Who's Online Now
10 members (Fdemetrio, VNORTH2, Gary E. Andrews, Perry Neal Crawford, couchgrouch, Sunset Poet, Guy E. Trepanier, bennash, Bill Draper, David Gill), 4,088 guests, and 270 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Register Today!
Welcome to the Just Plain Folks forums! You are currently viewing our forums as a Guest which gives you limited access to most of our discussions and to other features.

By joining our free community you will have access to post and respond to topics, communicate privately with our users (PM), respond to polls, upload content, and access many other features. Registration is fast, simple, and absolutely free; so please join our community today!
ShoutChat
Comment Guidelines: Do post respectful and insightful comments. Don't flame, hate, spam.
What's Going On
Does Billy Joel belong in top 10?
by Fdemetrio - 03/28/24 11:10 PM
It Is Done
by Sunset Poet - 03/28/24 07:44 PM
Music Industry Summit, Athens Ohio
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/28/24 06:14 PM
Can you save me from me
by VNORTH2 - 03/28/24 03:11 PM
As human as yo
by ckiphen - 03/28/24 09:55 AM
Fox News Reports Stunning Archeological Discovery.
by couchgrouch - 03/27/24 08:02 PM
Wasting My Time
by David Gill - 03/27/24 07:42 AM
Song available
by JAPOV - 03/26/24 03:38 PM
YELLIN AT CLOUDS
by David Gill - 03/26/24 03:20 PM
"Reliving" the great Lou Rawls!
by Brian Austin Whitney - 03/26/24 01:49 PM
::: The Best In My Life :::
by Bill Draper - 03/26/24 01:32 PM
The show must go on
by ckiphen - 03/26/24 09:06 AM
NYC Motel 1972
by rpirone - 03/26/24 12:43 AM
usic Industry Summitt
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/25/24 11:32 PM
The Rant Arena
by JAPOV - 03/25/24 07:39 PM
Song available
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/25/24 11:55 AM
Song available
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/25/24 11:55 AM
Lancaster Festival, Lancaster, Ohio
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/25/24 10:51 AM
Wasting my time
by Rob B. - 03/25/24 03:45 AM
Tom Waits.. What's he building
by Fdemetrio - 03/25/24 12:09 AM
Rick Beato, bad lyrics
by Fdemetrio - 03/24/24 11:23 PM
Inspirational Videos Post Them Here
by Sunset Poet - 03/24/24 11:27 AM
Used to take a Genius to Mix
by Fdemetrio - 03/23/24 11:00 AM
She’s missing but she ain’t missing him
by ckiphen - 03/23/24 08:44 AM
"Broken Places"
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/22/24 07:45 PM
All You Are Is A Lie
by Sunset Poet - 03/22/24 06:55 PM
Pour Choices
by Gavin Sinclair - 03/22/24 05:29 PM
Billy's 30 year overdue song.
by Fdemetrio - 03/22/24 01:30 PM
Make my dreams come true
by ckiphen - 03/22/24 10:51 AM
Top Posters
Calvin 19,857
Travis david 12,264
Kevin Emmrich 10,941
Jean Bullock 10,330
Kaley Willow 10,240
Two Singers 9,649
Joice Marie 9,186
Mackie H. 9,003
glynda 8,683
Mike Dunbar 8,574
Tricia Baker 8,318
couchgrouch 8,160
Colin Ward 7,911
Corey 7,357
Vicarn 6,916
Mark Kaufman 6,589
ben willis 6,114
Lynn Orloff 5,788
Louis 5,725
Linda Sings 5,608
KimberlyinNC 5,210
Fdemetrio 4,990
Neil Cotton 4,909
Derek Hines 4,893
DonnaMarilyn 4,670
Blake Hill 4,528
Bob Cushing 4,389
Roy Cooper 4,271
Bill Osofsky 4,199
Tom Shea 4,195
Cindy Miller 4,178
TamsNumber4 4,171
MFB III 4,143
Sunset Poet 4,126
nightengale 4,096
E Swartz 3,985
JAPOV 3,973
beechnut79 3,878
Caroline 3,865
Kolstad 3,845
Dan Sullivan 3,710
Dottie 3,427
joewatt 3,411
Bill Cooper 3,279
John Hoffman 3,199
Skip Johnson 3,027
Pam Hurley 3,007
Terry G 3,005
Nigel Quin 2,891
PopTodd 2,890
Harriet Ames 2,870
MidniteBob 2,761
Nelson 2,616
Tom Tracy 2,558
Jerry Jakala 2,524
Al Alvarez 2,499
Eric Thome 2,448
Hummingbird 2,401
Stan Loh 2,263
Sam Wilson 2,246
Wendy D 2,235
Judy Hollier 2,232
Erica Ellis 2,202
maccharles 2,134
TrumanCoyote 2,096
Marty Helly 2,041
DukeWill 2,002
floyd jane 1,985
Clint Anglin 1,904
cindyrella 1,888
David Wright 1,866
Clairejeanne 1,851
Cindy LaRosa 1,824
Ronald Boyt 1,675
Iggy 1,652
Noel Downs 1,633
Rick Heenan 1,608
Cal 1,574
GocartMoz 1,559
Jack Swain 1,554
Pete Larsen 1,537
Ann Tygart 1,529
Tom Breshers 1,487
RogerS 1,481
Tom Franz 1,473
Chuck Crowe 1,441
Ralph Blight 1,440
Rick Norton 1,429
Kenneth Cade 1,429
bholt 1,411
Letha Allen 1,409
in2piano 1,404
Stan Simons 1,402
Deej56 1,385
mattbanx 1,384
Jen Shaner 1,373
Charlie Wong 1,347
KevinP 1,324
Vondelle 1,316
Tom W. 1,313
Jan Petter 1,301
scottandrew 1,294
lane1777 1,280
Gerry 1,280
DakLander 1,265
IronKnee 1,262
PeteG 1,242
Ian Ferrin 1,235
Glen King 1,214
VNORTH2 1,212
IdeaGuy 1,209
AaronAuthier 1,177
summeoyo 1,174
Diane Ewing 1,162
ckiphen 1,120
joro 1,082
BobbyJoe 1,075
S.DEE 1,040
yann 1,037
9ne 1,035
David Gill 1,032
Tony A 1,016
argo 986
peaden 984
90 dB 964
Wolvman 960
Jak Kelly 912
krtinberg 890
Drifter 886
Petra 883
RJC 845
Brenda152 840
Nadia 829
ant 798
Juan 797
TKO 784
Dayson 781
frahmes 781
bennash 763
teletwang 762
Andy K 750
Andy Kemp 749
tbryson 737
Jackie444 731
Irwin 720
3daveyO3 704
Dixie 701
Joy Boy 695
Pat Hardy 692
Knute 686
Lee Arten 678
Moosesong 668
Katziis 652
R.T.MOORE 638
quality 637
CG King 622
douglas 621
R&M 614
Mel 614
NaomiSue 601
Shandy 590
Ria 587
TAMERA64 583
qbaum 570
nitepiano 566
pRISCILLA 556
Tink2 553
musica 539
deanbell 528
RobertK 527
BonzaiWag 523
Roderic 522
BB Wilbur 513
goodfolks 499
Zeek 487
Stu 486
Steve P. 481
KathyW 462
allenb 459
MaxG 458
Philjo 454
fanito 448
trush48 448
dmk 442
Rob L 439
arealrush 437
DGR 436
avweek 435
Stephen D 433
Emmy 431
marquez 422
kit 419
Softkrome 417
kyrksongs 415
RRon 408
Laura G. 407
VNORTH 407
Debra 407
eb 406
cuebald 399
EdPerrone 399
Dannyk1 395
Hobart 395
Davyboy49 393
Smile 389
GJShades 387
Alek 386
Ezt 384
tone 380
Marla 380
Ann_F 379
iggyiggy 378
coalminer 377
java 374
ddreuter 371
spidey 371
sweetsong 370
danny 367
Rob B. 364
Jim Ryan 360
papaG 353
Z - man 350
JamesDF5 348
John K 348
Jaden 344
TheBaz 340
Steggy 339
leif 339
tonedeaf 336
rickwork 334
Eddie Ray 332
Johnboy 328
Bob Lever 328
Helicon1 327
lucian 326
Muskie 321
kc 319
Z. Mulls 318
ptondreau 313
ONOFFON 312
Chris B. 310
trush 304
ed323 297
Ellen M 294
markus-ky 293
lizzorn 291
nicnac49 290
Char 286
ktunes 285
Top Likes Received
JAPOV 86
VNORTH2 45
bennash 38
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#595368 03/11/08 10:20 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 306
Serious Contributor
OP Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 306
First let me say I think Jerry is doing an amazing job of getting these JPF meeting off the ground and flying. I don't believe I could do it, I do not have that particular set of skills.

Jack mentioned we need to step it up a bit though and take it up a notch or two.

Here is my humble suggestion: Bring in pertinent speakers...and I mean guest speakers - not PA speakers. smile

Man, just in our group alone we have so many very knowledgeable people who could seriously benefit those of us who might need some info in a particular area.

Just two small examples perhaps...as always..Jim Mason has so much experience with the side of the music business that many of us have yet to see, myself included. Many of the new group may have never even met Jim, maybe he could speak on how we can work towards our goals. He is a great asset and body of kowledge for our chapter as well as an amazing singer/songwriter.

The industry is changing my friends...with downloads and digital music way up and huge dinosaurs of Music companies either changing their diet or dying off...I would love to hear what industry professionals have to say about that and how it affects us as artists...Jim Mason is a great start. I would love to pick his brain.

Then there's Andy. This guy has such a vast amount of knowledge in so many areas that it would a shame not tap it for a talk. I would love to hear his expertise on Studios, gear, recording bands, guitars, vocals, bass, whatever, songwriting, etc. So much more to list.

That is one thing Al did that I always thought was very helpful.

Any thoughts? Start the brains smoking and put our heads together and keep this chapter the best!

Peace...AWP

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 750
Likes: 2
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 750
Likes: 2
This is something I have suggested and tried to do in side meetings for a while, with very limited success. One problem is most people just want to showcase their stuff, which is understandable. Also, I suspect Dawn (I think that is her name, who runs Whistle Stop) wants entertainment for her customers. If there are 30 or more JPFers there who are drinking and eating, she won't care because we will be giving her more than enough business. But if there are only 10 of us, a speaker may bore the rest of her customers, especially if it gets too music business technical, which is what I really want.

Doing it in a second meeting a month is hard because everyone has other commitments. It is hard enough getting a significant portion of us together for one meeting a month.

I'm willing to try it again, though I may have a hard time committing these next couple months due to my family situation right now. It would be nice to see how many are interested in more career growth type stuff, what topics should we cover, and whether you would attend a second monthly meeting or only want it as part of our existing meeting.

Please speak up!


https://www.stonemarmot.com
Stone Marmot
Nouveau retro pop-rock music
Listen to our latest song “I Sing Along” at:
https://soundcloud.com/stone-marmot/i-sing-along
and its music video at
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,524
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,524
I loved the speakers too!
Andy is right though.
Generating enough interest in a speaker is a tough cookie.
Speaking for myself I am always willing to learn.
Knowledge is power!
Thanks for the compliment Alex!
I learned most of it from Al.
When Al was hosting the meetings I was paying attention.
I also learned a lot from Brian Austin Whitney when he was here.
What ever the majority wants to do I will try to get r done.
The other thing to remember is that you folks are the Tampa Bay Chapter of Just Plain Folks.
Without you there is no chapter!
I may host/emcee the showcases but the involvement of the members is the key to making us the best.
It takes effort by all of us!



http://www.jerryjakala.com
http://cdbaby.com/cd/jakalajerry2

The difference between genius and stupidity is that there is a limit on genius.-Albert Einstein
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 912
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 912
My 2 cents.
at 12:50 sunday there were only myself, Jerry, Richard , and Steve, there. and Dawn seemed to be geting worried about paying her staff I think. Fortunately, a few more of us trickled in and it was ok.
But it's not the way it used to be. We were a very strong chapter.
and I think, in the begining it was because there was a true interest in the guest speakers. I spoke of these concerns to Jerry, and he agreed.
Have we really only turned into some sort of open mike now?
We need to generate alot more interest in JPF. As the former chapter of the year, we have to get more new members , give them a reason to belong, and show up.I personally joined up because of the knowledge shared with us.
Yes , it's fun to get up on stage and show off a few tunes,it feeds the ego.
I'd personally like to feed my head too.
nuff said by me.



Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,911
Likes: 1
Top 30 Poster
Offline
Top 30 Poster
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,911
Likes: 1
If there are only a handful who are interested in seminars on the business, it may make more sense to set up a big table in a coffeeshop with Jim for a round table discussion rather than a standup presentation. Not much point in pressing people to attend something they don't see the value in. Like pushing a rope.

Many of the JPF people are not really contenders for a grammy and are doing it for fun.....and then there are a few who are going for the gold. The former probably don't care much about the seminar....


Colin

I try to critique as if you mean business.....

http://colinwardmusic.com/

http://rosewoodcreekband.com/


Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,499
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,499
First off let me say that yes, Jerry has done a very good job of continuing the chapter. Thank you Jerry! He's also got the right insite and that is that it is "our" chapter. Without member participation it will still be a chapter just not as much fun. Please remember that every organization has its ups and downs, it's really active months and it's slower months. It's all good we just need to stay consistant and the flowers will bloom and the birds will sing.
Guest speakers are a very good idea and both Alex and Andy have excellent points. I found that by specifying that for instance 1:-1:30: was meet and greet, 2:-2:30 was set aside for a guest speaker or chapter meeting (1/2 hr an hr whatever works for the format of the day)then 2:30 on for showcasing it sets the expectation and on a Sunday any venue owner will roll with that.
A good while back Brian had asked active chapter coordinators to chime in with ideas on the General Chapter Board here at JPF. I went back and found the page and here is the link...

www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=207392&page=2#Post207392

There is some good information there, take it...leave it....it's all good.
I'm really gonna try and make this next meeting and will be glad to speak with anyone interested on the subject.
Keep Strummin' Al

Last edited by Al Alvarez; 03/12/08 01:40 PM.
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 912
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 912
Thanks Al,
I was hoping you'd pipe in here!!
Great Info!!

Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 306
Serious Contributor
OP Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 306
Great comments you guys...to chime in again...I agree with many aspects of all of your posts. I believe the essence, the nut, of what we are trying to get to is, what Andy, Jak, and Al said.

Jak, I could not agree more! You know, Colin, many JPF'ers play so many open mics for their original stuff as well as cover gigs which I do a majority of, as well as some of the bands who are members, etc. We do like to play our origninal tunes and most of us do just that on our gigs too, myself included as well.

But Jak, in my opinon, hit the proverbial nail on the head! We are not JUST an open mic. I believe the topics of interest from well versed, experienced, and educated speakers can be the "A-side" of these meetings with the showcase the "B-side".

We all have so mnay different projects going on and different TYPES of projects and goals, and members in our chapter might already be doing things that some of us have just read about and said "hmmm I wonder if I should start trying it that way?" or whatever.

Andy's point of keeping the venue's business flowing is another very valid point. This is an area where my expertise is ZERO. Actually Al is the man to address this topic in meetings : "How to keep a venue profitable with the live music/meetings".

Jak on fingerpicking and recording guitars, the biz, etc. - just another example. Steve V is one of the busiest JPF'ers I know in the current chapter. Maybe he could give a 10 minute talk on booking gigs and marketing, etc. I know we all do some of this and are probably knowledgable but a different perspective is always nice to have.

Look, we all seem to always check our respective egos at the door and that is one thing I love about JPF.

Anyway...I'll stop there...talk amongst yourselves!!!

PEACE...AWP


Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 189
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 189
Sounds like two different things. Talking and music. An establishment that is sponsoring an event wants the music not the talk. If you want talk its easy enough to meet at a grill, bar etc to discuss different issues in what ever format you want. A public stage is no place to discuss specific issues that have little or no interest to the general public.

If you introduce another aspect of the showcase other than entertaining music and social connection you risk loss of interest to participants, sponsors, and patrons of the estabishment.

The only important thing is to increase numbers at the showcase and everything will fall into place. Decrease the numbers and you will be left nothing. I believe people come for the sense of commaradary and love of music. Maybe I am wrong.
papos

Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 863
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 863
well said everyone! i've been goin to the whistlestop for years, and personally, i know the whistlestop is open on sundays (weather we are there or not). we bring free entertainment to the place. period! if we keep our guitars tuned and language clean (that's meant for me) we will be there forever. i think papos hit it on the head..i don't agree with a speaker at the whistle stop. it is a place for us to meet ,play and hopefully network.(yeah remember?)dawn/ the owner, she needs to make money. so folks, SPEND MONEY!! simple as that. she's already got the average numbers on what she did/does on sunday's before/without us. so if we don't show an improvement than she's better off without us! it's economics! those tables need to be turned for paying customers. (not for us to sit at all day drinking sodas.) i'm a working musician, and the last thing i want to do is play for a bunch of other musician's. espicially once a month! (it's like freakin'confession!) you want to hear my music?? go to my myspace page!! but i will go there and have a meal and some drinks, and listen. why not?? and i can say that i've really tried to make it to the meetings. and have like richard only made one out of three. (even with a wake-up call from jak,thanks, buddy!! LOL!!) but after playing thurs-sat and with a gig sun. night. home responsibilities come first. we are a unique group. and i see the members without families,kids,etc.. being the most active. (they don't have anything else to do!!) so let's do a rsvp on who can attend and who might attend. and if it doesn't look like it's worth the effort, just get together at someone's house once a month. (that's what a lot of other chapters do) and play for each other and forget venue headaches..(and please , don't call me before 2pm!!) thanks, i love you all!! barn.

Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 613
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 613
Hard to say what most people are thinking. I can only speak for myself and assume that maybe some others have similar attitudes, which is dangerous, but...

I go for several reasons, not listed in order of importance here:
1. To get out of the house.
2. To have an opportunity to perform in front of someone other than my dog.
3. To hear other local musicians perform.
4. To hang out and talk to other musicians, quite a few of whom I now consider friends.
5. To feel like I am participating in the "local music scene."
6. To hear and meet musicians I haven't yet heard or met.
7. To show support for the local JPF chapter.

I like the showcase. I certainly want to attend. I'm going to try to make a point of attending in April.

We've talked before about exchanging ideas and knowledge. Nothing much happens formally, but informally guys like Steve V have been EXTREMELY helpful. I personally would love to do more information exchanging. I feel like I've got a lot to learn and a lot to offer.

I've got recording experience, some schooling in it, and a Logic Pro based studio that I can basically use anywhere. I'd love to do something like trade audio recording services for slots opening gigs or something like that. If anyone wants to know anything about CDBaby, getting your music on iTunes, any of that kind of stuff, I've done that. I know very little about getting gigs locally. Where to play, how to go about it. And I suck at doing stuff like calling places and talking to people and pitching myself. I'd also love to play on other folks CD's. I'd probably be willing to put down guitar or keyboard tracks on someone's CD for six pack. And I'd love to do some recording and get other people to play on it. Stuff like that.

I don't know the answers. I don't know how to get a bunch of us together and talk about this kind of stuff. This bulletin board, actually, is a really good start, probably. But there are JPF'ers out there who don't read it.

Don't mind me, I'm just clouding up the water.


Richard MacLemale
Music = http://www.richardmac.com
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 912
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 912
I will refer back to Al's post.That is the JPF I joined.

Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 613
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 613
Originally Posted by Barkin' Barney
and i see the members without families,kids,etc.. being the most active. (they don't have anything else to do!!) so let's do a rsvp on who can attend and who might attend. and if it doesn't look like it's worth the effort, just get together at someone's house once a month. (that's what a lot of other chapters do) and play for each other and forget venue headaches..(and please , don't call me before 2pm!!) thanks, i love you all!! barn.


Well, yeah, I see that too - I agree. I've got two kids (7 and 9) and I gig a couple times a month and there are family obligations. TONS of them.

I'll be honest, though - I highly doubt I'd go to someone's house. No, let me rephrase that. There's no way I would. Well... if they had a huge mansion and the booze was flowing freely and there were college girls having a pool party, then yeah, I'm in. But I'm betting that wouldn't be the deal. And I'm betting there are other folks where having to go to someone's house would be a deal killer. Or maybe I'm wrong.

Honestly, I really DON'T see the difference between a good open mic night and a showcase. They feel pretty much the same to me. Not saying that's bad.


Richard MacLemale
Music = http://www.richardmac.com
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 306
Serious Contributor
OP Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 306
I would like to refer all of you to the JPF main board and their mission statement...basically paraphrasing...we are a international group of artists, musicians, songwriters, attorneys, etc. in it to network and help each other 'cuz we're pretty much in the same boat - independent and unsigned. That is the really watered down version.

I didn't join JPF for an open mic...there's only about a million of those. Just my 2 cents.

Peace...AWP

Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 679
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 679
As everybody has mentioned....there are a lot of good points being made. I would love to hear info talks and presentations. Whether or not it is a good idea for the Whistle Stop, that's up for debate.

I'd certainly love to see the monthly get together continue at the Whistle Stop. I look forward to seeing everyone, hearing everyone and playing myself. I even look forward to my Turkey Wrap sandwich. As far as an info session, maybe that's something that could be set up on a quarterly basis at a place that is not so much a performing venue.

We all also need to remember something as well - while I'm a newbie, and I wasn't around to witness the days Jak refers to, we're still one of the strongest chapters around thanks to Al, Jerry and all our fellow members. Whether it's in person or through the boards, we all try to help each other out when there's a question or concern.

Steve V
(Alex, Richard, thanks for the positive words!!)



Steve Vaclavik

http://www.stevevaclaviktwang.com
http://www.myspace.com/stevevaclavik

Long Grass And The Tall Trees Available now:

http://cdbaby.com/cd/stevevaclavik

'You probably don't like what I'm saying, or the way that it's been said. But my only goal has been to awaken some thoughts in your head.'
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 306
Serious Contributor
OP Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 306
Also, I do want to say, it is difficult to know a person's mood and intent when reading these messages. I want to tell you all although it may sound so, I can assure you there is no anger or resentment or any other negative feeling in these posts. Just healthy discussion. smile
My point is JPF is much much more than just some open mic.

Peace...AWP

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 775
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 775
I am strongly in favor of speakers. When I first moved to Clearwater I found JPF by searching the internet for songwriters associations because I loved the educational events sponsored by the Songwriters Association of Washington, of which I was a member. Speakers from BMI, A&R guys, hit songwriters, etc. I have always wanted to see more of that. Dug Jim Mason at one of the first JPF meetings I attended. Want to see more. I would go to a private residence to hear someone talk on the music business or technical tricks. I would also host such events in my home. Music stores like Sam Ash and Seminole have been successful venues in the past.


Steve Dockendorf
Dockendorf Audio Recorders
"Quality music for quality people"
dockendorf2000@yahoo.com
http://www.stevedockendorf.com
http://www.myspace.com/stephendockendorf
http://stevedockendorf.wordpress.com
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 750
Likes: 2
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 750
Likes: 2
Like Jak, Alex, Steve, and others, I originally joined JPF to learn more to attempt to get a career in music. And I have learned a lot! Some was from the speakers we used to have early on (like Jak and Al, I am one of the original members of this chapter). But most of what I learned came through opportunities I found out about from networking with people in our JPF chapter. I probably never would have joined NSAI, gone to Nashville, Kerrville, and other places around the US and Canada if it weren't for info I got from other JPF members.

Guest speakers who are lawyers, radio DJs, BMI or ASCAP representatives, etc., would be good. But there is already so much knowledge within this chapter that needs to be shared. I'm sure there is a lot I have done and tried that others would like to know about. There is a lot that Jak, Jim Mason, Jules, and many others in this chapter have done that I would like to know about. This is so we all don't keep re-inventing the wheel and making the same mistakes over and over again.

Examples of things I keep hearing people ask:

What is TAXI (or NSAI, or BMI, or ASCAP, etc.) and is it worth it? Do you have any experience with it?

What is the minimum I need to start recording at home?

How do I get some local gigs?

How do I get a song recorded by a signed artist?

What is a publishing contract and is it useful?

How do I get songs into TV shows?

How can I improve my songwriting (critiques, writing schools or seminars, etc. Are they worth it?)?

How do I record and release my own CD?

How do I get my own website?

. . . and so forth. There are a lot of people in our local chapter who have already done this stuff and have experience they could share.

I would like to see some more formal exchange of this knowledge. A meeting once a month at someone's house or a library meeting room or a park pavilion or such would be good. We should have a chosen topic to start each meeting, with someone from the group, hopefully someone with experience in this topic, designated to lead that topic's discussion. Afterwards, we could open it up for more general questions or concerns people may have.

This is a suggestion. I think we accomplish more with suggestions that with criticisms. I would like to hear other suggestions. I'm sure some of you have ideas better than this.

Andy



https://www.stonemarmot.com
Stone Marmot
Nouveau retro pop-rock music
Listen to our latest song “I Sing Along” at:
https://soundcloud.com/stone-marmot/i-sing-along
and its music video at
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,499
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,499
I love the dialog that has developed here and I can truley understand everyones opinions. Here are somethings to consider.
Although the Whistle Stop has been a welcoming venue, it's got a great location etc. do we want to be sitting out in that patio in May? Probably not. The reason we stayed at Johnny G's so long was because we had the freedom to have speakers, make announcements and showcase. And it was a safe weather venue. Don't worry so much about the patrons/house, rember they're getting an entire afternoon of free entertainment and the speaker / announcement section of the day only goes on about 1/2 hr to 45 mins. Also by addressing the folks at the bar and letting them know whats going on and that very soon they will be treated to some of the best independent artists in Tampa Bay we NEVER had a complaint anbout speakers or announcements.That said....
Andy's right we tried, he tried, others in the organization have tried to have an interim night where it's strictly for an educational purpose. It hasnt worked. Heres my suggestion. Since we have many members who don't participate on the boards why dont we really push hard this next meeting to get as mant folks out as possible and take a minute and poll them. Let's try to get some type of commitment and then have a sign up sheet and if we need to we can have it at a library or civic center or my back deck. We could shoot for a quarterly educational meeting or just do it as the felling and or need or availability of a special educational speaker became available.
Just my three cents....
Keep Strummin' Al
www.aandrproductions.com
www.myspace.com/quotthemasongangquot

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 328
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 328
I had a chat with Dawn last night and she said she would be willing to have a speaker as long it didn't go too long. The educational/business part of JPF is also what attracted me and I know a few others. We could always have a meeting prior to the showcase portion say at noon. Those of us who do not want to participate don't have to. There is a side area where we can sit and talk about all the things that get us to the stage in the first place without disrupting the bar area. Then hit the stage. There is a solution. I am sure that we can work this out.


Bob Lever
727-278-6168
http://www.myspace.com/boblever
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 863
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 863
i think bob has it solved! the area on the side is perfect for a info meeting before the showcase! (and has confirmed it with the owner.). and al is right also, it's gonna be hot in the summer, (even though they have fans). also, please let me say that i didn't mean to sound critical at all! i was trying to be funny! (some may have took me wrong). it is what it is, an open mic of our chapter. honestly ask yourselves: would everyone go there on a sunday to hear any one of us do a solo gig from 1-5pm? probally not. but by having us all get together once a month and say hi, catch up etc.. the fellowship, is what i like. i'm just one knucklehead in the group, and mean no dis-respect to the group or any of it's members. (anyone who know's me personally, would see me smiling as i type). your friend in music, barn.

Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,524
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,524
So do most of you want a different,cooler venue for the summer?
Or do we shut down the showcases until October when the cooler weather returns?
The second Sunday in May is also Mother's day.
Do we stay on schedule?
Change it?
Or skip it until June?





http://www.jerryjakala.com
http://cdbaby.com/cd/jakalajerry2

The difference between genius and stupidity is that there is a limit on genius.-Albert Einstein
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 328
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 328
I don't know about anybody else but Mother's day is out. I don't mind the heat until about July or Aug. Then it sometimes is a little unbearable. Until then let's party.


Bob Lever
727-278-6168
http://www.myspace.com/boblever
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 306
Serious Contributor
OP Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 306
Heat is fine with me, I'm from Miami...sweatin' to the originals baby! I'll just wear shorts and a tank top and my Gator crocs! LOL.

I like where this dialog is going as well...Andy, Al, and Bob all have great stuff as well as many others.

My vote is NO - never shut down the showcase...But Start up the speakers. Personally I need info on Taxi, BMI/ASCAP, and publishing/publishers.

So let's get to it. Next meeting...Who could speak on these topics OR any other topics of interest anyone else would like to hear. Jules is the publishing man, Jim Mason on Taxi (again - I saw the first one) and ASCAP/BMI (Jim and anyone else with experience). 12:00 PM (1 hour before the showcase).

Any thoughts/questions/queries/comments/detractors/criticisms?

Just getting the ball rolling....
Peace...AWP

Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 863
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 863
i got a place near me where the owner says we can showcase in the summer. (during the hottest months, and if we can't bear the heat outside at the whistlestop) he has a small stage . it is a smoking liquor bar. (that's why i liked and suggested the whistlestop). but has cold air. and although no food. there are several rests.close. (italian,chinese,subway,etc.)and i mean close. and since the summer months are not overwhelmed with sporting events, he would welcome us one sunday a month, and we would not bother anyone. and have plenty of room for our meetings. so were covered all around. mother's day is iffy for many of us and our meeting should be changed to another sunday in may if poss. just my thoughts, no harsh words,broken bones. barn.

Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 164
D
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
D
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 164
Discussion is a great thing and always helpful. As Andy has said we tried meeting outside the chapter with little participation. Be aware that most of what he listed can be archived on the general board. BMI, Taxi, NSAI, web sites and much more info is available at your fingertips.
The question you need to ask yourself is "Am I willing to do what it takes to achieve my goal"? The bar is higher than you can imagine to make it in our chosen field. NSAI can help you write better songs, however, can you pay the fee and attend the monthly meetings in Tampa? Taxi can give you critques of you songs for a fee. They are brutally honest and before you spend the money you need to ask yourself am I good enough? Your recordings and songs need to be top notch to get through them and have a chance. The point is most of us already know of these avenues that can help us get there and only a few are willing to use them. I have attended NSAI and they made me a better song writer. I went to Nashville for a NSAI event and it opened my eyes. All cost money and time.
The showcase is what it is. Every attempt to make it something else has not worked. Network and establish friendships and communiciations with it's members and you will learn a great deal. It's already there. By all means bring in a speaker if they have something new to offer.
By the way, I include myself as someone who knows what I need to do to become a better songwriter, better guitar player, and better at recording, and for a variety of reasons won't do what it takes to get there.
Dan

Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 912
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 912
Mothers day is fine with me. I know some members may have other plans, but why not bring Mom for an afternoon of un equaled entertainment? Jerrys Mom (Chris) seems to love it.

Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,524
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,524
Mom does enjoy it!
Becky's parents have been at some of the showcases and enjoyed it as well.
Dedicating a song or two for your mom is a great way to honor her on her special day.
Telling a short mom story would be another good way to honor them or their memory.
Bring mom for some ice cream or lunch!
You can always do a fancy place for dinner if you need too.
I am just tossing around some ideas!
I really need more feed back on this!

Jerry


http://www.jerryjakala.com
http://cdbaby.com/cd/jakalajerry2

The difference between genius and stupidity is that there is a limit on genius.-Albert Einstein
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 775
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 775
I'm fine with Mothers Day. My folks are in Maryland, so it's not like I was going to see them anyway.


Steve Dockendorf
Dockendorf Audio Recorders
"Quality music for quality people"
dockendorf2000@yahoo.com
http://www.stevedockendorf.com
http://www.myspace.com/stephendockendorf
http://stevedockendorf.wordpress.com
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,524
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,524
I am working on the speaker aspect of the showcases!
While the music is the highlight of the showcases you all should also be networking with each other.
Trading phone number's,collaborating on songs,swapping information etc.
James Hawkins and Cold Harbor is a band made up of JPFer's that met and networked at the showcases.
Horsefeather's is also a result that you will all get to hear in the future.
The other thing is that I get to hear a lot of my fellow musicians because it is hard for me to get out and hear everyone.
I know a lot of you are in this same situation,for what ever reason.
Like Steve Dockendorf said,it is going to take a little time to rebuild the chapter.
Rebuild it WE will!





http://www.jerryjakala.com
http://cdbaby.com/cd/jakalajerry2

The difference between genius and stupidity is that there is a limit on genius.-Albert Einstein
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,524
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,524
You guys asked for it!
I have speaker's for the April 13th showcase.
See my post about the showcase for more details.
I still need more responses aboout the May showcase as it is on Mother's Day.




http://www.jerryjakala.com
http://cdbaby.com/cd/jakalajerry2

The difference between genius and stupidity is that there is a limit on genius.-Albert Einstein
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 84
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 84
Hubba, Hubba,
Thanks Jerry for your great effort. Rome wasn't built in a day, and rebuilding the Tampa Chapter will take a little time also.

As far as May, Mother's Day is fine with us. Our son, Kevin only lives a hop, skip and a jump from Safety Harbor, anyway.
Don & Carol Noble


Link Copied to Clipboard
Support Just Plain Folks

We would like to keep the membership in Just Plain Folks FREE! Your donation helps support the many programs we offer including Road Trips and the Music Awards.


Newest Members
chriscastle, yasir252, cathennashira, Samwise, HappySousa
21,470 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums117
Topics125,717
Posts1,160,950
Members21,470
Most Online37,523
Jan 25th, 2020
Just Plain Quotes
"If one man can do it, any man can do it. It is true. But the real question is, if one man did it, are you willing to do what it takes to do it as well?" –Brian Austin Whitney
Today's Birthdays
warriorgirl (2024)
Popular Topics(Views)
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5