JPF Home Page Forums Just Plain Folks Roadtrips Roadtrip Forum JPF Roadtrip Showcases - some thoughts

Last night- Sunday, (Nov. 9th), I participated in the JPF Roadtrip Showcase at Rusty's Surf Ranch - on Santa Monica Pier...It was a wonderful evening! THANK YOU, BRIAN !
For those of you who haven't done one of these showcases...you are missing a
great opportunity.
Here are some of the advantages to attending this type of event:

1. Meeting Brian Austin Whitney in person!
He's a really friendly guy and it's a rare opportunity to meet the founder of JPF, since he travels so much...

2. Hearing many, many different types of songwriters perform - What a fabulous way to stay current on what's really happening in Los Angeles...as a writer and performer, I found it very inspiring to watch so many talented people perform. In what other venues could you hear over 40 performers do one song each? That's variety!! And, the quality is MUCH better than your typical
open mic night. These musicians and writers are top notch. Many of them are established artists with contracts, gigs and CD's.
Some of the 2002 JPF Music Award winners were there and performed as well.

3. Networking - I was surprised at the friendly atmosphere, and got to meet a lot of people - So many "industry" events have
a cold feeling - but JPF showcases are so different! It was easy to go up to people and strike up conversations...

4. Supportive audiences - JPF audiences are very good at cheering for each other...sadly, you don't always get this kind of response at many L.A. clubs...

5. Meeting people you've seen on the Message Boards - what fun to meet those folks! Now I can asociate faces with the screen names...

My bottom line...One of the best ways to keep JPF going is to attend events when they are in ( or near) your town or city. This is a free organization, but we are powerful because we
work as a team. You never know who you might meet as a result of putting yourself out there.

Believe me, I know how hard it is to get out on a weeknight - I am married, have a kid and work full time.
BUT, I am so glad that I stepped out of my
routine and comfort zone to attend and participate in this showcase.
Part of one's growth as an artist can be enriched by observing other artists and
learning from their experiences.

Don't miss those JPF Roadtrip Showcases, everyone !!!!

Emily Sanders





[This message has been edited by Emily Sanders (edited 11-10-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Emily Sanders (edited 11-10-2003).]

Thanks Emily! I hope that more folks will venture out to the showcases in 2004. We had great turn outs in surprising places and less than great in a couple places we had high expectations for.. Just as 80% of the general members don't post on here or read the message boards, 80% of the message board folks don't go to Roadtrip showcases. Maybe your post will help change that as well!

Brian

Thanks Emily!
After reading your post, I feel even more sure I did the right thing by signing up for this Philly's event on May 27th. First time playing in a long, long time. And the first time at being a solo act. I was always just the piano player in a band. I only did backing vocals then too. So, I hope I go on later, to see how the pros do it, and hopefully be a fast study!

John Daubert
Can you hear my knees knocking?