This is a concept thats been kicked around the last few days. I thought It deserved its own thread. Anybody with any ideas about how, when and where we can get this done, post them here. Any bands interested, sign in here. Tentatively for now. Just to get a framework. We're now in the second week of march. Lets get somethin jumpin by mid to late summer.
Id like to see not just bands playing, but a mini festival. Maybe a booth offering literature and information concerning the PLCB crackdown. Another booth where band can sell their merchandise. Crafts, art displays and maybe jugglers or dudes on stilts. We could find the worlds tallest midget and have him or her make a personal appearence. That sort of thing. Start brainstorming people!
Some days you're the windshield, some days you're the bug.
I am unsure how big this park will allow the festival to get, but what about Lorain Park? The parking isn't as much as we would probably prefer it to be, but it has a lot of room. I remember seeing 1 show there a few years ago, and it was a lot of fun.
What about Green House Park? I've never been there, but would that work?
Great idea, I have been looking into this as well on my own. I keep hitting speed bumps. If you guys got some ideas, maybe we can get together some time soon and find something that will work. Problem is finding the right people for the venue as well as vendors. I like the idea of having other "attractions" besides bands. couple of comedians might be good, I have a local dance studio that might be interested in some advertisement and exposure, as well as some other businesses.
I really don't have any specific expectations nor do I want to be the boss of anything, but I don't want to spend a lot of time on another half-ass, poorly thrown together event, I want to be involved in something that has the appeal to bring people back. Things like security, a real stage, not a flat bed, and with a roof, not a tarp, intelligent lighting, clean job jonnies, Maybe a national act or two if it was in the budget (probably not).This area is ready for it.
Just a few ideas I had, I don't know if this the direction you guys had in mind, but I am WAY open minded about this. I don't care nearly as much about makin a buck as I do about "wakin" this area from it's coma. I am more interested in having return customers, and I think this area is ready for somethin cool.
We did this as a "Block Party" event in our neighborhood a couple of times. It was very successful (until two neighbors said they didn't want it any more, it got too big for them.
Greg Stagor helped us out with a stage. We had two portable johns. Five bands volunteered. Some guys from the local armory acted as security (even though no one new they were there). Neighbors chipped and and bought beer. WE WENT THROUGH 10 KEGS. Wrist bands and stamps proved age. This was with the blessing of the PLCB and The Altoona police chief.
When the show was over, everyone pitched in and things were cleaned up in about an hour or two.
There were no fights. Everyone of all ages (babies to senior citizens) had a good time.
The neighbors also pitched in to make Meatballs and the like. We ask others to bring a covered dish.
Yeah, the Nevermoure block parties were a great time. This town needs more events like that, not just for the music, but for the community togetherness. Perhaps if we had more of these types of events coming together, and neighborhoods and the community pulling together, it would encourage folks to look out for one another - something that is needed to combat the current crime wave happening in this city.
Perhaps an event like this can be organized in conjunction with a Neighborhood Watch effort - to encourage the neighborhoods and community to pull together, and to get people to come out and take back their neighborhoods rather than be afraid and stay hidden in their homes.
Does the PPG pavilion still entertain shows there, i was in a band that did one a few years ago, plenty of room and the electric hook up is great for the sound system, cooking facilities. possible venue
Like the Railroaders Museum, the Cresson Sportsmen's Club will allow use of their facility for benefit/charity events (like "End Of Summer Jam," "Thunder for Heather," etc.). I think they do charge a fee for grounds maintenance, but might waive that for benefit events.
Good concept and good ideas. These type of events are hard to organize though. Ask theundergroundtv and Jaybird. There are always many unexpected issue's and its always hard to get people out.
