...I give you a testimonial... the MC(Morgantonian Clusterfuck)4!!!
Okay, so last Friday I played a show at this place with this guy, these guys and these guys. And while all of them were quite good, the show was a mess: no-one knew what time the show was actually starting, no one knew who was playing when, and in what order. As a result, the last band (it was their last show for a while, as one of their crue will be away for grad school) had their set cut short. Worse yet the last song was to include a guest appearance by this talented bloke, of this band, and the poor fellow (and his wife) stayed out till 3am for nothing, while he should have been resting up for a long, long drive across the country for a family event.
While the above situation is something of a chronic one for this place, it can be changed with a little less unnecessary fingerpointing (there was a bit of that going on, but it's forgivable as a heat-of-the-moment occurrence), and a little more positive action -- 'cos a little positive action goes a long way.
Thus, I offer you my five-point plan.
Point one: If you book the show, you're responsible for who goes on when. It's not the owner's
[or the sound(wo)man's, or the door(wo)man's] job to dictate a running order. It is imperative that you step up and tell whoever's turn it is to kick out their respective jams. Try threatening them with, "well if you don't go on now, you won't play at all." That'll do it.
Point two: Give a start time on the flyer/announcement, and stick to it.
Point three: Better yet, put the start time for each band/artist on the flyer/announcement.
Por ejemple:
Bachman Turner Overweight: 11:30
!Schprekken!: 10:30
The Electric Adenoid Seven: 9:30
Point four: Even better still. Post a these start times by the door so all can see.
Point five: Bring a watch, and keep your eyes on it.
***
I'm going to enact this system for the next show I play (Friday, September 2 at this place). And chances are, I'll be the first act (threat by example). And I'll be ready at 10:30 PM sharp.
Will you?
posted by Skull-Shaped Maracas at 5:24 PM
6 Comments:
Dear Mr. Marinelli,
I've always wondered why this has never caught on before. There should have been no fingers pointed except in the direction of whoever booked the show. I'm probably friends with that person but I'll stick to it.
I've had organized shows for years. It's just common sense. I'm going to make a handbook for bands or something.
sheesh.
you'd be the person to do it, bryan. it seems that whenever you book shows, barring a few unforseen circumstances, they seem to run smoothly. thanks for the comment, buddy, and i look forward to seeing the transformation of the corner cafe.
best
j
http://theperfumedgarden.blogspot.com
When is the first show with this structure going to happen do you think?
friday, 2 september. and chances are i'll play first.
thanks for the link, brian.
J,
Those idea's are GREAT! I am going to stick by them the next show I book.
But what happens in the case where LJ books the show? He is the one who asked Nakano to play, he suggested you playing and told us to find another opener.
I just wanted to clear this up. Nakano did not book this show for ourselves. LJ asked us if we wanted to play a farewell Tim show. If myself or Nakano had booked the show there is no way in hell we would have had Skeleton Witch play.
-John
didn't realize lj booked it, my bad.
at any rate, it's easy to talk to him, especially about a plan that will keep folks drinking in his bar longer.
i believe he booked the librarians/marinelli/sj5 show, and he's in full agreement with the plan to start shows earlier, and give every band 45 minutes to an hour in which to perform.
i guess it takes bad things to make good things happen, y'know...
peace out
j
Post a Comment
<< Home