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Do you have something you would like to
voice an opinion about. Each month we consider various articles
you can submit or publish anonymously
on a variety of topics
that may be of interest to our readers. Let's hear what you
have to say... Maybe others want to hear it too?
Please contact us if you would like to share your thoughts at info@MetroMusicMayhem.com.
Rob
aka The Weekend Concierge
I didn't think that the
year would be complete without my sharing a few thoughts
on what I have learned during the past 12 months - traveling
from place to place, listening to local entertainment and
speaking with everyone from management down to the common
man drinking a draft at the local pub. I've organized my
thoughts into general themes and hopefully some will hit
home with you.
Bands
I have great respect for
bands. Not only must each member be talented enough
to play their own instrument, but they must also be
able to get along with each other. There are lots of
struggles such as late hours and personality conflicts
to name just a few. Putting up with each one's weaknesses and subtleties
can take a toll on a band. Like marriages these days,
not all of them last. However, some bands have better
marriages than others. I've seen the struggles of trying
to get gigs and how money affects which bands get to
play certain venues while others need to turn down
offers because they hardly cover the cost of gas and
drinks. Playing 4 hours or more to half empty bars
also takes a toll on the bands. In the end, having
a few loyal fans present, can give the bands the encouragement
they need to give it their best, no matter how many
or how few show up to see them.
Bars
A lot of stuff goes on behind
the scenes at your local watering hole - no matter
how large or small the place looks. Owners need to
manage many different aspects of their business including
but not limited to having enough staff on hand to
serve drinks, clean up messes, hire entertainment,
promote special events, decide what kind of food
to serve and make sure enough beer is on tap! All
the aforementioned tasks
need to take into consideration how many patrons
are expected to show up. If less than expected
show up, the night can be a total loss. If too
many show up and not enough food, drink, or staff
are available, the owner/manager must work extra
hard to make everyone happy. This is no easy job! |
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Photographers
Over the past year, I have run into many
professional and amateur photographers who capture the
essence of the bands and the fans who come out to see them.
Each photographer has his or her own style and method of
distributing the completed product. Some try to make a
few bucks. Others simply do it for the enjoyment of uploading
friends faces to Facebook. I have found a great need for
bands to get all the publicity that they can get. We cannot
depend on local media who pay more attention to big money
concerts and events than what's happening right around
the corner from where we live. Sharing the fun moments
in pictures is one of the best ways to publicize an event,
a band or a place to visit. Our impatience to read a lot
has been replaced with short, one-line comments attached
to photos and exemplifies the expression "A picture
is worth a thousand words:.
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Facebook
Over the past year, Facebook
has become an alternative to Google when it comes
to finding information on both people and places.
Facebook used to make it easy for people to post
information and disseminate it to anyone connected
to their profile. As Facebook tries to improve its' usability
and functionality, I have found that it can be more
un-reliable in getting the right words out to the
right people so I would not recommend that anyone
rely solely on this medium. On the other hand, I
would not give up on Facebook as part of a total
social marketing program because it can only get
better as competition for your online time continues
to heat up in 2012.
Websites
I have seen several websites
pop up over the past year which promote local events.
Each one has its' own strengths and weaknesses
(including the one I created, WeekendBroward.com).
I am always looking for a good local website to see
what new information they bring to the table. I believe
that they were all started with good intentions.
Unfortunately, I have not found one that I can
turn to on a daily basis to get the most up to
date information on local entertainment. That may
be why I keep doing what I do. |
I'm looking forward to another year of staying in touch
with bands, bars, restaurants, karaoke DJ's and most importantly,
you, the fans who decide where to spend your time and money,
each and every day.
All the best to you and yours this holiday season! Rob
aka The Weekend Concierge
P.S. Find the whole year's worth of my blog at: http://weekendbroward.blogspot.com/ |
The views, opinions, positions or
strategies expressed by the authors and those providing
comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect
the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Metro
Music Mayhem. We make no representations as to accuracy,
completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of
any information contained within and will not be liable
for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information
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