To those that profit while destroying the SOFLA scene... WOW!

After reading some of the letters and articles in this magazine I felt I needed to write this in the hopes that others may also feel the same and respond with their thoughts as well.

The entertainment business, like any other has always been filled with individuals that continue to value their own interests over those of venues they are hired by or the musical community they are a part of as a whole.  This is NOT directed at those that truly are out there every day, working hard and always trying to do the right thing for their peers and those that hire them. Those are NOT the folks I am speaking of…Of course there are always those that will blame others for the problems while taking on no responsibility or action of their own.  There are many talented bookers, bands etc who care very much and I sincerely applaud all of those individuals that continually try to improve the scene. However, the weasels I am referring to are very much like the carpet-baggers after the war and are continuing to destroy the music scene here in South Florida by their actions.  All the local musicians clearly know who they are and speak amongst themselves but fear reprisals or threats, so they sit by helplessly and watch the situation continue to get worse each day for everyone.  Clubs are all about filling rooms and making money. Musicians are all about playing for fans and getting paid. Fans are all about seeing great entertainment and having fun as they choose WHERE to spend their hard earned cash.

What I see happening is a clear case. Certain parties maneuver their way in to having a degree of control and the ear of certain troubled venues that seem to be struggling in drawing fans to their locations. Then they proceed to promise venue the delivery of fans and dollars in what seems like a good deal for them.  So far so good… right?  WRONG!

But it all backfires for everyone, and actually only the sleazey weasel profits while wearing the hat of ' I Am One Of You ', continually smiling to the face of those they are stabbing in the back. What ends up happening is that now instead of getting the best acts for the venue, the weasel now decides which friends or favorites to choose or who provides them the best kickback. That is who then gets to work the venue and lines the sleazeball's pocket.  This usually has no basis on what the best act for the room would actually be.  At this point it is now the FAN that really gets cheated into viewing what is in most cases a second rate performer or act.  Pretty soon they feel it is not worth spending money on and eventually stop going to that spot.  The spot now feels the bite hard in the end financially and does not have any dollars left to actually pay for the cooler acts anymore or any cash to promote what could have been a GREAT room for everyone. Very sad indeed, as we have seen many new places that had so very much potencial open and close within short periods as a result of this self serving crap.

Then the bands all whine cause they have no cool places where to perform, clubs lose money or go out of business, fans don’t get to see the choice stuff, get tired of going out and …  oh yeah the carpet-baggers…. Well those predators just move on to do damage some where else and repeat the whole thing over and over.

What is the solution?  Clubs…don’t be lazy and do the research to find out what the better talent really IS for your room and don’t rely on someone that has their own interests first by screwing bands and lining their pockets. Work TOGETHER with the bands. Bands help one another and try to deliver the BEST acts possible to your fans and work hard on bringing in your fans to support you.  Screw these people that are just screwing you again and again. In the long run, it will only hurt you anyway if you go along with the plan and play their little games. And fans PLEASE speak with your wallets and don’t patronize the rooms with sub par entertainment that treat you poorly. 

Look at other major cities and what kind of scene they have. We should be embarrassed by this scene in SoFLA. We CAN Actually Improve It. You DO have a choice where to go and if we all work together the bar can be raised and there will be NO need for these vultures that just lower the level of Florida music.

Thanks to Metro Music Mayhem for allowing me to publish this anonymously and not get attacked by those I speak of.
I await your response to my letter and hope it makes a positive differance in the right direction.