LSC
626 posts
Apr 25, 2014
9:58 AM
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If getting gigs wasn't hard enough this conversation I had yesterday takes the cake.
There is this local venue whose owner is a friend of mine. I've played this venue dozens of times off and on over 10 years usually for next to nothing. When a landmark signature statue which oversees the establishment was vandalized a few years ago I came up with the idea of a benefit to fix it, even down to the name of the event. The idea was co-opted by some friends of hers who also took credit but my guys played the benefit for free anyway and were happy to do it.
So about a month ago they decide to become a proper live music venue, invest way more than they had to in a PA, and hired a "talent booker", not his full time job BTW. I was told if I wanted a gig to get in touch with him. So I send four messages and leave a voice mail message as well. I do not even get the courtesy of a reply. Because of the way things are these days and how just not answering seems to be common I gave up.
Yesterday I happened to run into the owner and mentioned the problem I had. I also told her, "Look if he's booking his own clique, fair enough but you'd think I'd at least get the courtesy of a reply." She then told me, with an air of resignation, that she had the same problem. Not returning phone calls. Ignoring her suggestions for bands and even ignoring her when she tells him the PA is too loud. She also figured he's booking his friends.
Then she says, "Well, you just have to deal with who you have to deal with honey."
As I walked back to the car I thought, "WTF, she's paying this guy. It's her place. She owns it. And she puts up with this crap??"
Oddly enough the conversation actually brought me a bit of peace. I've had more frustration with booking gigs in the last year than in 40 years of doing this. I couldn't make sense out of what the hell was going on and what could I do about it. The answer is there is no sense and consequently there is nothing I can do short of winning the lottery.
So I'll keep plugging away like I always have yet with the full realization that the rational amongst the irrational will be few and far between. But I'll still keep looking cause I know they are out there somewhere. I still know a few albeit ever decreasing.
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LSC
Last Edited by LSC on Apr 25, 2014 9:59 AM
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MP
3178 posts
Apr 25, 2014
10:56 AM
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Maybe she is sleeping w/ him? She is an alien being?I've never heard of an owner like this lady you describe. Incredible!
I'm actually kinda fascinated by your experience.
I've booked gigs almost as long as you have so it is a familiar topic.
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shadoe42
293 posts
Apr 25, 2014
11:22 AM
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I have seen owners allow bookers to run them over quite a lot these days.. its always "my hands are tied" um no..you are the owner of the venue...fire said booker...find a new one. I am having a similar issue with a venue as well.
Good luck
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Dr. Rev. Mr. Cheeks Miller
My Electronic Music World
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The Iceman
1607 posts
Apr 25, 2014
11:49 AM
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This lady will probably not succeed in her venture...she doesn't have a strong vision and enough personal power to accomplish her goals. She is trusting in someone else to do it for her...recipe for failure.
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The Iceman
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jawbone
537 posts
Apr 25, 2014
2:53 PM
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Running into that sort of crap was one of the reasons I finally said "Screw it" - I'm too damned old to get stressed out over this - packed in the band, packed up the harps and started building and playing CBG's - I can strum away to me hearts content. I miss entertaining but I finally figured I wasn't entertaining enough - time to go do something else.
I sure envy you guys that can keep at it.
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If it ain't got harp - it ain't really blues!!!!
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J_Bark
4 posts
Apr 25, 2014
2:59 PM
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Having just read the post about the "owners POV" I have to think that she is filling seats and selling drinks with the acts that he is putting in her room.
If she is not, then maybe it's time for a new booking agent in town??
I would think he treats all of his owners like this so maybe there are lots of unhappy customers in the neighborhood.
Hint, hint. . .
cheers,
Jerry
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JustFuya
97 posts
Apr 25, 2014
4:42 PM
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The answer my friend, is blowing in the smoke. Blow them off with your head held high. Leave your card & raise your rate when they call.
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