PLEASE HELP US...

badass1993 · Post by **badass1993** » Tuesday Jul 06, 2010

We are in high school/college and cant play in bars yet , we have nowhere to play, our band is to talented to sit around never getting shows, we play a progressive/metal much like iron maiden,rush,yes etc... we won a battle of the bands competition that consisted of 12 other bands, WE just need somewhere to play so badly its frustrating...

IF ANYONE CAN GIVE SOME IDEA"S OR ANYTHING THAT WOULD HELP !!!
thanks...

hicksjd9 · Post by **hicksjd9** » Tuesday Jul 06, 2010

Local street fair committes/car shows/community events (where they shut down a main street in town) usually love to have young performers. If you find the right committee with a good attitude you could definitely find your way into a lot of these programs. There are also lots of great events around like roar/thunder in the mountains type events that have bands perform. Usually people are very receptive to young and talented musicians. I wouldn't be in such a hurry to start performing in bars, I've done it for years and it's not what it's cracked up to be.

dayzichick · Post by **dayzichick** » Wednesday Jul 07, 2010

There is a place in Johnstown that has underage bands at 709 Railroad Street. Sorry that's the only info I have, maybe google it? Or if someone on Rockpage knows what I'm talking about, maybe give these guys a contact name?

There is also a new venue called VOMA (Venue of Emerging Arts) that is planning on having live music. There are in Cambria City, again in Johnstown and you can become a fan on Facebook to get more info from them.

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Wednesday Jul 07, 2010

Look for Benefits DUDES!! I think the J-town idea is a good one but do some homework...Make it happen, don't wait for it...get in the PA Musician , On ROCKPAGE...who else is doing what....ASK QUESTIONS!!! "Opportunities only pass you by because you weren't looking for them"....Remember I said that....Trust me, I'm guilty of doing just exactly that in the past myself. Good Luck and ROCK the WALK!!

~Skeez

beatlemaniac · Post by **beatlemaniac** » Thursday Jul 08, 2010

you can play anywhere you want. you really don't have to be of a certain age unless you are all under 18 then you will have to wait. All you have to do is ask a place to book you and tell him you will play for the door . Then it's up to you to bring people to see you , then everybody will be happy. I f you can draw people places will see to it that you play their place . good luck you can do that.

RFBuck · Post by **RFBuck** » Saturday Jul 10, 2010

I'm gonna echo JD's statement. Don't rush to the bar scene. If you have to, arrange to have your own little shows for family/friends...maybe someone you know has a huge garage/basement/barn. Have a big get together, charge 'em a buck. Your friends will bring friends, and you can build a following.

hicksjd9 · Post by **hicksjd9** » Saturday Jul 10, 2010

Let me explain my reasoning about playing in bars just a bit further. Generally, in a bar, you are going to be background music. Other than your close friends (at first) very few people are generally there to see live music. You will find that it will take you a very long time to build a following playing in bars, BUT if you invested that time playing for people your age and you are really good, you could build a HUGE following (because teenagers aren't like the typical bar crowd, they will actually go to see music and get into it) and by the time you are old enough to play in bars, those people will follow you there, and you'll be a juggernaut. Buck has some good ideas.

Just some food for thought. Every gig I've ever played for teens has been a hundred times better than any bar gig. People are singing along and having fun, there's almost always a huge crowd out front. I don't know, there's just definitely a better vibe. But, of course, YMMV.

Post by **Jim Price** » Saturday Jul 10, 2010

I echo some of what already was suggested above.

Regarding dayzichick's suggestion about 709 Railroad Street; they have a website, www.myideaoffun.org, where you can contact them (email = info@myideaoffun.org). They also do some things with Satori Gallery and VOMA, so that might be a possibility.

You might also contact Ryan Wapner of An Emergency Scene in Altoona, which does the all-ages shows at Eldolyn Terrace. While metal and progressive aren't the prominent flavors at the Eldolyn shows, Ryan might have contacts with possible shows and situations you can hook up with. Networking with him might be beneficial. An Emergency Scene's Myspace is www.myspace.com/anemergencyscene.

Benefits too are a good idea; keep your ears open for organizers looking for bands. You might also contact Chris at The Underground, in case he's putting together any more shows in the future.

Stay in touch with the area music stores. Ace's Music Sales does two outdoor "Customer Appreciation Day" show events each summer, and you might be able to perform at one of those. Also, Music Emporium just did their 20th anniversary sale with performers playing in the parking lot, sometimes shows like that come along and you might get in on them if you stay in touch.

And watch for opportunities when area colleges start back up in late August and September. Student organizations at Penn State Altoona, St. Francis, UPJ, IUP and other schools might be looking for bands to play at events once school is back in session.

There are opportunities out there, just keep your eyes and ears open. Good luck!

RFBuck · Post by **RFBuck** » Sunday Jul 11, 2010

Definitely talk with Rick at Ace's....get your name in early. Rick's a great guy, and is always looking to showcase good AND upcoming talent at his event.

And once again, JD is right. Unless you've managed to drag what friends/family/fans you've built up, you're background music. Don't be disappointed when you play your first bar gig and the floor doesn't fill up with screaming people but instead people with their backs to you at the bar talking or watching whatever sporting event is on the TV (Which is an ass burner to me. People have bitched because they can't hear the TV...then go home and watch it!! If the band's name is marked everywhere, then you know they're coming and you know what to expect...grab a six or two and head for the privacy of the couch if it means that much to you to know exactly how many yards your favorite player gained on that play). When you're new you gotta be strong & hungry and earn their attention, which is tough considering how many bands have passed thru that place before you. If you can't turn their heads in the first couple tries it may pay off to look elsewhere especially if you're playing for the door.

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Monday Jul 12, 2010

RFBuck wrote:Definitely talk with Rick at Ace's....get your name in early. Rick's a great guy, and is always looking to showcase good AND upcoming talent at his event.

And once again, JD is right. Unless you've managed to drag what friends/family/fans you've built up, you're background music. Don't be disappointed when you play your first bar gig and the floor doesn't fill up with screaming people but instead people with their backs to you at the bar talking or watching whatever sporting event is on the TV (Which is an ass burner to me. People have bitched because they can't hear the TV...then go home and watch it!! If the band's name is marked everywhere, then you know they're coming and you know what to expect...grab a six or two and head for the privacy of the couch if it means that much to you to know exactly how many yards your favorite player gained on that play). When you're new you gotta be strong & hungry and earn their attention, which is tough considering how many bands have passed thru that place before you. If you can't turn their heads in the first couple tries it may pay off to look elsewhere especially if you're playing for the door.

Yep!