JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Brian Austin Whitney Blog Thursday, June 21st, 2007

Hi Folks,

We've had an unusual increase in site traffic this week where the last 2 days have seen the highest number of visitors ever in our site history. And it doesn't appear to be search bots, so I'm not really sure what is up. I haven't seen a big increase in posts on the boards, so who knows. Sometimes we'll have an unusual spike or decrease for one day, but it's odd for it to happen 2 days in a row.

We have our Indianapolis showcase tomorrow night. It's not a huge show, but it has a lot of previous awards nominees and one 2 time winner coming. It should be a lot of fun. We rarely do events in Indianapolis even though we live here. We've had 2 showcases, 1 house concert and 1 networking party/dinner. I've thought of moving the awards show here (we have a beautiful venue for it) but I worry that most folks wouldn't fly into Indy without other things to do and outside of sports and some nice museums, there's not a fraction of things to do and see like there is in Southern California, especially in November.

That's what I am mulling over today, how about you?

Brian

Hey Brian,
Just a thought. It's very cheap to fly, stay and eat here in Las Vegas. Venues are easy to come by and there's loads to lure people out here. Sometimes, if there are no other big conventions in town at the time, you can even get a great group hotel rate. My husband and I also own PA equipment, should you need it. So, if you are ever so inclined...

Heidi

Whoooweeee! I like Heidi's idea!! I am all for Vegas!!! Count me in on the Las Vegas vote!!

Tammy

www.tammyedwards.com
www.myspace.com/tammyedwards1

I actually considered Las Vegas and someone from BMI even called around to see if someone would host us but it never went anywhere. We have (in Las Vegas terms) basically zero budget. We have to cover the entire cost of the event AND the music awards process (the Trophies last year alone cost us nearly 7,000 dollars) and there's only so much you can charge per ticket before artists say they can't afford it. We had trouble filling 550 seats at $60 a ticket this year and had to comp about 150 artists in because they cried poor. That's probably not an audience that will thrill Vegas. The only way we could make it work would be to find a partner who would give us the awards venue for free or next to free in hopes of up-ing the attendance significantly and thus providing some nice income for the hotel and casino.

The Hard Rock was the target last time as it's a natural connection to the music industry. Are you connected to any of the well known casinos? (I know the work you've done and seen your highlight reel.. excellent job by the way) but I am not sure how active you currently are? I can tell you that the quality of our awards show and the performances is world class in a literal sense. We had performer from all continents and in 30 different genres of music each of the last 2 awards cycles.

I'd definitely do Vegas if we could find the right venue partner.

Brian

Hey Brian,
I left performing in the production show about 5 years ago and have been getting more into writing and producing since then. I still have connections, but showrooms can only be used on the dark nights, which is only one night per week or in the afternoons.

Can you give me all the details? The date is the most important item because you don't want to try to come to Vegas during a major convention. Prices jump then. Once I know the date(s) and when you will need the stage, I can ask around.

I think it's funny that you somehow found my reel. I hope it's the one with the TV shows on it....

Heidi

Heidi,

Actually a search for your name produced it. You're listed on a site of other folks who do what do you. (I am not sure, but I get the idea you haven't announced what you used to do, so I won't "out" you if that is the case).

It had the TV clips. Very nice job.

Brian

Brian,
I bet that video was a bit of a surprise! Now, that I'm finally able to do more writing and producing (mostly stage shows and music right now), I don't promote the performance art as much. Thanks for being considerate of that. I look forward to getting your data on the awards show. There are some possibilities.

Heidi

I have no idea of the date because we haven't even started the awards process yet. In the past 2 awards cycles, we did it the first Saturday in November. The year before that it was in March. I am thinking possibly March again this time around in 2009 since the awards could possibly double in size again (which would be 700,000 songs and 50,000 albums) meaning it would take a lot longer to get through all that music. We usually try to do it on a Saturday in case people have day jobs and need to fly in (which almost everyone would have to do in Las Vegas.. in So. Cal, half the people or more drive in from other areas (including vegas).

Brian