[Chuckles]

Hey all -

Just got back from checking out Kadlecik's new local band premier - they were smokin' as you might imagine. I was the only one recording and will post a link to the Archive spot in a bit...

But while there, I got handed a flyer for a couple of shows at a bar that we've been working our asses of to get a regular Sat night gig at. Specifically, on May 8 Tom Constanten and another local Dead cover band will be playing, followed by TC and John K and friends on the 10th. Bear in mind that this is a club that rarely - if ever - hosts national or major acts. I met and hung out with the the guy who is promoting these shows, and he was understanding when I brought up the fact that we've been working this club hard... even offered to comp me tis to the TC/JK show - cool enough.

But, should I be pissed at the establishment? They'd never heard of a Dead band playing there till we came around. Unfortunately, I've been dealing with a bartender, and the promoter has been dealing with the owner. I'm pretty pissed, but don't know if I should be or not; I've been trying to get to the owner via the bartender for months...

[strumminsix]

I can see being upset but it's a weird biz and being pissed won't get ya far!

[jdsmodulus]

JK is quazi famous, same with TC, pissed would not be appropriate. I would think having them play at a local bar would only "drum up" more business for your band. As they say any press is good press.

[Emoto]

I haven't had a band to book in a long time, but I can still recall that when booking, you have to find out who the real decision-maker is and then get to and deal with that person. Allowing a non-decision maker (like the bartender you mentioned) to act as a bottleneck or gatekeeper between you and who you need to deal with is not a good way to get gigs.

[Grateful.Ed]

Dude, Talk up these gigs big time. Then you're there when they want more.

[strumminsix]

I haven't had a band to book in a long time, but I can still recall that when booking, you have to find out who the real decision-maker is and then get to and deal with that person. Allowing a non-decision maker (like the bartender you mentioned) to act as a bottleneck or gatekeeper between you and who you need to deal with is not a good way to get gigs.

In theory I agree with this but in practice many "decision makers" delegate out band decisions and jumping overhead may only result in going back to the bartender who is now pissed that you went over his head.

[Emoto]

I haven't had a band to book in a long time, but I can still recall that when booking, you have to find out who the real decision-maker is and then get to and deal with that person. Allowing a non-decision maker (like the bartender you mentioned) to act as a bottleneck or gatekeeper between you and who you need to deal with is not a good way to get gigs.

In theory I agree with this but in practice many "decision makers" delegate out band decisions and jumping overhead may only result in going back to the bartender who is now pissed that you went over his head.

Well, you do have to understand the internal politics of a place to some extent and try to navigate those waters carefully without irritating anyone, but life is too short to let yourself be jerked around by an underling.

[Tennessee Jedi]

TC was in the DEAD and the other guy plays one on TV so I wouldn't worry about it.
Look at it as building a base of Heads who will expect more Dead bands to play at the venue.
And be there to fill the void.
Good luck Dude

[Chuckles]

All good points! I'm not at all upset about the TC/John K gig... but was a little miffed at the other local Dead cover band jumping into a slot. We're relatively new and the promoter didn't know of us, but On The Bus knew we were local. I just kinda feel like they're moving in on a field we've tilled and seeded... but, yeah, on balance, the plusses outweigh the minuses... unless OTB completely poaches the room we've been working hard on getting...

[LazyLightnin]

how does the other local dead band sound? maybe, like you said, they hadn't heard of you. or maybe the other band knows some folks you don't - which would suck.

i bet the bar had no say in who TC wants to open.

i would feel slighted, but still you need to know all the facts.

also, as others have mentioned, never go by what the bartender or cook or dishwasher has to say, always speak to the owner or general manager if possible. i've learned it the hard way by getting stiffed on $50 - 100 in pay by trusting the folks who serve the drinks.

[Chuckles]

The bartender books Wednesday nights; the manager deals with the weekends. It's funny as hell that TC and OTB need to be done by 11 so their house DJ can come on...

I'm in touch with the guy who booked the TC dates - hung with him last night at the John K gig, and he's very cool. Would've used us if he'd know about us... Hey, he's comping me in on the guest list for the TC/JKB gig, so that's cool. It's a benefit for the 4th of July Smoke-In

[LazyLightnin]

It's funny as hell that TC and OTB need to be done by 11 so their house DJ can come on..

wow, that just seems outrageous. i wonder what TC feels about that....i mean TC is a name, a dj is just....well....a guy spinning records. i guess what does it matter if the money is right though.

I'm in touch with the guy who booked the TC dates - hung with him last night at the John K gig, and he's very cool. Would've used us if he'd know about us...

Man, i wish this town was more appealing to acts like these. there's just not enough folks around here. In the last 6-8 years or so when i go down to the ledges for a fest ( this summer will be 15 years straight attending at least one fest at NLQP) i meet more people and see more license plates from the surrounding states than i do from Ohio. hmmmm....maybe that should tell me something

i actually like D.C., i did work in the national treasury for a little over a month once. i got to party in Georgetown and blow all of my extra cash on expensive meals that would have cost a fraction of the price in Cleveland

[erock]

/\

I am often one of the people at the ledges with a PA plate

I have as of late been finding myself in Cleveland quite often, though never have enough time to explore there. From what I have seen, it's a nice little town, with much more going on that I thought. You guys do get way better shows than we do here. national acts here that are good are hard to come by anymore