
<br />
My brother's Birthday is September 22....and the most common birthday of the year is within a week of that..(Sept 16)...So, here's my plan......<br />
<br />
If your Birthday falls between Feb25 through March 11....Let's have a big birthday bash....one night, one big party! Contact me and let me know you want to participate.... we'll get a venue who'll love to have the business....and we'll make it happen.!!! We'll do it next year....I'm thinking the first weekend in March. Contact me at <span style="color: red;">c</span><a href="mailto:chrisnpope@gmail.com"><span style="color: red;">hrisnpope@gmail.com</span></a> I need to know how many to tell the venue to plan for, and I need to know how big a venue to book.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwj6qzRTYhtPBajwWtGcQCYlM4VjqvdIfyUecpoVLLcFdFHSGy2tOEGhMG0kmvRc9_QOzhITUSgEy5PfvFUkGNY0XxGrdjNRXjKKLKi2tmSLGsEbVZmSy_cQqAEUjIzEtQ1m4m1HtGs_U/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
If your birthday is between Sept 16 and Sept 29 let Uncle Earl Tribble know.......It's far enough out to plan for and we could put together a birthday blowout to pack the house. His email address is <span class="prs"><a href="mailto:prodrummer67@windstream.net"><span style="color: red;">prodrummer67@windstr</span></a><a href="mailto:prodrummer67@windstream.net"><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span style="color: red;">eam.net</span></a> CONTACT HIM EARLY! He needs to know how many people to tell the venue to plan for.</span><br />
<br />
Having everyone's birthdays listed on FB makes it easier to personally invite people we may otherwise not have a reason to engage. If each one of us attending will seek out others to invite to have their birthday parties at the same location, it could open some doors for private parties, office Christmas parties, and increase the attendance at our public gigs. The one event like this that I did, really helped me out alot!<br />
<br />
So if you are a musician get with Earl and plan the best birthday blow out ever for September 21st.<br />
Or get with me to plan the best birthday blowout bash in early March of 2014.....<br /><br />OR finally put 2 and 2 together and turn your next gig into a birthday party for someone you have never met.<br /><br />Who knows......maybe you'll get a crowd that night.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Come check us out, and have your friends do it too!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0