Musicians and Performers for a Better Future

Comment

Comment by Gina Bass on August 14, 2008 at 8:05am

How about instead of many small venues, which will at best bring get only local media play. I mean if we're gonna dream why don't we dream big. How about a large festival somewhere in Katrinaland, like Geldofs Live Aid. One artist that I know kicks back money from her concert appearances to local causes is Bonnie Raitt , I'm sure many others do as well. I think the timing is excellent for this. Inventors and people developing sustainable energy plays could be given a venue to display their ideas where investors could learn and see demonstrations. Sustainable energy companies could also show their products. In reality its not any harder than shuffling many small venues and would have national and internation impact. Try to imagine Shai Agassi introducing Willie Nelson at a huge Bonnaroo type affair. I think it can be done.

Comment by Warner Working on August 13, 2008 at 11:15am

I have signed up to both Mackane’s and Obama’s website this is how I reply to Obama’s email messages. So fare I have received none from Mackane. Feel free to copy.

Look I don’t care about any of this political gamesmanship by ether candidate.

If you want my vote tell me you will support the Pickens Plan or something like it and also insure me that the jobs it creates will go to Americans not some overseas corporation.

If we can keep the 700 billion dollars a year we are paying to our enemies here at home creating jobs, then I can work make my own money and afforded to go to a doctor on my own and won’t need the government to take care of me or my family like I was a child.

Do the right thing.

also check out my sons group http://www.madeofpeople.com/

Comment by Reverend Jake on August 13, 2008 at 6:42am

I think online collaboration is an excellent idea. Let's start writing and see what we get.

Regarding venues, we need people to organize events in their area. Right now, I have one commited venue in Northern VA and 3 groups willing to play there. We need more, and I can't do it all.

Multiple venues in the same area would be good. Bourbon Street, Bleaker Street in New York (Red Lion, Terra Blujes etc.), Adams Morgan in D.C. or 6th Street in Austin would be good places to start. Can anybody scout these or other areas?

I've got some New York people and might be able to swing the Red Lion and some performers like the Good Rats or Nick Clemens, but it's a more than long shot without sponsorship.

We need to pick a date and plan for it, with as many cities as possible getting on line. We need 3 months for media warnings and press releases. These press releases must identify venues and performers. I don't think the major media will pay attention to any single performer, but if we can get 50 venues and over a hundred performers, we will be sure to get attention. If we can get this number in 3-4 months, the projected event date would be next Spring. Earth Day would be a good target date.

Unless we get major sponsors, all of this will have to be organized from the bottom up. And it will be difficult to ask performers to do all the leg work and then play for free. When you do that, you tend to get whart you pay for. As a CD producer and record company owner I can contribute a little, by my label and stable are small and won't be enough.

I've had some good input about potential sponsors, but this takes time. Anyone got a contact at the major automakers selling hybrids? Or with alternative power companies? It wouldn't have to be a marketing person; just someone who can point us to the right people to pitch.

Just some ideas. Let me know what you think,

Rev. Jake

Comment by Janice Brown on August 12, 2008 at 7:10pm

I think Reverend Jake mentioned a D.C. local scene. I am in New York, not too far from D.C. I'm sure both markets are great for live acts. It would be a breeze to bounce back and forth. I would like to spend a majority the next few years focusing on contributing, in whatever way I can to this effort. When is the next event, and where and am I being invited to participate?

Comment by Janice Brown on August 12, 2008 at 7:03pm

Thanks Seth.

Comment by Reverend Jake on August 12, 2008 at 7:26am

I agree that some artists may need to be compensated and hopefully we can get sponsors to pick up the tab for this event. I would consider this compensation as more of an honorarium than pay.
I've got some musicians that I can call on to help, and they will work for a fraction of their normal fee, but they can't afford to give up the potential for a better paying opportunity for nothing. I will pay them out of pocket.

As regards negotiating better compensation, an organization would be great. The unions used to proivide this support, but since the 60's they have withered away.

Regarding sidestepping the industry, it can be done. I've been doing it successfully for thirty years. I've booked thousand of gigs by myself (my musicians and I are always well compensated) and I have produced, marketed and sold thre CDs. I have distributed many thousands, and they can currently be found on six continents. I had one in Antarctica for a while, covering all seven, but people aren't allowed to leave anything behind, so my friend had to bring it back with him.

We are the industry. The talent drives the bus, but we have to take the wheel and take the risks too.

Comment by seth sprouse on August 12, 2008 at 6:36am

I like your attitude Janice!

Comment by Janice Brown on August 11, 2008 at 1:16pm

Seth is right, artists need to be compensated. I have paid enough dues providing free entertainment for club promoters only interested in lining their own pockets. No one is looking to get rich--by tomorrow--but if there was some kind of minimal stipend, like $100 bucks per show, eventually we could share in the profits that usually go to the promoter and venue. I have always wondered why the promoter get the lion share of the spoils, when it is the artist that draws the revenue. If we were to become a cooperative of performers, them we could manage ourselves and desider who we want to do the accounting, the booking, the number of performers needed for the length of performance time, the rotation, etc... We could do this right now because of the internet. No one has ever tried to side step the major label but we are attempting to side step big oil, in order to force change in alternative energy--this should be a whole lot easier because the market will dictate who it wants to listen to. Commercial radio just want to make money--we can give them that. Come on--let's get started!

Comment by seth sprouse on August 7, 2008 at 1:07pm

If it will get us all some PAYING gigs and help spread the word, I am all for it!

Comment by Reverend Jake on August 7, 2008 at 11:37am

A friend suggested that we attempt to reach beyond the Pickens group for support. This is a good place to find alternative energy supporters, but we may wish to solicit other alternative energy or environmental organizations. SHould we consider pursuing corporate sponsorship?

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