Cutting Throats Where No Throats Need To Be Cut

A local band recently had an important (small, but important) gig date "replaced" by another band.

Said another way, the venue committed to the local band a spot for a non-paying, but fun, gig. People drove across the state. Gear was hefted about and around. The local band was excited - they've packed the place several times.

At the door, another band was in their slot. No notice to the original band. No notice to any member of anyone... just a "force in" of another band.

Despite the fact that the "forced in" band was not very good, spirits were not lifted for the original, hard-working local band.

So, the point of this post is this: what part of "promote new music and young musicians" is served by venues changing the roster without notice to the band(s) involved?

What part of "promote up-and-coming musicians by encouraging them to play lots of dates" is served by selfish palm-greasing by an establishment which doesn't even PAY the bands that SELL its alcohol?

None.

So, here's my take:

Promote folks who are working hard. Stay with your commitments (venues, managers AND acts). Have honor and real integrity. Promote the future of our music by complaining to management when bands are "forced in" place of other bands (better bands or lesser bands).

Vote with your feet and your pocketbook when venues (large and small) don't promote the cause of live, local, good music.

I'm unhappy for the band that got forced out. I now have a place I won't patronize in Greensboro, not ever again.

Small Business Help for Guitar Technicians - more important than AIG?

Small businesses generate more cash and more jobs than the big businesses do. There are (literally) billions of small businesses in the United States. This country flows and ebbs on the daily gains and losses of small businesses.

I have one, too (although it is part time and only employs 2). I have a guitar customization and guitar/bass technician business. I also make interstitial, instrumental, and other music that's good for your mind. My little business has grown exponentially from word of mouth, customer satisfaction, excellent affordable guitar customization sales, and from a love of making guitars play their best*.

My little business has $7k debt. This is barely enough for tools, guitar inventory, parts, and consumable supplies (strings, cleaners, files, polishing papers, etc.) I work VERY HARD and can only generate small amounts of money - but it impacts MANY people in my community. Did you know that a decent set of fret files will set you back WAY more than $100 - try $300...

When AIG gets a bailout for billions (twice, so far) to help itself deliver millions in bonuses to employees, it makes a guy like me wonder (BTW, LOTS of AIG employees, I'm very sure, EARN their bonuses)... If the government paid out my $7k of debt and allowed me to make another $3k in investments in tools and further parts and guitar inventory, I could actually pay my second person money. I could actually make a bigger and better impact on my community (helping guitarists/bassists of all stripes). I could actually pay myself something for my work (lots of times I work until 2 or three in the morning and don't see any real pay for my work for a month at a time!)

How many little businesses would FLOURISH with a little help and with less money than AIG gets? Multi-millions, I'm sure. I know I'd be helping more folks rock and giving myself enough financial latitude to go to bed at 11 a few times a week.

Want to help out a small business - one that is a joy to operate and one that makes lots of good music happen? Drop me a comment about how we can access some of our country's bailout funds. Seriously.


*(Inside every guitar is a fantastic guitar waiting to play!) *(Inside everyone who plays an instrument or sings is someone who makes the world a better place.)