BAND SCENE GONE IN JOHNSTOWN - HELP!

[Peachz28]

If anyone hasn't noticed lately the band scene has been slowly dying here in Johnstown... Dougherty's Terratory and Shooters is closed.

Henry D's won't have bands any more - nor will the Boulevard Grill. And just this week - Around the Corner just announced no more bands.

Griffith's and the Country Inn are all ol'school rockers - nothing I am truly into seeing.

That leaves us with what - Westmont Gardens - argh... Or driving the whole way to Ebensburgh to see a band..

This suxs!

[BT]

The Pony Lounge is still running bands on a regular basis. Great management, bartenders that hustle, nice stage.... and ponies!

[shadesofjuneGuitar]

SOJ has felt the effects locally in the last few months ... several places are cancelling out bands and it is getting harder and harder to find places to play.

[Bert|Evil]

If anyone hasn't noticed lately the band scene has been slowly dying here in Johnstown... Dougherty's Terratory and Shooters is closed.

Henry D's won't have bands any more - nor will the Boulevard Grill. And just this week - Around the Corner just announced no more bands.

Griffith's and the Country Inn are all ol'school rockers - nothing I am truly into seeing.

That leaves us with what - Westmont Gardens - argh... Or driving the whole way to Ebensburgh to see a band..

This suxs!

Blee'dat!! It's been going down hill for some time, though!!

[gymnast]

Through the grapevine, I heard that someone actually bought dougherty's. They are planning on being open at the end of July (they will miss thunder this year), but I don't think they realized just how much work will need done to get that place looking decent again.

I think Bradies (used to be wild cherry Inn) in Portage still has bands from time to time.

[onetooloud]

When did the boulevard grille stop having bands? This must be new!

I just ran sound there for the Pivot benefit on the 14th of May to a large crowd.

This past Saturday the 21st of May Yum played there, This also was to a sizable crowd.

Was that it???

I don't know if anyone noticed or not but the Johnstown paper ran an ad looking for employees at Legends.

[Peachz28]

Yes Dougherty's is sold...

The new owner stated they will be opening in August. I think it would be more advantageous to open briefly for Thunder then close to complete repairs/remodeling - if that is what they are doing....

I have heard from multiple sources Boulevard cancelled all bookings for the rest of the year... Who knows what they are doing...

As far as the Pony Lounge.. Not a bad place to see a band - need to start getting more rockin bands and we should start populating that bar more. It seems so dead all the time.

[esa]

Jae and I talked about this...about how anymore you can't smoke in bars (hell, I'd say 80% of us musicians smoke like fiends) and you can't drive anywhere with out Mr. Po Po pulling you over (after singling you out) and you definitely can't have bands anymore because the neighbors bitch...

So this is what's going to happen. Someone is going to invest in a large estate out in the country...turn it into a soundproofed "house" and then invite people over. These people will "donate" $1.75 for a beer and they will have "unscheduled band jam" sessions on a regular basis. That's what will have to happen. I wish big brother would start getting out of this kind of stuff and get back overseas (ending this war faster) where he belongs.

[Craven Sound]

The Pony Lounge is still running bands on a regular basis. Great management, bartenders that hustle, nice stage.... and ponies!

They built a stage?? It's been a long time since I've been there. I remember the people that worked there were cool as sheet, but the lack-of-stage really sucked.
I've heard that Westmont treats their bands more like patrons, than they do guests; charging them for this and that, and making them wire their own mics. I wouldn't be surprised if bands stopped wanting to play there, just because they get treated like crap.

[songsmith]

Ya, the stage there is pretty kickin'...it's almost TOO tall. SideStep had a good time there, despite half of us crawling from our death-beds (flu) to do that show. I like how that room sounds, too, as long as you don't get too loud and get the standing waves too much. It's pretty dead soundwise, but not too dead, and it's built asymetrical, which helps any room's sound. Cool place.---->JMS

[shadesofjuneGuitar]

The Pony Lounge is still running bands on a regular basis. Great management, bartenders that hustle, nice stage.... and ponies!

They built a stage?? It's been a long time since I've been there. I remember the people that worked there were cool as sheet, but the lack-of-stage really sucked.
I've heard that Westmont treats their bands more like patrons, than they do guests; charging them for this and that, and making them wire their own mics. I wouldn't be surprised if bands stopped wanting to play there, just because they get treated like crap.

I'LL AGREE TO THAT ...

We played Westmont Gardens two times in the past few months ... and I have never been treated worse at a bar. They were just plain rude to us, and we had a huge problem with money.

I'm not saying the sound guy ... he did his job and was more than courteous ... I'm talking about the bar staff ... One example is - I stood at the bar for 15 minutes waiting to BUY a draft and then ... after they finally served me - they made a comment that we took a long break. The funny thing is ... when I was at the bar, there was only one other person waiting to get served beer ... they were just sitting there staring at me.

[Peachz28]

So the word from bar owners seems to be... DJs cost less and bring in more people.. Which in turn means more money for the bar.

Have we totally surpassed going to see live bands in general..

How does one increase the attendance in order for bands to give DJs such as DJ Hock a run for their money..

[DMFJ03]

I've said this before in several other threads.

You want to give DJ's a run for their money? This is what you have to do. Gather up all he DJ's, collect their songs, learn every single one of them to a T, and be able to take any requests that people may have.

People like DJ's because 99.999999999999999999999999% of the time, they have any song that you want. Don't be fooled if a DJ says "We don't have that, sorry." Chances are, they do have it, and just don't want to play it. I've been around the business long enough to know.

Or, alternative number two...move to an area were bands are dominant. Sorry to say, it isn't in this area.

[Mackovyak]

It isn't this area either!!!!

To compete, in my opinion, J's right.....

Learn songs, and learn them well. Everything......


Or.....

Come up with a Gimmick

Or.....

Write some really good songs

Or all of the above.

One thing I've noticed about the bands that are really successful 'garage bands' whether it was Pennsylvania or down here in Florida (and this goes for acoustic artists as well).

1. They know their craft and are practiced up. Songs aren't half assed and each member knows their instrument. Example...solos are exact or better, not just lackluster.

2. Stage Presence prevails. This is a big one that you can compete with DJ's. You have 4 or 5 different people on stage...do they get along? Are you having fun? Do they interact with the crowd? If you're having fun up on stage, then the crowd usually is.....even if it's 4 people sitting at a table in the corner of the bar.

3. What do you bring that's different? Let's say I'm owner of Bar X in Johnstown. Bar X is pretty popular. The Hurricanes and In played last weekend to a decent crowd, the Clarks played here last month, John Stiffler plays every wednesday, and Beyond Reason (sorry guys, just throwing out names) is here on Friday. You want to play here Saturday, but I've been getting some requests for DJ Hock or god forbid Karaokoke.
We had party music, classic rock and blues, original music, ect. for the past few weeks. People often get bored with the same scene.

When I was in college, the only real big 80's band I remembered was Velveeta, now there's tons. Which is fine by me! But how long until hearing "Talk Dirty to Me" by another band is enough? Especially when a DJ will spin it all night for half the price?

I honestly watched it happen down here first hand.....When I moved here in '02, the live music scene was great. Especially for acoustic players. Such a cool vibe, jam sessions, ect.

Then came the I-pod and karaoke backing machine grrrrrrrr. It was cool at first, then everyone bought one.

Eventually, the guys stopped even playing solos and lost all stage presence.

Bar owners started to get pissed they were paying for live music. Mtv making Miami hip hop central didn't help.

Anyway, Today the only solo guy that's even remotely doing well is Glenn Govot..one of the original guys with the Karaoke backing, and it's because he still has his personality and chops.


I don't really know where this tangent is going, but I see bands up there doing so well and others not, and I don't think it's really because of lack of talent, but maybe because they're being overshadowed by some of the bands that really have their shit together.

Blind Johnny Death - I've never had the chance to see them, but everyone's raving. Different Style of music, Good chops, and those guys are always advertising.


Personally, I took a different route down here. I don't have the chops, never did, and when I practice, I play bass. I'm still a bass player damn it. I've cut my acoustic shows down to once a month and it's back to basics. No backing machine, just me and an acoustic.

I play the usual acoustic I-IV-V Sing alongs, cuss a lot, and drink too much. And that's my market. I think people at my shows have fun, because I'm having fun and I always try to put out the vibe of being around a campfire. "I'm just there hanging out too, I just happen to have the guitar in my hand."



I guess my real point is that even though Johnstown maybe looking bad for live music, it's happening everywhere, so don't get discouraged. Do it to have fun whether is 5 or 500. Work hard, advertise, and people will come.......unless I'm playing nearby! J/K!!!





Justin

[Ron]

Words of wisdom Justin, I'm the type who would rather see a bad, unknown band than a world famous DJ, but I'm an exception to the rule.

One way to help insure that a band will have gigs in the future is to keep practicing and working at becoming a better band. Bar owners can't really expect much from DJ's, but a band that is tight and knows their music well will impress every time.

[JayBird]

Bouldvard Grill...not sure their reasoning, but they cancelled out all of my bands about a month ago...not sure why when the bands were all making the venue a nice profit.

As for Griffith's in Armagh...they don't just have old school rockers. Lost Ledny and Shades of June both play there and pack the house. The only band thing about that place - they don't really advertise on their outdoor sign, so many times people aren't aware of the bands. However, Ledny will be there on July 2 and SOJ has a tenative July date as well. Ever see 200+ people squeeze into Griff's? Show up in July for an experience!

Dougherty's has been sold to one of the old workers who tended bar while Dougherty's was opened. It's only a matter of time before it's back and running.

As for Shooter's - the old fucks who live behind that place all need kicked out of their "rascals" and drug behind them. Noise violations - give me a break. Rowdy patrons outside causing trouble - maybe look at the young fast and furious punks whoe fill up that parking lot on a nightly basis reving their engines and cracking the fart pipes. Excuses, excuses...There is a bigger problem as to why all these bars are closing down or not booking bands. People are afraid to drink outside of their homes now-a-days. DUI - you can't afford it! Well not shit - who really has $10,000 to pay for fines, lawyer cost, jail time, impound fees, etc. I thought there were laws against entrapment...correct? Well venture up to Philly Street in Indiana on and given weekend. Watch the streets fill up with town cops and state cops...almost three per block waiting for people to pull out from the parking spots and possibly not have a turn signal on for long enough, or maybe they didn't flick their high beams off fast enough, maybe they stopped to close to a cross walk. Hell, maybe they even stumbled while attempting to actually walk home instead of driving. The laws in PA are slowly killing the scene. In return this leads to lower bar attendance, lower profits, bars charge higher alcohol prices due to supplier's increasing prices(to compinsate loses) due to bars not selling as much due to stronger DUI laws and fear from patrons. The snowball will only continue to get worse as time goes on.

It's like the war-on-drugs...keep everything illegal so the gov't can profit more off of fines and such as compared to what they would make off of taxing legal drug products. This holds true for alcohol...keep making stronger laws, eventually push out bar owners, make higher fines and reak the profits this way as compared to taxed alcohol profits.

This is only my opinion...and like assholes - everyone (almost everyone) has one.

[Punkinhead]

The Johnstown bar scene is in trouble. The music scene is better than most think though. There are places (like Ace's Lounge) that have shows. It's an all original (not well paying) gig but, in exchange, you'll usually get to play with national acts. Not shitty ones either. They have had bands playing major tours come in on off dates to play. My old band got a shitload of national gigs from that part of the scene (also got us into Pittsburgh and other areas).

The band bar scene in J-town though is like the last remaining person alive floating after the Titanic hit the iceberg. If someone doesn't come rescue it, it's in trouble.

[shadesofjuneGuitar]

Bouldvard Grill...not sure their reasoning, but they cancelled out all of my bands about a month ago...not sure why when the bands were all making the venue a nice profit.

This also boggled my mind when I heard that our remaining dates at the Boulevard were scratched ... We always had a great crowd at the Boulevard and they made money.... So the only thing I can think of is DUI.

As far as Dougherty's re-opening ... it, just like any other bar, will only do well if people get off their ass and actually go out to have a good time. I don't think that the people around here realize that there are several bands doing EXTREMELY big things currently, and they are all very able to become National Touring Bands. They just need support.

[bassist_25]

One way to help insure that a band will have gigs in the future is to keep practicing and working at becoming a better band. Bar owners can't really expect much from DJ's, but a band that is tight and knows their music well will impress every time.

Word.

Economics aside, it's been in my experience that the cream usually does rise to the top. Sometimes a fluke will happen and a crappy band will get some success, but 9 times out of 10, the bands with name recognition are tight on their instruments, projecting with their stage presence, excellent songwriters (if they play any original music), and have their business sense together.

[tonefight]

Griffith's and the Country Inn are all ol'school rockers - nothing I am truly into seeing.

Both places have reasonable cover, resonable beer prices and are always a good time. Get yer canes or walkers out and come on down.

[Griff]

My former band was a local j-town band and I left that band at years end 2004. the reason was I was burnt out in the j-town area. Dont get me wrong we had nice crowds and great people but there is only so may places there to play and when the rest of the band didnt want to play anywhere but then I found the people were getting tierd of us. I was allways one to think play in a few diferant areas and give the town somthing to look forward to when you return. It has been working so far .

[tonefight]

My former band was a local j-town band and I left that band at years end 2004. the reason was I was burnt out in the j-town area. Dont get me wrong we had nice crowds and great people but there is only so may places there to play and when the rest of the band didnt want to play anywhere but then I found the people were getting tierd of us. I was allways one to think play in a few diferant areas and give the town somthing to look forward to when you return. It has been working so far .

Thats definatly a good theory Griff, we don't move around a whole lot but even from Windber to Armaugh to South Fork to Westmont to Ebensburg etc is moving around a little. Alot of Johnstown bands don't want to travel much and I think therefore burn the crowd out. You guys ( Homers Army ) are moving around a whole bunch, I'd probably do that too but I'm too lazy to drive too far to drop of a promo kit.

I'm also seeing people not wanting to travel as much, in other words the people from Ebensburg aren't coming to Windber to see us and Vice Versa, I think alot anymore people are sticking with there home town bar and only going out if they like whats on the schedule for the night. Has anyone else noticed this ? It seems like we have a select group at different places but not as many " Follower" as bands had in the past? Any one else seeing this ?

[Bert|Evil]

Is there any talk as to why Around The Corner canceled the bands? I know that there has been some talk of violence and purse snatchings on week nights, but we all know how rumors can fly.

Nevertheless, it is a shame. ATC is a pretty good place to hear a band.

[Mackovyak]

Has anyone else noticed this ? It seems like we have a select group at different places but not as many " Follower" as bands had in the past? Any one else seeing this ?

I definately hear you. I played St. Patty's day at the Parrot down here, and there wasn't one Portage person??????


But Griff's point is excellent. People don't really want to leave their home area b/c of DUI's and such, but would still like to see you.....just not every weekend rehashing the same songs. Get some distance in your shows (even if it's the next town) and you might see some good results.

On a side note, for those of you in the area, and interested. Blue Knob is booking bands for the winter season. They often throw in a condo for those who have to travel. It's a cool place to play if it's a good season with tourists and a rowdy pack of locals.

(814) 239 - 1024 (Not far from J-town as you know) ask for Doug

[Bert|Evil]

I'm also seeing people not wanting to travel as much, in other words the people from Ebensburg aren't coming to Windber to see us and Vice Versa, I think alot anymore people are sticking with there home town bar and only going out if they like whats on the schedule for the night. Has anyone else noticed this ? It seems like we have a select group at different places but not as many " Follower" as bands had in the past? Any one else seeing this ?

Unfortunately, yes!! There's too much to worry about these days (such as DUI's). If you use an example like Ebensburg, I can attest that fewer people from the surrounding areas (Cresson, Nanty Glo, etc.) are going there, regardless of if it is a band or a DJ.

Let's face it, as much as I support live music, the band scene isn't what it used to be. People get far less satisfaction out of paying a cover, and the bars that actually support live music are slowly dwindling in numbers. On the other hand, I can probably give more credit to today's bands for hanging in there. There's almost an even playing field for those who truly want to be in it.

You're an old timer, Tone. You know what I'm talking about.