What Happened To all The Local Bands !!!!

[BigJohn]

What Happened To all The Local Bands !!!! I used to have to hurt peoples feeling because I didn't have room in the schedule for everyone. Know I can't even fill the month I'm in. I used to book bands three and four nights a week, all local Blair county boy's or at least dam close, know I have trouble filling two. I KNOW THE MONEY THING IS AN ISSUE, WELL THING ARE A LITTLE BETTER AROUND HERE IF YOU BRING A CROWD WITH YOU YOU WILL MAKE MONEY !!! But the real issue seems to be the local talent pool which use to run over Know seems to be running dry!!! Help !!! Big J

[Imgrimm01]

Wish I had an answer for ya John BUT I don't. What I do know is that we ( THE GRIMM ) LOVE to play there and will continue to do so as long as you continue to have us. And to any band reading this forum for what it's worth to ya John and the crew at Peter C's are and have always been great to us and to the local scene as a whole . MUCH MUCH better than some other clubs ( which I will not name ) ecspecially to original acts. We owe our start to John , he gave us a shot when no one would !

[JayBird]

Hey Big John...I sent you tons of e-mails asking to rebook LOST LEDNY. I never received a reply back from you. They played there(a few times) over a year ago, you posted pictures on your website from some of their shows and then the bookings just stopped and we could never get ahold of you...I called, I e-mailed, I replied to posts you put on the rockpage, etc.

www.lostledny.com
www.jagermusic.com

[shadesofjuneGuitar]

Shades of June also wouldn't mind getting back into your club and other surrounding clubs, but we never got returns either. We opened for a couple of bands after forming our new band and our response was great... then - we never got booked for our own show.

[songsmith]

Peter C's is a great place to play... I've been there when magic was being made, I've had some of the best onstage times of my career there, and Big John always made me feel like part of the family there, even though he never paid the rent with what I spent on beer. Step up, people! It's a good time waiting to happen!---->JMS

[wake up drumming]

Hey John,

I think a lot of things figure into this and you and I have just talked about this recently too.

It just ain't like it used to be!! I can remember playing Pete's when I was 18 in a no-name band from up the mountain and the place would be packed! No matter who played or what was going on, live entertainment was the number 1 priority to music fans and club owners alike. Now-a-days, it's getting really really difficult for a band to find a good club and a club owner to find a good band.

DJ's and Karaoke have all but nearly ruined the music scene. Why? Club owner's can get them much cheaper than a band, the crowd gets to hear exactly what songs they wanna hear, set up and tear down is minimal, etc. etc., Another thing is the strict D.U.I. laws. 2 beers pretty much puts you over the limit, and with the harsh D.U.I. penaltys most people don't wanna take the chance. Add all this to the fact that there is basically no room for bands who wanna swim against the tide a little. Fickle crowds with no appreciation for something new or original makes a lot of guys like me frustrated at times! Let's face it, if your not doing 80's, disco, party tunes, or the same old nicleback, pantera (walk) cover songs, then your chances are slim. Bands see something that works for another band and milk it dry. People won't expand their horizons unless we all work together to create a new atmosphere. Up to a couple years ago, I played music for a living, now I'm happy to have a day job and play for my own self enjoyment.

It's not all bad and sorry if it seems like I'm bitching. There are many things working against us at all times and if we want to improve the scene we have to all do something about it.

P.S. - John, you know we love playing your place, I'll be over this week to fill in some dates!

[tornandfrayed]

Frayed played Peter C's and we had a great time. Unfortunately Frayed only lasted for 1 year. I felt the band was very strong but wanted to diversify so that it would not become a parody of itself. The band was not able to diversify so it no longer exists. I know this sounds stupid but I believe that the key ingredient to becoming successful is longevity. If you can communicate and work together to resolve difference then things can and will move forward.

I am working to build another band from the ground up but there seems to be few people who want to do a band that focuses on original music. I just don't get off too much on trying to mimic other bands.

I am appaled at the lack of creativity on the original scene here in central PA. I know that you book original bands and the succes of "The Grimm" does prove that it can work. I know that there are bands that work to become unique but i believe that they are the exception.

I think that people are too money hungry too really pursue the goal of creating a band that has a personality ( any perosnality! ). I think that many things come into play on this and also agree with WUD on his comments oin the DUI situation.

Judging by the posts here you will get your band and I look forward to playing there again ASAP.

My band vision has more to do with the entire presentation of a band and an attitude, a personality and well done , well rehearsed original music. Also there is such thing as putting on as show.

[str8h8]

I don't talk about what goes wrong in bands to others, so I won't. BUT, as far as the local band thing goes....one major issue that has just recently bothered me is the fact that you bust your ass and bend over backwards to make stuff work and then you get to the gig and their are all of 12 people in the room and maybe 2 of them care that a band is on stage.

People don't want to pay $5 to see any band in this area, I know I don't even like the cover charges around here. I can drive over to Pittsburgh (say Nick's Fat City) , spend no more than $4-5 on cover and see 3 - 4 quality bands playing 99% original music and beer is the same price as it is here. The biggest difference though.....PEOPLE! The bars are packed, no matter what band is playing.

I don't want to spend $5 to see bands playing the same Alice in Chains and Tool songs....especially if they are playing bad versions of these songs.
The only cover band in this area I like and feel are worth $5 are Wake Up Screaming, which I supported Saturday night at Aldo's but again, a practically empty room....which is sad 'cause those guys flat out mash!

Maybe I made sense, maybe not? I agree with WUD, this scene is non-existent these days.

</rant>

[tornandfrayed]

Point well made, I agree. Which brings us back to using "No cover charge" as a promotional tool. I think there are musicians that would go that route but most won't.

[JayBird]

I'm all for NO COVER if the bar is willing to pay a decent amount to the band. Mel's in Somerset promotes their NO COVER like crazy. It's not the biggest bar and it sure isn't the best bar, but they still pack people. Oh yeah...the owner has no problem paying $300-$500 for a band. Her alcohol prices are the same as everywhere else, etc. So if this little bar can do it, then why the hell can't the other bars...they can! Many times a bar will promote the NO COVER and want to pay a band $100-$200. Sometimes that won't even cover your gas expense, toll charge, and maybe a slushy from the quickie mart!

I do however have to agree...the live music scene is dead anymore. Most men don't like going to a club and listening to BSB or Nelly or whoever. Guess who does though...the ladies...guess what the guys want...uh huh...the ladies. So the guys go to the DJ spots to scope out the females eventhough they may be metal heads. That is just my point of view.

[Jim Price]

My observations from covering the scene for as long as I have is that it's cyclical. I've seen times when bands were plentiful, followed by times when bands are in a state of flux, disbanding and reforming new bands, etc. Right now, we seem to be in one of those "flux" periods.

As for the discussion of people not wanting to see bands - as far as I'm concerned, it boils down to EDUCATION. The music scene needs to continually educate the public about who it is and what it does. We can gripe about 10-20 people showing up, but ultimately it's up to each band to sink the effort into educating people about who they are and what music they do - and sell yourselves to new fans about why they would want to pay a cover to see you perform. There ARE other options out there for the public to choose from, from deejays to karaoke to mechanical bulls. What do you or your band offer that would make somebody choose you over the robotic cow?

Having said that, I think musicians and bands in this area are slowly coming around to understanding the importance of advertising and marketing to draw new people to see them. I'm seeing more flyers, show advertisements and band schedules on tables. Also hats off to Infused and Frayed (R.I.P.) for giving out CD samplers of their music at shows - this is how you get new people interested in who you are and what you do!

[tornandfrayed]

Again I agree. The DUI enforcement crackdown has made it more dangerous to go out drinking. I don't drink but I do go see bands almost every weekend. JP you can attest to that I have run into you enough. I don't believe that you have to become annebriated (?) to have a good time watching a band. I also believe in the designated driver idea. As far as people getting shitfaced, if anyone ever see's me in a club and they are too intoxicated to safely drive home let me know, I will take you home.

I will concede to JP on the cyclical nature of the scene and hope that I can;

A. See the influx of new bands
B. Get some people interested in a new band
C. Create a new band that has more to offer then just another jukebox.

[tom]

John,
There are bands out there, you just have to look in the right places.

As far a cover charges go, I dont think that is the problem. I see it as more apathy than anything else. People need a reason to go out to a club... Just having a band is not enough.
As a business owner, YOU need to find fresh ways to entice a crowd to come to your establishment. Both you and the band need to advertise, and promote the shows.
I have seen several local bands who fill local stages in this area, but they are the ones who are out promoting themselves, and have their schedules filled months ahead of time.
With the possibility of 2 new night clubs opening on the north side of town there will be additional competition, so club owners who know how to adapt will prosper...
Best of luck John, I would hate to see a club that has been instrumental in maintaining the active music scene become discouraged

But what the hell do I know?

[HurricaneBob]

Big John has gave the Hurricanes a home for 4 years now every thursday and it never gets old. Weve been pretty lucky to still have our 30+ crowd come out every week plus alot of younger faces. We used to have a 3 dollar cover but just changed this year to a buck. Whats funny was for the 4 yrs the cover didnt matter, its the economy now. I quit a lucritive IT position because it was getting in the way of my playing and travel so money is an issue with me. I support myself solely on my drumming with the Canes and being 3 piece helps alot. We are not a band to ask for an outrageous amount of money to play. Thats prolly why we are playing 4 nights a week booked till Dec. Club owners told me some of the prices some bands want and its just silly. (A first time band wanting $1500 LOL) Sure if you can pack it for them but thats never a given. The question is, what are we really worth?

[tonefight]

Don't wanna offend but Judging by previous posts it doesn't sound like you offer a good deal,

Why make one of my friends sit and take all the harrassment at the door collecting money?

Why pay for a sound system when I have one?

Why use my own and pay to move the one thats there?

Why play a bar for the door when it is well known that the locals don't show up for new and out of town bands?

Why bother with all this when other bars are offering $100 - $175 plus the door and some of them get a good Crowd?

[Punkinhead]

Martyrdom too sent an email and got no reply....but, as it is, alot of the bands, especially those who want to play their own music, find it more beneficial to not play the bars...This is because the kids that go to the underage/underground shows are more into what bands do...Additionally, alot of touring acts are avoiding the bars in this area...We have a show coming up with Byzantine(Prosthetic Records, fresh off of a tour w/ Shadows Fall and Lamb of God) and Summer Dying (the number one unsigned metal act in the US for 2 years running) and we got it by avoiding bars and staying underground....

We did a little showcase at a Johnstown bar and got asked to play a country song.....We're death metal, so I'm sure it was meant to be humorous but, who needs the hassle when something else works so well?

[lonewolf]

My offer to do the solo thing that sounds like a classic rock band still stands. Biggest bang for the buck.

By the way, I played there on 5/22 at the Relay for Life kickoff. Hope you had a chance to hear it.

[the herald]

i like jims view on the "flux" thing but seriously the whole scene in altoona is weird, at one moment there could be 3 people at the bar 15 minutes later theres 50 and then an hour later theres 3 again people around here and in general these days like to hop around like i brought up in the cover vs no cover post theres so many bars in altoona its hard to round everyone up in one place, ive played at Peter Cs many times and for awhile we were playing there every tuesday night, where was everyone???? even local heroes the Hurricanes have been having inconsistent nights i dont know if it was the gas prices or what!? but last thursday was awesome!!!! nice crowd , good time it was good to see that at a cane show

[bassist_25]

I quit a lucritive IT position because it was getting in the way of my playing and travel

That was probaly a good career move; right now the music industry seems to be more stable than the IT field. Even though I do still work in computers, I've decided to go back to college for something else.

I think part of the problem with the IT field (other than outsourcing) is when the tech boom hit in the 90s, everybody went to school for it. Now, everybody and their brother is an MCSE with a Master's Degree in computer science. I think that the field will eventually even out in a few years, until then, people are going to think about second careers.

...........but this thread isn't about the state of the computer industry......

[facingwest]

I've called and sent emails as well, but honestly haven't heard anything back. *SHRUG*

[ZappasXWife]

I have been an active fan of live music for over half of my (long) life, and I would like to add my opinion...I have indeed noticed a definite pattern of ups and downs of just what music is around. I guess thats normal, you see the same thing with the quality of recorded music out there in any given decade. I mean, excellence and interesting music is always out there but sometimes its more underground. I also agree that the all-age shows draw sometimes HUGE crowds. Are they all there for the music? Well, of course not, but its still encouraging for the future of live music to see most of them really getting into it. Maybe with Classic Attitudes closing, some venues will see improved attendance (although rumors of their closing have been around for quite awhile). The point I agree with the most is something some of you hit on, but it takes a girl to really see it...whoever said that the women want to hear Nelly and the guys follow them is absolutely right! Some of you who know me know that many of my friends are men. Why? Music is my passion, and I am interested in reading and learning all I can about it. I bet not one of my girlfriends (at least ones closer to my age, but many young ones too)know who Alex Lifeson is...what Dream Theatre is...what instrument Frank Zappa played(and who is he?)...who Dickie Betts is...many cannot LISTEN to a song without talking throughout it or whining because they can't dance to it. I have to talk girls into going with me to hear the music I like, but they either don't show up or leave early. My guy friends will go in a heartbeat, and always GET the music. Sorry, but talking about clothes, Home Interior decorations, and children is not my cup of tea. Now, the girls on Rockpage...well, thats different. Like preaching to the choir. Its really embarassing, but most women have no real interest or knowledge of music beyond how cute the guitar player is and guys, some will seem like they know whats up (the one I hear all the time ' I like all kinds of music', NEVER a good sign), then you will hear their car throbbing as they drive away playing 50 Cent. I hope I have not offended any girls out there who may be the tasteful minority, I don't mean you, but I wanted all of you to know how weird many women think it is to truly embrace music instead of TV. They expect it from guys, but don't get it.
Not really much you can do about it, although in my own life I am exposing my 14 yr old daughter to lots of music, books, etc (and she has turned me on to some great stuff too), thats about all you can do. So, guys, if you have any daughters please pay special attention to exposing them to all the excellent music you can, because they're not going to get much of it from their friends. My daughter LOVES most of the stuff I've turned her onto. She is my inspiration and hope for the new generation!

[wake up drumming]

I've always had one motto:

I'd rather shake the hand of a man who was there to appreciate the music than sleep with the woman who can't remember the name of my band.

Take that for what you will.

[byndrsn]

I've always had one motto:

I'd rather shake the hand of a man who was there to appreciate the music than sleep with the woman who can't remember the name of my band.

Take that for what you will.

What did she look like??

[wake up drumming]

LOL! Depends what one we're talking about here!

[Punkinhead]

I've always had one motto:

I'd rather shake the hand of a man who was there to appreciate the music than sleep with the woman who can't remember the name of my band.

Take that for what you will.

AGREED!