Its hard to compete....

[bassist_25]

Kix are going to do well because they are "Hometown Heros," so to speak. That's not a dis on them, because they're a solid band, but Glen and all of those cats are from Houtzdale; so they already have a built-in following just for being local. Have you tried out Loudmouth yet? How about the Smokerun Band? It would be easy for me to fire off a list of top quality bands that would gurantee a draw, but it's not that simple. What is well known in Altoona or State College isn't always well known in other places. I think that comparing the Popper and Bar 53 to each other is still somewhat of a stretch, geographically speaking. Comparing The Popper and Electric Avenue; and comparing Bar 53 and The Rainbow is more realistic, IMO.

[Lisa]

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.

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 Putting aside the fact that 2/3rds of your schedule is out of date.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?

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.

Actually, you got me while I was updating. Its now updated.

[MeYatch]

ok, its not out of date any more, but you still have only one show a month, or less.

I saw some TBAs on there, so I take it you really only plan to have one band a month?

Do you have any plans to book more shows?

I really don't see how having one band a month could possible work.

[Lisa]

At this point, I am going with once a month. Trying to be consistant with the last Saturday. I know that is not what was said here, but that first year we did it every weekend. Every Saturday we had a band. Every band needs to be paid. And we could not afford to take the loss. My goal is once a month on a constant basis. Then when the debts from last year is caught up, we can take more risks. I should mention that this is how I've been doing it pretty much (not on a given Saturday each month) but the once a month offering for most of this year. We have yet to take a loss totally on a band night. We've had nights where we have not made any money because it went to the band (bar ring and the door) but we didn't loose. Unless we win the lottery, or find a rich uncle, we just can not jump back into the fire full scale.

We could stop being a venu all together, but I don't think that's a wise thing. As long as we can draw people in once a month, they will come back. And then when we are ready to do it weekly, they will come then too. If we stop all together, it will be too hard to get them in at all when we are ready.

[Lisa]

Oh, and someone mentioned Gantdaily.com being free...not for venues. They won't even put in community service announcements for places like us without charging regular ad prices.

[VENTGtr]

Lisa,

Ah. with regards to Gant. Gotch'a. My oversight.

DaveP.

[SavageHeart]

Lisa,
I agree with alot of whats been said. I understand where you're coming from financially but.... the people I know in our area look at the Ad Bargain to see what bands are playing weekly. And the friends I know that don't look at the AB have a routine of bars that they hit because they know that it's Saturday and there will be a band. I also think that you have to consider that the Houtzdale area is different than Altoona so some suggestions aren't necessarily going to apply. Too high a cover is a big deal, IMO. I've not heard anything bad about the Popper....I just really haven't heard anything. I read the papers you mentioned, I listen to the local radio, and I never heard a buzz about the bar. I think that, even though it is the same saturday, only booking once a month is hurting you. It's just not an automatic that you have a band... I think that geographically you have things against you, too. The best recommendation that I've heard for you is to have bands earlier...then maybe people would hit the Popper early....maybe even eat dinner...the wings are great!!! There are some definites to book to draw a crowd in our area...agree with Dave... Chris Kane, Serious Jones, RGR, Buck-it, the Moores, Backstreet Law...just to name a few.

[SavageHeart]

Oh...and two other things.... I think in this area if you attach a motorcycle to an event you will draw a crowd.... Jump on the motorcycle drawing bandwagon....have a band, a live remote, and a motorcycle. I have friends that ride and they go to whatever bar the bike is at. I also have single girl friends that go to whatever bar the bike is at, if you know what I mean. Bike nights, wing nights, anything like this? And maybe these don't have anything to do with bands but if you draw people on a wednesday for bike night and they have a good time, they are more likely to come in on Saturday. Just a suggestion. And second, I think the AP is known as a restaurant....I don't think alot of people think of the AP when they think of going out. Just my opinion.

[BDR]

EDIT: I like beans.

r:>)

[MeYatch]

Actually I was speaking in response to this post. I just quoted your's to add my "I agree" to it.

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.....

[byndrsn]

Oh...and two other things.... I think in this area if you attach a motorcycle to an event you will draw a crowd.... Jump on the motorcycle drawing bandwagon....have a band, a live remote, and a motorcycle. I have friends that ride and they go to whatever bar the bike is at. I also have single girl friends that go to whatever bar the bike is at, if you know what I mean. Bike nights, wing nights, anything like this? And maybe these don't have anything to do with bands but if you draw people on a wednesday for bike night and they have a good time, they are more likely to come in on Saturday. Just a suggestion. And second, I think the AP is known as a restaurant....I don't think alot of people think of the AP when they think of going out. Just my opinion.

OH NO!!! Not another Bike night!!!!!

Seriously, it seems like anymore every bar wants to have a bike night or a poker run. I remember when I first joined ABATE in the early 90's and the poker runs and parties were great. Now every bar, fireclub and charity organization wants to have a biker related event to raise money. There are now so many Poker runs throughout the summer that there is no possible way that anyone could make even 25% of the ones that are being held within 20 miles of their house. Seriously.

Anymore, I refuse to have anything to do with any bike night or poker run that is not being sponsored by a Motorcycle organization (like ABATE, HOG, The Animals, The Outlaws, AMA, MRF, BikePAC, etc.)

[Lisa]

A lot of bars took a lost on bike nights...at first they were a money maker, then the turn out got very very poor, but they felt like they had to have them because they were advertised so they took a loss.

[VENTGtr]

S.H. is right:

"Too high a cover is a big deal, IMO."

In that area you charge a $5 cover and you lose a good few people. Anything over
$3 and that's the case.

I also think the cheaper beer thing is a good idea over there. Helps throughout the
week I'm sure and you can't raise it on weekends or when you have events.

Seriously, people are surprised when you order a bottle of beer that cost $2.

I think there's something to be said for making the prices high enough that you don't
end up with the guys who show up every day at 11 and stay until closing. However,
I don't the A.P. has that problem like a couple of places in "Philipsburg proper".

[Jones]

S.H. is right:

"Too high a cover is a big deal, IMO."

In that area you charge a $5 cover and you lose a good few people. Anything over
$3 and that's the case.

I also think the cheaper beer thing is a good idea over there. Helps throughout the
week I'm sure and you can't raise it on weekends or when you have events.

Seriously, people are surprised when you order a bottle of beer that cost $2.

I think there's something to be said for making the prices high enough that you don't
end up with the guys who show up every day at 11 and stay until closing. However,
I don't the A.P. has that problem like a couple of places in "Philipsburg proper".

Dave you can't be serious about this. People are surprised to pay $2 for a bottle of beer? I hope you're saying they're surprised because that's not enough. Hell $2 is a discount.
Bottom line, hire an act that will put asses in the seats and it won't be an issue.

[VENTGtr]

No way Calv. I was dropping off signs at P&M's a few weeks ago and ordered
a bottle of Lager (Don't have it on tap, darkest thing they have) and it was $2. Just
raised from $1.75. I stop there when I'm dripping something off (Every few months)
and I'm prolly the only one who drinks the stuff. I don't drink when I play so even Got
a couple "Whoa" and "Yer kiddin's.

Not the first time by any stretch. You know these places. Envision their clientel and it'll
all come back. Come on over, we'll stroll around the corner to The Oasis, stumble up to
Dreamer's and stagger back to my house.

At Dreamer's (Sold their license to Wegman's so won't be a bar much longer) Yuengling
drafts are a buck and as big as the drafts any place in State for 3x that.

Not quite our big, beefy God love 'em $5 drafts in Ottawa, but still....eh?

[lonewolf]

At this point, I am going with once a month. Trying to be consistant with the last Saturday.

I don't know how much of your clientele this would apply to, but SSI/disability checks come out on the 1st of the month and are often mostly gone by the 1st Sunday of the month. This may sound funny, but for intown Altoona, this is a significant segment of the population.

People who get paid monthly or semi-monthly usually get a paycheck on the last/1st day of the month. Most bills aren't due until the 10th or later.

In general, people have more money at the beginning of the month than at the end. You might want to consider having entertainment on the 1st Saturday of the month when the most people have the most money rather than the last Saturday when the most people tend to have the least.

Just some food for thought.

[Ron]

That's a good observation, Jeff. I get paid monthly on the 1st. I usually budget so that I have cash available all month long, but those on tighter budgets would be hurtin' on that last weekend and probably stay home.

Plus near the end of the month some police forces are busy filling their monthly quotas.

[slink]

At this point, I am going with once a month. Trying to be consistant with the last Saturday.

In general, people have more money at the beginning of the month than at the end. You might want to consider having entertainment on the 1st Saturday of the month when the most people have the most money rather than the last Saturday when the most people tend to have the least.

.

I also have seen this in clubs and bars I've played in. The older your crowd the more this rule applies.

[SavageHeart]

OH NO!!! Not another Bike night!!!!!

I'm not disagreeing, I'm just saying that people who go to bike nights are loyal customers. If you want to create a loyal customer base, you have to see what works. Maybe it's not bike night, maybe it's something else... maybe it's guys in khaki pants night....but it is Houtzdale after all. Maybe it's just the people and places that I hang out with but they DO go to bike nights and they are more likely to be seen at the bar than the local once in a while patrons. But hey what do I know, I'm just a bar going, music listening, paying customer. It seems that the AP has someone who wants to make it work....you just gotta find your niche.

When I have friends from Altoona visit the bars in my area they are shocked about the cheap alcohol and cover prices....but when I have taken my friends from here to Altoona they do nothing but complain... it is two different worlds.

[VENTGtr]

"When I have friends from Altoona visit the bars in my area they are shocked about the cheap alcohol and cover prices....but when I have taken my friends from here to Altoona they do nothing but complain... it is two different worlds."

True, true.

[RobTheDrummer]

"When I have friends from Altoona visit the bars in my area they are shocked about the cheap alcohol and cover prices....but when I have taken my friends from here to Altoona they do nothing but complain... it is two different worlds."

True, true.

Haha, that is so true. When I come home from Reno, the prices are amazing! A shot here if you aren't gambling is $6.50. Beers are expensive too unless you are playing that casino or gambling. Though, there is never a cover charge to see a band out here unless it's at a small club or whatnot.

[Colton]

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?

Hurricanes are gods. Don't hug me.

[Banned]

Wow, you all are giving a lot of good input. I do value it all...even the ones that I may not agree with 100%.

As far as having the bands that attract....well, this area is so hard to determine that. I think the Band Jam on Dec 30th will help me determine if heavy metal will work or not...we've never really had heavy metal there so we don't know. The others, well, its just hard to tell.

Take Anything Jane for example, (now cameo sky). Great band. Loved them. Loved working with them.. Had them there...a fair crowd...and everyone said they loved them. I think we booked them for like 3 times...tried the downstairs bar and the upstairs bar (we've completely stopped using the downstairs bar). People just didn't come back. Now look at their schedule...they are everywhere. Doing very well in other areas. Why in the heck won't people come back and hear them at the popper?

How about Felix and the Hurricanes? What the heck was up with that night? We had a small crowd. We promoted. (We did not run in the ad bargain due to financial constraints) But we did flyers all over. We surely have a web presence....heck there were people that paid the $5 cover and never went back to listen to them?????

Kyx is the biggest draw for us. We have them about twice a year. But I can not survive on Kyx alone.

I have 4 Days Dirty booked in January. I'm excited about this young band....and I hope the rest of people in the area are as well.

I've been in touch with Plush.

I want to have the 'Canes back too.

You know...I debated about allowing you guys to run the entertainment schedule....let you all decide when you all play....you play for the door. If its really good, we add some more to the take. Promotion would be up to you with the exception that I would continue the online presence with our website and our myspace page. (I sent over 500 messages to folks online for Felix and the Hurricanes) But somehow I don't think it would work for our location.

Keep the input coming....like I said. I'm learning a lot.

I am a big supporter of local music scene (go to aldo's every fri&sat night).. but i have to say this. have you ever tried a good DJ? A least try it. I know not a popular idea around here but a bar is first a business enterprise. This is owners job and source of income.. iwhy should they struggle to make ends meet? You gotta do what makes the money for you and your family. You have an obligation to yourself and family to make a good living whether a bar owner or other business person or employee.

In the end you have to do what's best for your businees, for YOU and your family. Try a DJ half the time for starters. Live band can't be beat but i enjoy a DJ too if he's really GODD! If he's got a good show good prescence and selection of music. With a large database or music a good DJ can feel out the audence and play what they want to hear. isn't that what its all about? Whether live or DJ i wanna hear what i wanna hear! I admit i am selfish that way

ahh what do i know

[RobTheDrummer]

Calling Captain Grammar!!!!

[BDR]

I am a big supporter of local music scene ...

... but i have to say this. have you ever tried a good DJ? A least try it.

These two statements contradict each other, sorry, but they do. Goddam, didn't we already cover this ground? This is a LIVE MUSIC forum. If you want to spew this kind of crap, please go to www.djssuckass.com. Most of us here really don't appreciate it when people come onto this forum trying to convince bar owners to hire button pushers over actual musicians. Posts such as these just work to cut the throats of people who actually provide a (here I go again) quality product.

Lisa, DJs by and large create the worst atmosphere as far as trouble (i.e. fights, knives, guns, bloodletting etc.) is concerned. If you're looking to sink your ship quick, by all means, start booking DJs as your primary source of weekend entertainment.

If not, then we'll continue to provide you with insight and suggestions that don't include talk about DJs.

Jesus.

r:>)