A Night Out?

[MOONDOGGY]

I haven't read the last 4 or 5 posts because they're too long for my lazy brain to read, but since everyone is disagreeing on all these little points, how about we do this simple concept:

TRY IT! Let's actually make phone calls to a bar in the area (pref. Altoona) like Peter C's, Pelle's, City or anywhere else, and assign a date for this show. Then get a list of bands willing to play and a list of equipment donors. We'll advertise the heck out of it (radio, flyers, maybe even one of them cheap late-nite TV ads). And then we'll have ourselves a show.

As for the 'screening process', since there aren't too many garage bands made up of 16 year old kids here on RP, the sign-up list should be done here. I would expect the likes of the Grimm, FV and the Wiseguys, 4 Days/Sauce Monster, the Nightcrawlers, etc...and any other well-known original local bands that play any genre music to be on the list. I would also expect to see a few bands that I haven't heard of, which should have a tape ready to send to whoever is running the show (a bar owner or fellow Rockpager or whatever). If the tape is absolutely terrible, tell that band they cannot play.....yet. If it sounded half-talented, give 'em a shot.

If you's guys could take your energy used on arguing, and put it towards making this show a real thing, then we could have ourselves the All Original Extravaganza in a month or so. I would be willing to make up some flyers and distribute in the Altoona area. I would also be willing to lend whatever bass equipment I have at the time.

[FatVin]

I think there is a distinction to be made here between a "Cover Band" and a band that will play covers.

The guys who show up for free beer slog out the same ol set of tired old tunes cause they know they go over and because they are easy.

I'm talking about wedding bands and they guys who show up just stand there stiff and flog off sloppy versions of "Old Time Rock and roll", BTO and the easier Creedence stuff and Freebird, and Louie Louie, and Cocaine, out of laziness or because it's the most their limited talents will allow them to play,

Those are "Cover bands", Those are Jukebox bands, and let's be honest, you can play the Firehall, VFW, circuit and make pretty good money doing it. most of those guys won't be bothered to read, let alone post on Rockpage.

For the rest of us, You play the music you are passionate about. Sometimes it was simply written by somebody else, nothing wrong with that. I've said it before, you can make a hell of a statement with the covers you CHOOSE to play.

I think if you don't have a lot of confidence your writing, go ahead and play the covers, get some stagecraft cause that's important,

If you work on your writing good originals will come, it takes a while to get good at writing songs, I think.

In the meantime, a live show that celebrates homegrown songwriters is a good thing and should be encouraged, I just wanted to make sure that all genres were invited. Hey JP, where is the Backyard Rocker in all of this?

anyway there is a diffrerence between the "we're here for Beer" bands and, honest to God, musicians, whether or not they play songs written by somebody else, you won't see too much of the former on Rockpage anyway.

[tornandfrayed]

Well, You say you want a REVOLUTION?

Vinnie, you know I would not ever limit this to a "genre". I just am not getting any calls from many different diverse styles here. I mean it seems like the metal and harder bands are the only ones committed to originals.

I would love to mix styles as long as it is promoted that way. If people know in advance that they could see anything then anything goes! Fuck em if they don't like it! No ones coming out anyways! If you pormote a "Metal Night" then make it metal but if you promotes all original come see what we have to offer, then....

Steve, you guys are one of the truely unique original bands in the area. I never doubted that 4 Days Dirtty would be completely involved in this.

"Bad Daze" guys. This is n ot a flame war. This ain't no disco. That is not my beautiful wife. Really, come on. If you don't want to help then don't post. I understand that you guys are doing what you want and having a good time doing it. Kudos to you and I wish you continued success!
I am never going to bash people who are following their heart. Music is the universal language, let's use it to make things better, to bring together the different styles, the genres, to creat a stronger entity that will eventually help everyone in the area.

So, respond! But let's not fight! Cover bands if you have three songs let's do a cover band "originals" night. What the hell!

Original bands I ask that you go and see some of the cover bands! I love Hair Force One! I have seen many cover bands over the last three years and have enjoyed most of them. Who did I not like? Uh Uh why the heck would I knock someone down? We all get knocked down all the time, let's lift each other up!

This idea will work but some will like it and some won't. It's like pussy, some like it and some don't. It might not be perfect but if I move forward it will be with the right motivation and in the spirit of Rock"N"Roli. It will not be corporate bullshit and it will not be a contrived money making piece of shit designed to make ME money.

It will be run for the love of music and will be used to draw the people of this community together!

So you say you want a REVOLUTION?

You, we, he, she are the revolution. We just have to get off our ass's!

One World!

One Voice!

United we are strong!

[nightcrawler_steve]

Torn,

Count The Nightcrawlers in. We love nothing more than playing all original.

If you haven't heard us, our genre is pretty tough to classify. Its a rootsy-americana/funk-jazz/world beat/rock kinda something or other.

We've done some really cool original shows at Crowbar and with some nationals. If its an hour set, showcasing, a festival or opening for a national we do all original. If its a 3 set night we do covers and originals like at Pelly's, Cafe' 210 or the Phyrst.

Thanks for considering us.

Steve

[bassist_25]

.

"Bad Daze" guys. This is n ot a flame war. This ain't no disco. That is not my beautiful wife. Really, come on. If you don't want to help then don't post. I understand that you guys are doing what you want and having a good time doing it. Kudos to you and I wish you continued success!
I am never going to bash people who are following their heart. Music is the universal language, let's use it to make things better, to bring together the different styles, the genres, to creat a stronger entity that will eventually help everyone in the area.

I didn't intend to start a flame war. I simply made the comment that if you are going to feature original music (an excellent idea by the way), then you should showcase the cream of the crop: The Fat Vinnys, The Grimms, The Nightcrawlers, the Vs. The Earths, the Shades of Junes, the Flight 19s, etc., not the myriad of ametuer garage bands out there playing originals. I'm only speaking from my experience in this business: Whether it's original bands or cover bands, quality is what works. I wasn't even the one who suggested a screening process; I simpy made a general statement. Once again, people are putting words in my mouth. I also mentioned that it would be wise to book a place with in-house production as that would eliminate the proverbial "PA Problem" that always happens.

I apologize if my comments were interpreted to be negative. But as I said earlier, people need to think about what I'm saying before simply responding. I don't bullshit anyone, but what I say may not always be the "political correct" answer.

[tornandfrayed]

No problem, I just want to get the input and take all the talent that is in the area and make it work! I want to give people something to be excited about. The bands that you mentioned are all welcome but if they don't get in touch with me then I won't be talking to them. I have asked several times for people to contact me and have a handful.

One other thing is that no one will be making any money on these! That includes the bands. The money will be going to a charity and maybe sound unless I do the sound in which case the sound will be donated and all the money will go to charity.

The event will be MC'd and there will be a little conversation on the bands and the charity and the venue.

The first event is close to being ready and will be announced soon. This will feature some of the premiere bands in the area. More to be announced soon.

Please respond and we can do one of these a month. You guys who know everyone get them motivated! I am going to name this thing just like I would a baby, except I already used "chipmunk" for one of my kids.

[lonewolf]

After reviewing the many posts, I thought I'd drop in my 2 cents.

To insure the highest probablility of success, you should identify and stick with one venue (or one venue per region). This would ensure enough stability to develop a following. If multiple regions could be served, then a network and circuit of original bands could be created.

If you take it on the road, ad hoc, it would be perceived as a flash in the pan and probably won't catch on. People like to know that on Xday at Y o'clock, they can go to Zbar and see original music.

Filtering the talent is not so easy. Since most venues that have live musicians fall under the auspices of the PLCB (gulp), as much as I loathe them, their age guidelines should be followed. An original band needs to submit their stuff for review in a professional format. To whom? How about a committee where the venue owner is chairperson? A group can help to prevent genre discrimination and poor judgement.

[HurricaneBob]

We would love to be part of this but the problem is were booked solid till march, unless one would happen to fall on a wednesday. Perhaps an advance booking after march would be cool.

[tornandfrayed]

If everyone is concerned then how about a night for "garage bands". That way if you are not interested in meeting or hearing any of the youth in the area because they might not be "Up to standards" then you would not have to come that night.

Also, probably no committees, no bu·reau·crats,

http://dictionary.reference.com/search? ... ureaucrats

probably no meetings. As much as I appreciate the input Jeff, you know I appreciate your opinions always, I don't think this will work if it like everyhhing else. I don't know that it should be predictable or easy.

But I expect you to be there either way! There is always a spot at the table for Lonewolf! And I would be honored to have you come and play at one of these.

This could be ours! Mine and yours and Bad Daze and The Grimms and Felix and Hi Tyde and 4 days Dirty and Fat Vinnies! All of us together, would that not be awesome!

Ours!

[bassist_25]

he bands that you mentioned are all welcome but if they don't get in touch with me then I won't be talking to them.

I really didn't mean those exact bands in particular, but bands of that musical caliber is what I should have stated. I'm not even saying that you need bands with "name recognition", just bands that are "good", however you want to interpret that.

If everyone is concerned then how about a night for "garage bands". That way if you are not interested in meeting or hearing any of the youth in the area because they might not be "Up to standards" then you would not have to come that night.

When I say "garage band"-level, I'm not referring really to any particular age group. There's a lot of talented youth around here (I'm not all that old myself, now if I'm talented is another matter. *LOL*). Electric Blue were freakin' awesome and they were like 17. Halestorm is one of the best local bands around, and obviously they're not exactly middle-aged.

Using the money raised to pay the sound may not be the best idea. Whenever you are counting on the door and you're planning on paying a soundman, you're taking a financial risk. Soundmen generally run from $200 to $300 per night, and while it would be awesome if you could raise that, there's a chance that you may come up short. Chris Knapick is a very affordable sound engineer that could do a good job, but he's pretty busy with his day job, so I don't know if he would be able to do it. If you're interested though, let me know and I could contact him.

I have to agree with Jeff though when it comes to venue selection. Consistency is what makes projects like this a success. It's going to be great if you can branch out to other venues, but I would suggest a "home base" to begin with.

Just offering some opinions.

[bassist_25]

But I expect you to be there either way! There is always a spot at the table for Lonewolf! And I would be honored to have you come and play at one of these.

Maybe there should be a Vizitor reunion.

[FatVin]

OMIGAWD, something could actually happen here, wow, never thought I'd see the day

I think Jeff's right about ClubX at Yo'clock.

But I think a commitee is an absolutley Iranian idea, committees lead to politics, bad idea, not pru-dent at this junk-shure.

But there should be some kind of mechanism for the musicians to get involved, this thing needs some kind of point man to get the process going.

As to music "Quality", cream generally rises to the top on it's own, if you get 3 good bands and one bad one, most will remember what they liked not what they didn't.

And Jeff's right again about the dreaded PLCB, would there be a way to take alcohol out of the mix? No L, No pLcb...know what I mean?

Can people listen to music without beer?

Just spit balling, oh by the way, assuming no other commitments and JP doesn't want it or isn't available, I'd happy to dust off my DJ chops and act as an MC if needed, I used to be Jack Stone, you know,

anything to help.

[Jim Price]

FatVin wrote:

assuming no other commitments and JP doesn't want it or isn't available...

Count me in whenever this thing gets rolling. I'll help get the word out, and can help emcee when available. But Vin or anyone else who wants to do microphone emcee duty, feel free to step forward; the more, the merrier.

tornandfrayed wrote:

One other thing is that no one will be making any money on these! That includes the bands. The money will be going to a charity and maybe sound unless I do the sound in which case the sound will be donated and all the money will go to charity.

If the event does benefit charity, it will be much easier to get the word out, as public service announcements about charitable events can be put on the air for free (a profit show would have to run as a paid advertisement). More people might support it if they know it's helping out a charity, too.

I agree with a lot of points made here. I think a multi-genre event can work, I think people who are open-minded enough about hearing original music will be open to hearing several varieties of it in one sitting as well. I think as long as it is staged at a venue willing to commit long term to it (not a place likely to dump out of it after a slow night or two), and it is staged on a consistent basis so it builds some regularity and a returning fan base to support it, I think this can definitely work.

I think you'll find also that more bands will step forward to take an interest in this as it gets rolling, if they know they can showcase original music and that this event isn't a one or two show thing and then bust. With an opportunity for bands to showcase their own creations, and perhaps even put on special presentations to do so (a la The Grimm), I think more groups and artists - even from outside our area - will take an interest as this becomes more established. Let's do it!

[grimmbass]

If you's guys could take your energy used on arguing, and put it towards making this show a real thing, then we could have ourselves the All Original Extravaganza in a month or so. I would be willing to make up some flyers and distribute in the Altoona area. I would also be willing to lend whatever bass equipment I have at the time.

I couldn't agree more....right on, Moondoggy. Let's put some positive energy into getting events like this together (Torn and Frayed is already putting a show online). This kind of energy is more productive than writing 200 posts on a message board about why original shows are/aren't a good idea.

Hosting multi-genre bands is a great idea! Let's give people variety!

My last post on the subject....cya on stage, kimosabes!

Kent

[BDR]

Screw that ... let's argue instead ...

r:>)

[tornandfrayed]

Now boys come on let's behave!

Another question?

OK so say that cross genres is the way to go. If this were to include Fat Vinny and the Wiseguys and Suicide Switch for example. I am not worried about the heavy metal crowd being alienated by a good blues band but I am worried that alot of people who would come out to see Vinny might not stick (sticker) around to see Suicide Switch. Thoughts?

Yes? No? The first show will be announced before the end of the week. The work for the 2nd show has already begun.

Peace & Prayers

[lonewolf]

You will find that there will be people that follow the 1st band that won't stick around for the next band no matter what the genre.

Dave, I believe your entire point of doing this is to get a following (and everything that goes with it) for original music. While musicians may be open-minded about this format from the get-go, it may take a little more time to extract like-minded people from the general public.

From the public, you will get two types of people: those that are strictly genre-driven and those who are interested in all forms of original music. The latter would be your core clientele that probably wouldn't care that much about the format.

If you mix genres too far, you could alienate the genre-driven types, so I would say try to book similar genre bands to maximize the interest for a given night.

[FatVin]

There it is

If you mix genres too far, you could alienate the genre-driven types

The "Don't run too fast or go too far" memo, I have been expecting.

I think that first, the whole point of this is to open up minds, isn't it?

we muscians have to lead by example. I think if the fans notice that the bands have respect for each other, I think we can make some (some, he said with limited expectations) progress toward seeting the whole thing free.

If Fan A thinks Musician B is cool and he sees that Muscian B thinks Band C is cool, then maybee Fan A might give Band C a little more of a listen, genre or not.

Will Fan A completely throw off Band B? doubt it but another T-shirt or CD sale will surley be appreciated by Band C and since Fan A already has all of Band B's stuff it's a total win-win.

The Safe conservative play is to "not run too fast or go to far" but the safe play is to play Old time Rock and Roll and Cocaine and Freebird in the first place isn't it?

Do you risk alienating some people, well you risk that anyway so go for it!

[MOONDOGGY]

I think you guys are still missing the point. You can argue all you want, but the only thing that will truly solve anything is to give this a solid shot.

From what I've heard, Altoona and the surrounding areas for the most part, have been a black hole for original music. This is primarily a Cover band region. I know other places like in the south thrive on original music. I would like to see the focus of this area turn towards originality.

That is why I envy The Grimm, The Nightcrawlers, and many other original bands around here so much. They're doing what they love most even though it might not be what works best around here (as far as money and fame go). Instead of playing the songs of their favorite bands/musicians, they're making their own music using only influences from their favorites (Tony Levin, Rush, Knopfler [sp], etc....)

Set genre's aside, set aside a thorough screening process, and try it just once!...............Then argue about what works.

[Mikey Wax]

I think you guys are still missing the point. You can argue all you want, but the only thing that will truly solve anything is to give this a solid shot.

Right on. Less talk, more rock.

[lonewolf]

There it is

If you mix genres too far, you could alienate the genre-driven types

The "Don't run too fast or go too far" memo, I have been expecting.

Actually, its the don't mix apples and oranges memo. Or was that avacodos and mangoes.

Take a look at the bills on major venues. You won't find them mixing it up. Concerts are pretty much made up of acts with related styles.

If band B and band C are similar genre types, you will have a higher probablility that Fan A will appreciate band C than if the bands are at opposite ends of the spectrum. ROFLMAO @ all that.

[MOONDOGGY]

As for fans C not appreciating band B's music and band A not having a chance to play becuase they stink, you'll see that by doing a simple LePlace transform of: Ay''+By'+Cy, you'll get: s^2Y(s)+sY(s)+Y(s). When translated, this means that all will have a good time when the show takes place! (jk)

[Killjingle]

cant we all just admit that we are all garage bands. a screening process blah, blah, blah. just do what u want Dave, how u wanna do it, and everything else will fall into place. beware of mixing bands however, if anyone has tried it, I have, unless you are in a room full of musicians or garage artists, there will be some shit u will have to eat. if shit is a vegetable that doesnt bother you, then go all over the board. however if shit is a vegetable that you tell ppl u like, and secretly wont eat, then I think a few guidelines you should adapt.

[FatVin]

Deviance1 Wrote:

do what u want Dave, how u wanna do it,

That's all I'm saying!!!

[tornandfrayed]

OK, sorry this took so long. First of all the show is

"The One Voice Musical Showcase"

I will try to announce the dates One Month in advance.

The cost will be $5.00 at the door. That's $1.25 a band.

I will try to keep 4 bands on the bill that are somewhat similar. If they are not similar we will promote it as such.

No One will make any money on this except the bar selling drinks. The door will go to a Charity and the Sound will be handled.

I will try to stick to several venues that are acceptable to all and we will problably rotate.

Ok, here we go
"The One Voice Musical Showcase"

your connection to quality original local music
proudly presents

November 5th

"The Dungeon" at the Castle Pub in Ebensburg

House of Cain
KillJingle
One Gun Salute
Inversion

$5.00 at the door

All Original sets from your music scene!

The festivities will begin at 9:00

These bands are a little heavier so if it is not your cup of tea....

But all are invited!

The next show ( tentative December ) will be completly different!

But this one rocks!

I expect to see you there!

Peace & Prayers