Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by smilingdog1 on January 14, 2013 at 2:11pm

In my opinion, anyplace that will have us without money out of pocket is a blessing. Second consideration is best environment to suit everybody's needs and reach the largest public. I personally want to network with other builders, play some tunes, sell my builds and maybe trade and make friends. Everybody has their own expectations and ideas so lets hear them. I need to know what you guys vision as a great festival so we can focus on it's development.

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Permalink Reply by colin mcgrath on January 16, 2013 at 3:33am

cool, I like the route 66 festival idea. It would be cool to get something at one of the blues bars near downtown, not sure if they would charge a large fee or not. Maybe even coincide it with something else going on?

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Permalink Reply by smilingdog1 on January 17, 2013 at 1:31am

Thanks colin,

I like the route 66 plan also. Still have a few others events and locations to review, then we'll do a review here for all to give feedback on and go from there. We'll try to make this work so all of us near the gateway can go have us a great time!

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Permalink Reply by Mr.C on January 16, 2013 at 9:23pm

I know a place or two might be willing there's the Havana cigar room in Arnold also a guitar lesson studio in festus good open space has a stage think fowlers music

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Permalink Reply by Mr.C on January 16, 2013 at 9:29pm

What time frame we talking in August there's the kc fest so I guess I better build a guitar I sold all my cbg for Christmas I can also get uncle John in on the conversation he well connected in the nation

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Permalink Reply by smilingdog1 on January 17, 2013 at 1:03am

Hello Mr.C,

We're researching sites and in the next few weeks we should have a time and place. We're hoping in June or July for weather to be more accommodating. Ideas for the fest are encouraged so this will be something we all can enjoy on all levels.

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Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on January 16, 2013 at 9:50pm

My advice....after 4 UK CBG fests and now planning our 5th. For a 1st event, keep your outgoings modest - use whatever connections you can make with an established and helpful venue. A venue that's happy to let you have the room for free on the expectation of having a goodly number of people to push beer over the bar to is good, better yet if they have their own house PA,  and again good if its an established music venue that will have a certain number of regulars that would be up for some new stuff.

Be realistic about numbers..if you assume the numbers attending will be low/modest and you end up packing the place, that's cool, but if you budget the other way round, it's stressful and you risk being out of pocket. Call on whatever favours you can for venue/gear and players, but treat people right. On my first one, I didn't promise any money to performers, it was all done on a favour, connections and goodwill...BUT I was able to pay the headliner a couple of hundred bucks ..and that's the way it built up, so now we pay decent money for good performers and cover their overnight accommodation...but it takes some building up, so you need to temper ambition with a good dose of reality checking.

When dealing with venues, experience really helps - having experience of running open mics etc, playing live music venues (and being paid for it) is very useful. If you haven't got that experience, then you need to get clued-up and if possible get someone onboard who has some experience and credibility. That way when you go to a venue, the name and experience draws more water and you've got a better chance of getting a good deal. It's not essential..but it's always good to be able to admit to yourself that you know enough to know that you don't know enough..if that makes sense!

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Permalink Reply by smilingdog1 on January 17, 2013 at 1:24am

That's is excellent feedback and what I'm looking for. Much of what you stated I'm already on top of, but you've brought several things to light I needed to hear. I've organized other events and understand how much planing and stress is involved. However, nothing like this. Also, knowing enough to know I don't know enough.. makes perfect sense! I'm leaning toward the idea of piggybacking our event with and existing event that provides PA, stage, hook up and other necessities. There are several options there to look into. Thanks  ChickenboneJohn, this was very much appreciated!  

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Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on January 17, 2013 at 1:47am

Getting someone else to do the legwork in terms of "piggybacking" can be good, but don't automatically place 100% trust in their ability or drive to pull it off. If you go this route, make sure you know exactly what you are committing to and what your partner's obligations are supposed to be. Don't make assumptions, ask questions and keep on their case...you may be aware of this already, but just in case.  It's very easy to assume something and then bump into the situation of "what do you mean, there's no late bar" ...or..."you thought WE were supposed to provide the PA?"...

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on January 17, 2013 at 6:13am

I am likely too far away to attend, but have interest.   It would be so cool to go to your fest and then on down to Memphis and NW Mississippi on the blues trail.

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Permalink Reply by smilingdog1 on January 18, 2013 at 12:47am

Iowa is up there a ways that's for sure. It would be nice if you could make it down. I guess we'll just have to wait and see!

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Permalink Reply by Mr.C on January 17, 2013 at 9:07am

I can play a few songs well enuff Also have an electic washboard can do some cool stuff with it I have make a guitar real fast I have all the parts and clp half builds

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