SnikPlosskin
07-02-2015, 9:35pm
Most of you know that I've been soul searching about performing music for a while - trying to figure out how to do it on my terms.
In Austin, the so-called "Live Music Capital of the World" it's a brutal scene. The city just released a study that shows the professional musicians earn less on average than fast food workers. Yet, music brings in $1.6 billion a year to the city.
I'm not talking about hobbyists. I'm talking about guys that are the backbones of dozens of national touring acts. In their home town, they struggle to barely get by.
So I decided to jump off a cliff and do something. At first it was a small, invite only party for my business friends. I'd hire a band to back me up and we'd have some fun and be in bed by nine.
But, I can't do anything so simple. Now, three weeks in, I've got six of the top players in Nashville and Austin performing, I've released my three point plan to improve working wages for the city's pro's, the press is calling me (did an interview yesterday) and the "little party" will likely sell out.
We will also record the show, shoot it on video (two cameras), I have a hostess for the evening, full lights, PA, engineer...
Drums, bass, Hammond/Piano, Saxophone, two guitars.
I'm selling tickets at $15 a head, I have five corporate sponsors and 100% of the money goes to the band.
My plan brings together business, venues and musicians in a new way. When the reporter asked why I thought I could make it work - I said "I'm proving it works on July 27th."
The band will perform one set (10-12 songs), get paid for a rehearsal and for the gig.
Players from Johnny Winter, Willie Nelson, Joe Bonamassa, Edgar Winter, Dr. John, Randy Travis, Taj Mahal, David Crosby, Robben Ford, Vernon Reid, Muddy Waters, Marty Stuart, Asleep at the Wheel, Marcia Ball and too many to list.
July 27th. Band is wearing suits and boots. Old fashioned Blues Revue. I'm at the helm.
We are going to burn that house down....Most folks around me have no idea of my musical heritage or credits (4 Grammy winning artists)...
should be fun...I overdo everything...
In Austin, the so-called "Live Music Capital of the World" it's a brutal scene. The city just released a study that shows the professional musicians earn less on average than fast food workers. Yet, music brings in $1.6 billion a year to the city.
I'm not talking about hobbyists. I'm talking about guys that are the backbones of dozens of national touring acts. In their home town, they struggle to barely get by.
So I decided to jump off a cliff and do something. At first it was a small, invite only party for my business friends. I'd hire a band to back me up and we'd have some fun and be in bed by nine.
But, I can't do anything so simple. Now, three weeks in, I've got six of the top players in Nashville and Austin performing, I've released my three point plan to improve working wages for the city's pro's, the press is calling me (did an interview yesterday) and the "little party" will likely sell out.
We will also record the show, shoot it on video (two cameras), I have a hostess for the evening, full lights, PA, engineer...
Drums, bass, Hammond/Piano, Saxophone, two guitars.
I'm selling tickets at $15 a head, I have five corporate sponsors and 100% of the money goes to the band.
My plan brings together business, venues and musicians in a new way. When the reporter asked why I thought I could make it work - I said "I'm proving it works on July 27th."
The band will perform one set (10-12 songs), get paid for a rehearsal and for the gig.
Players from Johnny Winter, Willie Nelson, Joe Bonamassa, Edgar Winter, Dr. John, Randy Travis, Taj Mahal, David Crosby, Robben Ford, Vernon Reid, Muddy Waters, Marty Stuart, Asleep at the Wheel, Marcia Ball and too many to list.
July 27th. Band is wearing suits and boots. Old fashioned Blues Revue. I'm at the helm.
We are going to burn that house down....Most folks around me have no idea of my musical heritage or credits (4 Grammy winning artists)...
should be fun...I overdo everything...