Its hard to compete....
i really agree with what byndsn had to say about start time. what is the reason for the late starts anyway? can anyone teell me. it just seems like such a good idea to kick things off a little earlier. god, that makes such perfect sense to me. i just don't see any downside to it to be honest. except for bands that play a couple of gigs ina nite. if most bands and owners would be up for it why not make it happen. i would like to hear some pros and cons on the matter. whataya think. i know its been touched on before but if most people involved are into it, why not give it a shot. this is aabsolutly the best place to get the ball rolling. what do you all think. i just feel and maybe i'm wrong that it is certain to draw better crowds. seems like a no -brainer. time are changing and we need to adapt. it just aint cool to be headin home at 1:30-2:00 with alcohol on your breath your just askin for a D.U.I. i'm not takin that chance..but i want to support you all by comming out pay my cover and throw a couple back. i personally am more comfortable doing this from say..8:30 to midnight than i am 10:30 to 2:00am and ithink ALOT of people feel the same way.
Well, yes. We did think of it. But just like all new business owners, we think and we think. We study a lot of what is out there, what others are doing, etc. We put a lot of thought, time and effort into our decision before we even started looking into the financials of buying a bar. This is why I am here. I want more information. I state what has worked, what hasn't. I want to improve. We can get by on not having bands at all. After all, our license fees go down, our insurance goes down, our utilities go down, our labor goes down. But for some darn reason, I want to see live music work. I've always been impressed with the talent that we have locally. We don't do this business to make a lot of money. We do it because we enjoy it. However, we do not have the personal finances to back it. It has to be able to maintain on its own.RobTheDrummer wrote:I don't want to sound like an asshole or anything, but...
Shouldn't you have thought about these things before opening a bar? Did you have a plan? Did you stick to that plan? What are some of the things that failed for you? What things did you good? You should come up with some kind of plan on what the status of your bar is and why. The only way to fix the problem is to find out what is creating the problem.
So I come here to discuss things openly and freely with those that have insight. I figure if the bands didn't care, then it would be time to close up the live music. But with every bar that gives up on live music, bands will have less places to be heard.
Let's forget the term contract then and instead refer to it as a written "agreement"
I was thinking that this would be a beneficial way to make sure that both sides were aware of all aspects of the performance, and agreements regarding money and times.
This was not to be utilized as a legal agreement in my mind, rather as a touchstone for needs and requirements...
Many times bands book a venue, and then no other contact is had with the owner until that night, and certain details including set times, load in, etc. have never been ironed out. This is clearly the band's fault for not asking or making sure of the arrangements, and my theory is that this would alleviate some stress on both parties.....not as a rigid obligation of what must be done with recourse of law
I was thinking that this would be a beneficial way to make sure that both sides were aware of all aspects of the performance, and agreements regarding money and times.
This was not to be utilized as a legal agreement in my mind, rather as a touchstone for needs and requirements...
Many times bands book a venue, and then no other contact is had with the owner until that night, and certain details including set times, load in, etc. have never been ironed out. This is clearly the band's fault for not asking or making sure of the arrangements, and my theory is that this would alleviate some stress on both parties.....not as a rigid obligation of what must be done with recourse of law
Ha....from the contacts I get ..... every group here is a quality actHurricane wrote:I guess were not a Quality act since we played there Thanksgiving eve and didn't do so well. But we always have great crowds at Bar 53, just couldn't bring them over that night. First time in Houtzdale we didnt expect that much anyways.
Here's a thought, some of you Quality acts make a deal with Lisa and try to help her out with what she needs. A crowd.....
Personally, I think that Felix and the Hurricanes are the best band that I've ever heard as far as quality goes.
ASB,
Ya, I understand and I don't disagree. Just mentioning that a lot of us, from all aspects
of this, tend to rely on our pre-conceived perceptions too often (Audiences included).
Example: We were playing a couple of weeks ago and we got the guy coming up with
"Play some heavy stuff. This place wants to hear some Pantera!'.
WELL, A) I knew most of the people there because they'd been to a lot of shows and
many were good friends and FAMILY...and they didn't want to hear Pantera. B) WE'RE
just not a "Pantera" band. Nothing wrong with Pantera at all, it's just not us.
So, no, we're not going to throw in something metal because it's not our thing. I know
there are people who like it at every show and people who would generally come to see
us know it' s not likely.
So, you're absolutely right. Know your audience. Same time we're certainly likely to
throw in something unexpected.
Was hanging with Plushian Brian...last week(?) and a similar subject came up insofar
as playing places where you know some guy'll chuck a beer bottle at you for not being
Deathcore. Those crazy Death Metal kids and their projectiles.
For bar owners, from the covert ops department, take a couple of weekends and go a
few places. See who you like, check out their crowds (But don't dismiss them if they
don't have one. Remember, you have off-weeks also and I'll bet there's not one person
reading this who's been in a good band that's played to 2 blue-hairs or sat seeing a great
band and thought "Why are there only three of us here?". Even The Beatles talked about
playing to empty clubs in Hamburg from time-to-time).
Ya, I understand and I don't disagree. Just mentioning that a lot of us, from all aspects
of this, tend to rely on our pre-conceived perceptions too often (Audiences included).
Example: We were playing a couple of weeks ago and we got the guy coming up with
"Play some heavy stuff. This place wants to hear some Pantera!'.
WELL, A) I knew most of the people there because they'd been to a lot of shows and
many were good friends and FAMILY...and they didn't want to hear Pantera. B) WE'RE
just not a "Pantera" band. Nothing wrong with Pantera at all, it's just not us.
So, no, we're not going to throw in something metal because it's not our thing. I know
there are people who like it at every show and people who would generally come to see
us know it' s not likely.
So, you're absolutely right. Know your audience. Same time we're certainly likely to
throw in something unexpected.
Was hanging with Plushian Brian...last week(?) and a similar subject came up insofar
as playing places where you know some guy'll chuck a beer bottle at you for not being
Deathcore. Those crazy Death Metal kids and their projectiles.
For bar owners, from the covert ops department, take a couple of weekends and go a
few places. See who you like, check out their crowds (But don't dismiss them if they
don't have one. Remember, you have off-weeks also and I'll bet there's not one person
reading this who's been in a good band that's played to 2 blue-hairs or sat seeing a great
band and thought "Why are there only three of us here?". Even The Beatles talked about
playing to empty clubs in Hamburg from time-to-time).
DaveP.
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."
There have been quite a few suggestions posted that I agree could help any establishment increase their entertainment business.
The idea about having bands play earlier because people do not stay out as late anymore is an easy one to do and once people know the time change, they will be there earlier. Also, it does not cost anything to do this one.
We now have worked with 9 places to have bands play either 9:00 - 12:00 or 9:30 - 12:30 and every one of them have seen an increase in business because people know the bands are done earlier and they can get home earlier. Also, many people will eat at the place about 7:00 or 8:00 knowing the band will start at 9:00 and they do not have to sit and wait until 10:00. One place had bands on Sundays from 8:00-11:00.
The club owners also like the fact that they can get cleaned up and closed by 2:00 or earlier.
The idea about having bands play earlier because people do not stay out as late anymore is an easy one to do and once people know the time change, they will be there earlier. Also, it does not cost anything to do this one.
We now have worked with 9 places to have bands play either 9:00 - 12:00 or 9:30 - 12:30 and every one of them have seen an increase in business because people know the bands are done earlier and they can get home earlier. Also, many people will eat at the place about 7:00 or 8:00 knowing the band will start at 9:00 and they do not have to sit and wait until 10:00. One place had bands on Sundays from 8:00-11:00.
The club owners also like the fact that they can get cleaned up and closed by 2:00 or earlier.
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Craven Sound
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 695
- Joined: Wednesday Aug 06, 2003
- Location: Cambria County, PA
So it's not Bar 53 in Coalport?? The one my neighbor owns? Maybe it's not Wednesday, but I've never seen who specifically was playing, other than there was live entertainment on Friday and Saturday.Lisa wrote:
Wrong bar...we don't have a dj on wednesdays nor do we have a sign that says this. We always put on our signs when we have a band.
I agree about the time thing as well. Would at least be worth a try. Also lets people head
out and get to a bar closer to their home prior to last call.
In Philipspburg, 2 bars have sold their liquor licenses and pretty much all of them have
been closing around 12.
out and get to a bar closer to their home prior to last call.
In Philipspburg, 2 bars have sold their liquor licenses and pretty much all of them have
been closing around 12.
DaveP.
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."
Then you've not been by the Alley Popper.Craven Sound wrote:So it's not Bar 53 in Coalport?? The one my neighbor owns? Maybe it's not Wednesday, but I've never seen who specifically was playing, other than there was live entertainment on Friday and Saturday.Lisa wrote:
Wrong bar...we don't have a dj on wednesdays nor do we have a sign that says this. We always put on our signs when we have a band.
Bobby, c'mon now, I think you know what kind of respect I have for you and the rest of the 'Canes. Perverting a post of mine from earlier in the thread into a crack on you guys just isn't too cool at all ...
With regard to cover, IMHO, people will come out whether or not there is a cover charge. Lisa was implying earlier that her "competition" was cutting her throat by not charging cover. As Rob pointed out, I don't think the Popper's woes have to do with who she's booking or what cover she's charging.
I don't manage the place nor am I all that familiar with the area in question so I can't really say for sure what the issue(s) might be. From town to town, people party differently. Some bars do well and some do not, for whatever reason. In many cases when a bar is struggling, it's a management thing (not a crack on Lisa, but it's true, bars are generally run into the ground from the inside).
We've played to small crowds with no cover and to larger crowds with a cover. I really think promotion and consistency in entertainment are so important (as mentioned earlier, if you have bands, have them every Friday, or every Saturday, not here and there). Promotion is an ongoing thing that must be maintained. You can't just decide to advertise for this show or that show and "see if it works." You have to budget advertising in as an expense, like the light bill, if you expect to develop a presense in any business.
Lisa, something you said has me scratching my head. You said Kyx is your biggest draw, then in the same breath you said you have them twice a year. To me, that makes absolutely no sense. If they draw, why limit their rotation to once every 26 weeks? Every six weeks is my golden rule. People will forget a good time if you let them.
r:>)
With regard to cover, IMHO, people will come out whether or not there is a cover charge. Lisa was implying earlier that her "competition" was cutting her throat by not charging cover. As Rob pointed out, I don't think the Popper's woes have to do with who she's booking or what cover she's charging.
I don't manage the place nor am I all that familiar with the area in question so I can't really say for sure what the issue(s) might be. From town to town, people party differently. Some bars do well and some do not, for whatever reason. In many cases when a bar is struggling, it's a management thing (not a crack on Lisa, but it's true, bars are generally run into the ground from the inside).
We've played to small crowds with no cover and to larger crowds with a cover. I really think promotion and consistency in entertainment are so important (as mentioned earlier, if you have bands, have them every Friday, or every Saturday, not here and there). Promotion is an ongoing thing that must be maintained. You can't just decide to advertise for this show or that show and "see if it works." You have to budget advertising in as an expense, like the light bill, if you expect to develop a presense in any business.
Lisa, something you said has me scratching my head. You said Kyx is your biggest draw, then in the same breath you said you have them twice a year. To me, that makes absolutely no sense. If they draw, why limit their rotation to once every 26 weeks? Every six weeks is my golden rule. People will forget a good time if you let them.
r:>)
Last edited by BDR on Friday Dec 01, 2006, edited 4 times in total.
That's what she said.
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Craven Sound
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 695
- Joined: Wednesday Aug 06, 2003
- Location: Cambria County, PA
lots of good points continuing to be made.
Why not have bands start earlier?
Here's one reason. I work monday through friday, day shift. I get off at 4, which is earlier than most people. I'm always pressed for time when we gig friday nights.
Go home, get a shower, eat food, go to eric's, load up gear. get to venue, unload gear, set up PA, set up stage amps, set up lights, sound check, have a beer.
thats a lot of stuff to get in. Even to go on at 10 oclock. If the gig requires travel time, we're cramming things in like crazy.
I still have absolutely no concept of where the alley popper is. how far is it from altoona?
nobody mentioned anything about the hurricanes not being a quality band. In actuality, I think you know full well that everyone on here worships the hurricanes. Why act like we don't? Do you need a hug?
The point that most everyone is making, is one quality band does not make a bit of difference. A bar should have quality entertainment night in and night out. Not once every 6 months, and on thanksgiving eve.
And did I read correctly that the hurricanes went on at one oclock?
c'mon, I'm a night owl, and there's no damned way I'd go to a bar at one oclock to see any band. I don't think its rocket science if that didn't work out that well.
(please forgive me if I'm misinformed)
Why not have bands start earlier?
Here's one reason. I work monday through friday, day shift. I get off at 4, which is earlier than most people. I'm always pressed for time when we gig friday nights.
Go home, get a shower, eat food, go to eric's, load up gear. get to venue, unload gear, set up PA, set up stage amps, set up lights, sound check, have a beer.
thats a lot of stuff to get in. Even to go on at 10 oclock. If the gig requires travel time, we're cramming things in like crazy.
I still have absolutely no concept of where the alley popper is. how far is it from altoona?
I did a little find search for quality, it was mentioned about 6 times.Bobby, c'mon now, I think you know what kind of respect I have for you and the rest of the 'Canes. Perverting a post of mine from earlier in the thread into a crack on you guys just isn't too cool at all ...
nobody mentioned anything about the hurricanes not being a quality band. In actuality, I think you know full well that everyone on here worships the hurricanes. Why act like we don't? Do you need a hug?
The point that most everyone is making, is one quality band does not make a bit of difference. A bar should have quality entertainment night in and night out. Not once every 6 months, and on thanksgiving eve.
And did I read correctly that the hurricanes went on at one oclock?
c'mon, I'm a night owl, and there's no damned way I'd go to a bar at one oclock to see any band. I don't think its rocket science if that didn't work out that well.
(please forgive me if I'm misinformed)
Stand back, I like to rock out.
Some things that have worked for me over the years
When first starting out booking bands look for the hometown bands first.
They should bring friends family relatives with them. If you can't draw with the homies, you will need to rethink your entertainment plans.
Cheap drinks only bring trouble. The dregs come for the cheap drinks, could care less about the music or the band, also its a formula for fights. they are not there for the music.
Run a combination of entertainment and watch what is bringing people to the place(yes I mean Djs as much as i dislike it) but your running a business. But it could start bringing people to the place.
One more thing....did your place have a bad rap before you bought it?
Like a place known for fights, bad crowd hanging out there etc.
Its going to take time to get people to change their thought process.
especially in a small town.
as said before the Dui laws, gas prices, etc are not helping any one, especially the entertainment industry.
Oh by the way I started running all my entertainment at 9:30 to 12:30
1:00 am at the latest. working fine for me.
When first starting out booking bands look for the hometown bands first.
They should bring friends family relatives with them. If you can't draw with the homies, you will need to rethink your entertainment plans.
Cheap drinks only bring trouble. The dregs come for the cheap drinks, could care less about the music or the band, also its a formula for fights. they are not there for the music.
Run a combination of entertainment and watch what is bringing people to the place(yes I mean Djs as much as i dislike it) but your running a business. But it could start bringing people to the place.
One more thing....did your place have a bad rap before you bought it?
Like a place known for fights, bad crowd hanging out there etc.
Its going to take time to get people to change their thought process.
especially in a small town.
as said before the Dui laws, gas prices, etc are not helping any one, especially the entertainment industry.
Oh by the way I started running all my entertainment at 9:30 to 12:30
1:00 am at the latest. working fine for me.
Where there is light, there is Hope!
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bassist_25
- Senior Member
- Posts: 6815
- Joined: Monday Dec 09, 2002
- Location: Indiana
Right on! There are some clubs who have failed in the area (won't mention names), and while I wasn't in mangement, I have a feeling that (one of the reason) why they failed was because they weren't booking consistenly quality acts. If you book shit three weekends a month and then have a quality act one weekend, that act has to fight even harder to draw a crowd. Some bands get scared when a heavy hitter moves into their territory. I want a kick ass band at that bar every weekend that I'm not playing there. If I'm scared, then it's time to go back to the practice room. I want a club to have consistency. I want to know that they aren't having troubling paying their bills. That way everyone benefits.MeYatch wrote:
A bar should have quality entertainment night in and night out. Not once every 6 months, and on thanksgiving eve.
"He's the electric horseman, you better back off!" - old sKool making a reference to the culturally relevant 1979 film.
I agree with the consistency issue. Hard to be "THE" live music venue when it's not
a frequent thing.
I do think having good bands is certainly the obvious choice but don't mistake not
being well-known for not being good either. I can mention band names to people
and they'll have no clue but mention the names of the people in them and you get
"Oh yeah, I know him".
Bands come and go so often it names take a while to permeate.
Also, people will see a "bad" band some place and I don't think it sours them on the
venue, just the band. Mebbe that's something that's not considered enough for bar
owners (Simply speculation. I dunno). Now, CONSISTENTLY having "bad" bands,
is another issue, even relatively frequently.
I just a second ago finished a conversation with a friend who lives in Osceola. We
were talking about restaurants and he said he'd like to see some place there to compete
with...wahtever that place is called in Osceola...and how his family went to the place in
Allport for something better. I mentioned the Popper and he hadn't even thought of it.
a frequent thing.
I do think having good bands is certainly the obvious choice but don't mistake not
being well-known for not being good either. I can mention band names to people
and they'll have no clue but mention the names of the people in them and you get
"Oh yeah, I know him".
Bands come and go so often it names take a while to permeate.
Also, people will see a "bad" band some place and I don't think it sours them on the
venue, just the band. Mebbe that's something that's not considered enough for bar
owners (Simply speculation. I dunno). Now, CONSISTENTLY having "bad" bands,
is another issue, even relatively frequently.
I just a second ago finished a conversation with a friend who lives in Osceola. We
were talking about restaurants and he said he'd like to see some place there to compete
with...wahtever that place is called in Osceola...and how his family went to the place in
Allport for something better. I mentioned the Popper and he hadn't even thought of it.
DaveP.
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."
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Skate Toad
- Gold Member
- Posts: 320
- Joined: Friday Apr 04, 2003
- Location: Altoona
I think one thing that would help for most clubs is a website or if money is tight a myspace page(it's free and used more than websites anymore) I hate when i can't find any web presence for a club. It makes it so tough to find contact info/directions/who's playing/or even just what the place looks like. To me as a musician and a fan it makes a big diff. to scope it out via the web.
My thoughts for what they are worth
Todd
My thoughts for what they are worth
Todd
I didn't do it! It was the other guy! I Swear to God!!
now, thats just massively unfair to everyone. Every band is a good band, at what they are doing. Find me a band that is more Echo Chamber than we are.Lisa wrote:Ok....so give me a list of the top 6 bands one should consider? I personally do not think that there was one band that we've booked that sucked. Oh, wait...there was one that was just out of place and he's national. But that was many bands ago and many dollars ago.
What you need to do, is find out what works the best in your bar. You already know kix is good for you. what are they? classic rock?
you could book kix, the first saturday of a month, and then similar bands for all the rest of the saturdays.
Or you could do like jangel suggested, and book different types of bands, and see what type of music seems to do the best. One problem with this, is that its confusing for customers, could be frustrating to you, and might not be fair. people could get sick of the constant changes and move on.
One thing you could do, is book a band that plays a wide variety of styles, that is well known, and see what songs they play go over the best.
Stand back, I like to rock out.
Some food for thought.
A club cannot depend soley on bands to survive. A bar/restaurant has to build a following for the establishment and have a steady clientele that frequents the place throughought the week and whether there is entertainment or not. A reputation as just a "great place to go" will really help establish a venue on entertainment nights as well. Especially when a good band that does not play in a certain area tries to get a following, it really helps if the place has a following to begin.
Also, the consistency issue has come up several times. This is very important so that even if people do not read the newspaper or check a website, they always know that a club has entertainment on a specific night(s).
A club cannot depend soley on bands to survive. A bar/restaurant has to build a following for the establishment and have a steady clientele that frequents the place throughought the week and whether there is entertainment or not. A reputation as just a "great place to go" will really help establish a venue on entertainment nights as well. Especially when a good band that does not play in a certain area tries to get a following, it really helps if the place has a following to begin.
Also, the consistency issue has come up several times. This is very important so that even if people do not read the newspaper or check a website, they always know that a club has entertainment on a specific night(s).
See...we did this for the first year. We booked bands every Saturday night. With only one exception, there was only one band that people walked out not liking. We spent a lot of money (and still paying for it) to advertise each week. This included radio and print. We have a website and a myspace.
When I booked a band, I would always ask for a price. The night of the event, if no one showed, most bands asked for less.
With the cost to advertise and pay for bands, we took a loss for that year.
People do come to the popper. And they always enjoy it there. We have a good image (as far as I can tell). Very few fights (once you get a certain group of brothers kicked out for life). Clean (except towards the end of the night).
Lately we've been hearing from people mainly regarding the restaurant that they didn't know the Popper was even there or still opened. How'd they miss the ads last year? We've done the Clearfield Progress, Ad Bargain, Philipburg Journal and Tyrone Herald. And there were several radio stations.
Sometimes when I respond to your posts, I may sound a little snippy....please do not take it personally. Its just that we've tried these things and I just can't figure it out.
When I booked a band, I would always ask for a price. The night of the event, if no one showed, most bands asked for less.
With the cost to advertise and pay for bands, we took a loss for that year.
People do come to the popper. And they always enjoy it there. We have a good image (as far as I can tell). Very few fights (once you get a certain group of brothers kicked out for life). Clean (except towards the end of the night).
Lately we've been hearing from people mainly regarding the restaurant that they didn't know the Popper was even there or still opened. How'd they miss the ads last year? We've done the Clearfield Progress, Ad Bargain, Philipburg Journal and Tyrone Herald. And there were several radio stations.
Sometimes when I respond to your posts, I may sound a little snippy....please do not take it personally. Its just that we've tried these things and I just can't figure it out.
Its not a matter of "figuring it out" You need to do the right thing, consistantly, for as long as it takes. If its the place to be, people will figure it out. If you can't afford to do what it takes to do what you want to do, then you need to change what it is you're trying to do.Lisa wrote:Its just that we've tried these things and I just can't figure it out.
There's no magic thing you need to do and it will all snap in to place. The same thing goes for all the local bands. It doesn't really matter how good you are, if nobody know's you're good.
Stand back, I like to rock out.
Lisa,
Ya, I don't think having someone rate the "Top 6" would work out.
A) Everyone with any sense is goin' to put their band first...or, if they go for the
humble route, second and B) Most of the bands, bar owners, etc. are not from
around the Houtzdale area so it's unlikely the people in the area are going to
have the SLIGHTEST idea who they are and that's going to hurt turnout to some
extent.
Only way to TRULY do it is find a couple you may know will draw and take a
chance on some others. I mentioned Serious Jones before. I'd say Wide Open
will prolly bring some people in.
Angry Young Men is a "newer' band from Clearfield and all of those guys are vets
of area bands (I've been in bands with 2 of them) who would probably draw.
Carl Road from up around Grampian might not be well known but I've heard good
things.
Rusty Run Revival.
I've made it pretty apparent we'd like to play there. It's close to where I live and
most other places we'll be I'm traveling (I'm trying to get a few "local" things in still).
Other than ME, I'm not totally sure I'd consider us local per se, but we certainly were
when VENT began.
Not meaning to exclude people, but from RockPage, I'd really like to catch Bad Daze,
Camino Sky and Echo Chamber and Seven Years Down some time to name a
few. Granted...the problem with bands saying who they'd like to see is that they're
generally PLAYING some place the same night as the band they'd like to see.
You mentioned C.S. playing there when they were Anything Jane. So, it wasn't packed.
If you thought they did well, have them again. You know what to expect so work with
them to do a harder push (On both parts).
There's also some band wariness when a place only books for one show since you
can get the idea that if no one shows up, it's all on you and you'll never get back in
again no matter how much you may have liked the place or how well you did regardless
if they did ANYTHING to let ANYONE know you were there.
Also, little things like having your URLs listed under your signature here can be
helpful (I said as I realized I don't either).
Get in touch with gantdaily.com and see if they would like to do a story in The "NEW"
Alley Popper (Also, list on their site. It's free and DOES get viewed). Even that Philipsburg Tribune may be willing to do an article that work better than an ad. Lord, I'll
read that thing sometimes and the wife-to-be reads it all the time.
They did and article on some amphitheater that'll have music (Though IT hasn't exactly
been burning things up with exposure).
"There's no magic thing you need to do and it will all snap in to place. The same thing
goes for all the local bands. It doesn't really matter how good you are, if nobody knows
you're good."
The "DJ" blasphemer's absolutely right. It's exactly the kind of thing bands have to
work through and with every new band comes the same climb and off-nights, missteps
("YOU SAID THEY'D THINK LEIDERHOSEN WERE FUNNY! IDIOT!"), etc. all happen.
"How'd they miss the ads last year? We've done the Clearfield Progress, Ad Bargain,
Philipsburg Journal and Tyrone Herald."
AH, I see now. See, Lisa, you've been going under the misconception that people
in our area can READ.
Ya, I don't think having someone rate the "Top 6" would work out.
A) Everyone with any sense is goin' to put their band first...or, if they go for the
humble route, second and B) Most of the bands, bar owners, etc. are not from
around the Houtzdale area so it's unlikely the people in the area are going to
have the SLIGHTEST idea who they are and that's going to hurt turnout to some
extent.
Only way to TRULY do it is find a couple you may know will draw and take a
chance on some others. I mentioned Serious Jones before. I'd say Wide Open
will prolly bring some people in.
Angry Young Men is a "newer' band from Clearfield and all of those guys are vets
of area bands (I've been in bands with 2 of them) who would probably draw.
Carl Road from up around Grampian might not be well known but I've heard good
things.
Rusty Run Revival.
I've made it pretty apparent we'd like to play there. It's close to where I live and
most other places we'll be I'm traveling (I'm trying to get a few "local" things in still).
Other than ME, I'm not totally sure I'd consider us local per se, but we certainly were
when VENT began.
Not meaning to exclude people, but from RockPage, I'd really like to catch Bad Daze,
Camino Sky and Echo Chamber and Seven Years Down some time to name a
few. Granted...the problem with bands saying who they'd like to see is that they're
generally PLAYING some place the same night as the band they'd like to see.
You mentioned C.S. playing there when they were Anything Jane. So, it wasn't packed.
If you thought they did well, have them again. You know what to expect so work with
them to do a harder push (On both parts).
There's also some band wariness when a place only books for one show since you
can get the idea that if no one shows up, it's all on you and you'll never get back in
again no matter how much you may have liked the place or how well you did regardless
if they did ANYTHING to let ANYONE know you were there.
Also, little things like having your URLs listed under your signature here can be
helpful (I said as I realized I don't either).
Get in touch with gantdaily.com and see if they would like to do a story in The "NEW"
Alley Popper (Also, list on their site. It's free and DOES get viewed). Even that Philipsburg Tribune may be willing to do an article that work better than an ad. Lord, I'll
read that thing sometimes and the wife-to-be reads it all the time.
They did and article on some amphitheater that'll have music (Though IT hasn't exactly
been burning things up with exposure).
"There's no magic thing you need to do and it will all snap in to place. The same thing
goes for all the local bands. It doesn't really matter how good you are, if nobody knows
you're good."
The "DJ" blasphemer's absolutely right. It's exactly the kind of thing bands have to
work through and with every new band comes the same climb and off-nights, missteps
("YOU SAID THEY'D THINK LEIDERHOSEN WERE FUNNY! IDIOT!"), etc. all happen.
"How'd they miss the ads last year? We've done the Clearfield Progress, Ad Bargain,
Philipsburg Journal and Tyrone Herald."
AH, I see now. See, Lisa, you've been going under the misconception that people
in our area can READ.
Last edited by VENTGtr on Thursday Nov 30, 2006, edited 1 time in total.
DaveP.
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."
So, this is what everyone is talking about. Putting aside the fact that 2/3rds of your schedule is out of date. You've had two bands in two months?alley popper website upcoming events page wrote:Special Events:
Saturday November 4
Halloween Party 2006
Once again, Kyx will be helping us have the hottest Halloween party in the area! Sponsored by Licour 43
Wednesday November 22
Felix and the Hurricanes
Felix and the Hurricanes will make our first every Western Night one of the hottest ways to spend the night before Thanksgiving with family and friends. Sponsored by Jagermeister!
Friday December 1
Comedy Night
The hottest gig around! Bust-A-Gut production brings 4 great comedians to our house! Introducing Sean, Sharon, Frank and Doug…..
Advance ticket sales begin Sunday, October 15. Dinner and a show include all you can eat buffet from 5pm – 8:30pm $13. Or just the show for $5.
This is what everyone is saying. If thats all you can handle having bands, you may as well not have bands. You said yourself the liquor cost goes down, and your insurance goes down. How much would you have to make extra on your once a month band nights to make up for it?
You aren't going to build a reputation as a strong live music venue by having 12 bands a year.
Stand back, I like to rock out.