Who's Online Now
10 members (couchgrouch, Fdemetrio, VNORTH2, Gary E. Andrews, Perry Neal Crawford, Sunset Poet, Guy E. Trepanier, bennash, Bill Draper, David Gill), 4,251 guests, and 265 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
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Top 10 Poster
OP Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
We need help find the site and location of the 2008/9 JPF Music Awards

We've always held our JPF Awards in Southern California, USA in the past. The venue we've used in 2004-2005 and 2006-2007 has unfortunately been sold and closed down. So we need a new venue for 2008-2009. Our first choice is to return to Southern California, preferably in the Hollywood area, if the right venue can be found in our budget. We are also very open to considering Nashville, NYC, Boston, Seattle, Las Vegas, Chicago or Indianapolis (where we're located).

Here's what we need:

Capacity: Room for at least 600 people seated for dinner (it's a very long show). Larger is fine but that's the smallest we can go as we've averaged 600+ people at the last 2 awards and this one will be much larger.

Timing: We need the venue all day on Saturday, most likely from 8AM until 2AM. This would allow for us to have sound checks for all the performers, a meet and greet before and after the show and an after-awards jam where nominees perform additional songs. We would also consider having the venue Friday and Saturday if budget allows and doing the Soundchecks/dress rehearsals on Friday night.

Staffing/Dinner: We'll need the venue to provide staffing for food and drink service. We can consider either off the menu ordering (preferred) or a buffet set up.

Staffing/Show: We'll need complete sound, stage and lighting crew for a 6 hour event plus sound check. We use one shared backline for all performing acts with some individual gear switch outs.

Budget: JPF is a free volunteer run organization, so we have to cover all the costs of the awards and the venue from the ticket sales of the event. In the last 2 awards shows we've charged $65 dollars per ticket and from that we also paid the photographers and videographers, the sound and light crew, all venue costs and additional staffing. In addition, we need enough left over to cover the costs of trophies, staff travel and accommodations and so on.

Date: We're targeting April, May or June of 2009 for the awards show.

Here's what we'd love:

We'd love a venue which is famous or has a music history in it. (Lots of those in LA, NYC and Nashville). We'd also love a venue with a great stage and interior set up. Great food would be wonderful. Location is important since we often have a lot of international attendees and everyone wants it to be in a cool location. We need affordable or free parking/transportation options for attendees. Nearby Hotels (or a connected one in the case of Las Vegas)

If you have suggestions of a cool place (like EMP in Seattle, or The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville or something similarly high profile in any of those cities), and have connections to them in some way, we'd really appreciate your help. Please email me at jpfolkspro@aol.com and place "Awards Venue" in the subject. Inside, tell me what you have in mind and please supply contact info, website for the venue and anything else that is available that might be of use. JPF depends on our own members to make things happen and this is no exception. Thanks in advance for any support you can offer!


Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@gmail.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney

"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
Top 30 Poster
Offline
Top 30 Poster
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
Hey Brian:

I can't speak with authority on this subject but the City of Glen Rose, Texas located in scenic Somervell County (about an hour's drive SW of Fort Worth) has excellent facilities and accomodations. Just do a "Google" on City of Glen Rose and they will be able to help you make connections. Lot's of Hotels and great restaurants (The Ranch House... right across the street from the Expo Center) here in town and several others just up the road in Granbury. Possibly the Cactus Grille a few miles south in Meridian for epicurians.

My thinking is: 1. This little town in located in the far north reaches of the Texas Hill Country. (Very scenic) 2. The facilities and amenities are first class. (Many new hotels) 3. Lots of attractions and shopping. 4. A quaint city square of historic proportions... with a refreshing " Western Mayberry" atmosphere. 5. This venue would be in the middle of the country and would hopefully make access easier for everyone... whether driving or flying (D/FW) 6. For those traveling first class... the world famous, 12,000 acre Rough Creek Lodge is located a few miles west of town... with amenities "to die for." We also have excellent golf facilities at the Squaw Valley Courses right here in Glen Rose and dozens of others within 30 minutes in just about any direction.

Let me know if you need assistance in contacting city hall or the expo center here in Glen Rose.

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,639
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,639
I am of course biased because I live near Glen Rose (in Burleson Texas) but what about the facility? Does it have a building that will accommodate 600 people? If you want a Texas city with a history of songwriting, how about Austin or even Kerrville which is already the site of the Kerrville Folk Festival which will meet again this year on August 29th-31.

http://www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com/


"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
Top 30 Poster
Offline
Top 30 Poster
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
Joe:

I believe the Glen Rose Expo facility could easily accommodate 600 or more folks but a call to the expo center will provide us with an answer. I'll try to get that accomplished today or asap and report my findings.

Austin or Kerrville would also provide great venues... if you factor out the horrible traffic problems in Austin at this time.
I have no "axe to grind" in either direction... just interested in promoting my new "home town."

http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/DaveRice

Joined: May 2001
Posts: 7,412
R
Top 30 Poster
Offline
Top 30 Poster
R
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 7,412
Well,
I could suggest the Convention Center on Jekyll Island Ga. I think you can look it up on the Web. Not sure about all the requirments. It is on the Beach fairly modern and there are plenty of Motels on and off the Island. There is a $3.00 daily access fee to the island or you can purchase a 7 day pass I think. Won't be too cool in the dates you listed but it is always a bit cooler at the Beach. Congestion is fairly low in the Area but it as up to date as most places. You are about 6 hours from Orlando if anyone was wanting to go to Disney World while here. Occasionaly the State uses the facility. My grandaughter has had dance recitials there.


Ray E. Strode
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Brian....

I'm out here in Palmdale, California.........An hour and 1/2 out of Hollywood....Let me know if I can be of any assistance.....



Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"

http://www.stevealtonian.com
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Top 10 Poster
OP Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Hi Folks,

We're probably not going to do it in Texas unless it was perhaps in Austin (due to the music industry significance) or maybe Houston which has a large JPF population. We can find a great venue right here in Indianapolis, so it's more than just finding a room that would work. We need a destination location that people from literally around the world will want to spend the money and time to come to for the awards show. We had members come from over 25 different countries to the last awards show. We've gotten music from almost every single country in the world and we had nominees last time from over 80 different countries. The same goes for US nominees. Travel is expensive, so if they can take a week before or after and get some vacation in with the trip it's a bonus. In addition, we need a strong local member base to also fill the place up. LA is where we always have the most nominees, followed usually by the Boston area and the NYC/Philly region. Texas actually hasn't faired as well previously. Nashville is another good location due to all the music industry stuff and the fact that people could travel from a lot of different nearby cities by car to get there. Indianapolis may be the best positioned city of all with Nashville, Chicago, St. Louis, Louisville, Lexington, Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland and Detroit all very close by. I fear that NYC would be too expensive across the board for people to attend so we'd have to depend almost exclusively on locals. Boston is also pretty costly.

Brian


Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@gmail.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney

"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,867
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,867
How about Las Vegas? The airfare, rooms and meals are extremely reasonable. They want people here to gamble, so often the airfares are under $200 from most places. Plus, you can find rooms for $50 - $80 in a three-star hotel and you could get a great group rate to bring the cost down.

Plus, if it's during a time when there are not many conventions here, (mostly in the summer like June, July, August) the deals for meeting space or buy-outs of in-house nightclubs are also reasonable. Depending upon the amount of people you might expect, I could assist you to secure a place with a stage and PA system such as a larger restaurant or bar. But, the convention rooms are always great to set up a stage and dinner package.

There are some hotels like the Sahara Hotel, Imperial Palace, Palace Station and possibly the Southpoint who offer extremely low rates due to their trying to compete with the high-end hotels such as The Bellagio. They may be able to offer a convention space plus a great group room rate. My friend just got his hotel room for three days at the Sahara for $90. That's VERY CHEAP! The meals are very reasonable, especially if you do the buffets. Let me know.

JPFers can also enjoy a group rate for large production shows such as one of the many Cirque shows we have here. I'd be happy to assist if needed.


"And, in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." Paul McCartney
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Top 10 Poster
OP Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
All the details are above Heidi (i.e. what we need, numbers etc..). I do worry a bit about union issues as they often nickle and dime you to death on small things.. (like.. "oh.. you need a cord?" "that will be 2 people and 1/2 hour of time to get it for you..." etc. I've heard horror stories from some cities. LA has usually been ultra laid back on that stuff.

Brian


Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@gmail.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney

"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,639
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,639
I hadn't considered Lost Wages as a JPF destination but I will say that it is consistently one of the cheapest places to fly. I go there every April for the National Association of Broadcasters convention. When I go with my wife we always stay about 15 miles out of town in the Red Rock Canyon at a place called "Bonnie Springs Ranch" where the rooms are about $65 a night and the scenery is beautiful. I think my last flight (from DFW) was about $240 round trip.


"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,867
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,867
Brian,
I could certainly find a place outside of the hotel to hold the event if you don't want to hold it at the hotel where everyone will be staying. But, then you have to consider transportation issues.


If the convention room will allow you to bring in your own PA, we could get a great rental with an engineer to come in rather than use the hotel's PA and tech person.

Also, if you bring in 600 people who buy rooms plus pay for meals in the convention room, you can make a deal for the PA and techs. I could help you with this should you decide upon a location here. I could go to the hotel and discuss the particulars with the person in charge. I've worked a ton of gigs here and know a bit about how it all works. If you'd like, I could do some calling for you to feel out some of the hotels.

Heidi


"And, in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." Paul McCartney
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,330
Top 10 Poster
Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,330
I would love for it to be in Las Vegas. Not only would I come but I have some friends and family who may want to go too.


Please visit my facebook EZ3D PopUps for free papercraft templates. Great for beginners of all ages.

Favorite Sites:
http://facebook.com/EZ3DPopUps
http://ez3dpopups.blogspot.com/
http://harrietschock.com
http://jpfolks.com
http://phillipmartin.com


Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 590
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 590
+1 for Vegas... I love Hollywood, but a change would be good too. And there's no understating the importance of cheap when it comes to the Lawson household in 2009.


Shandy Lawson
ShandyLawson.com
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,725
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,725
Hey Brian, ever thought about "Branson, Mo" ? It's a musical kind of place. I don't know anybody there, just a thought.


http://www.soundclick.com/louistwinn

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." Thoreau
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Top 10 Poster
OP Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
We haven't visited Branson yet, but I would consider it actually. It obviously has a large number of venues that could work.

I would be for Las Vegas but I am concerned with the budget issues. We did it all very cheaply in So. Cal. We did so because of friendly connections directly with the venue owners each time. (We did Lounge at the Beach, Space 816, The Highlands and The Galaxy twice. The first three are all way too small now and the Galaxy which was perfect, has been sold and closed. I don't want to have to charge $100 dollars a ticket because people were freaking out about $65 dollars and we gave away about 100 of the 600 seats last year to nominees who said they couldn't afford a ticket. (Since we don't charge to enter, we have to charge enough to make some money to cover our costs in the cost of the ticket plus cover the venue itself and possibly food if that is included).

But Vegas does have appeal to international folks, if we can get a high profile or well known venue. I think it would be fun to have a weekend in Vegas for the awards.

Brian


Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@gmail.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney

"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Top 10 Poster
OP Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Right now the leading contenders based just on feedback from others is:

1. Nashville
2. Las Vegas
3. Los Angeles

I could definitely do it in Indianapolis at a great venue. But I am not sure how to get people to come here unless we could get some type of high profile tie in.

Brian


Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@gmail.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney

"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,867
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,867
Brian,
I put out a few feelers. Will let you know what I find out.


"And, in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." Paul McCartney
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Top 10 Poster
OP Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
We're getting back very large numbers from some folks that would require more than $100 bucks just to break even per ticket. That's probably more than the event can bear. (Why people spend $400-2000 or even more on Grammy tickets is beyond me.. ).

If the COST is $100 per ticket, we'd have to charge at least 130 per ticket just to pay for the trophies and photographers. (We'll spend over 10K on trophies this time around.. and we get a GREAT deal on them.. but we'll have over 200 to hand out).

Brian


Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@gmail.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney

"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 8,574
JPF Mentor
Offline
JPF Mentor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 8,574
Brian, next week I'll run over to the Nashville Palace. Big place (I'd guess over 600 capacity), lots of parking, food, history (though it's the new location), sound, lights, booze, right near the Opryland Hotel. I don't know what they'll want, but we'll find out.


You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash

It's only music.
-niteshift

Mike Dunbar Music

Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Top 10 Poster
OP Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Thanks Mike.. I think we should also be checking the Wild Horse (we did an event there many years ago and it was a great venue.. we were a tiny spec inside it was so large) and several have suggested the Ryman, though that seems like Theater/Concert seating to me right?

Brian


Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@gmail.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney

"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 162
E
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
E
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 162
What about Atlanta?



Ed Thomas
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Top 10 Poster
OP Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Ed,

We just don't get a great turn out when we visit Atlanta (which we've done 4 previous years on Roadtrips). There's any number of cities we could find great venues in, but I think with the economy tanking and a very unpredictable election and outcome and impact on the economy even further, we need the safest bet we can find venue wise. Since most people have to fly in to the location, we'll need a city with lots of air travel options. (I know Atlanta has those) as well as some relevance to the music industry or something else that will interest folks enough to spend the money to come. If we could just do it anywhere, I'd do it here in Indianapolis. We have a perfect venue here we could use and it would be far cheaper than most of the larger cities, but I fear people may not come here.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Brian


Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@gmail.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney

"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Top 10 Poster
OP Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Has anyone ever been to LA Live and Club Nokia in particular?

Brian


Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@gmail.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney

"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,867
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,867
Brian,
Harriet might be a good source of LA venues since she performs there plus attends many functions having music there.


"And, in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." Paul McCartney
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,814
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,814
I would come to Indy ! ! ! Why wouldn't people come if it was in June of 09 and the weather was nice?


Herbie
JPF Chicago Chapter Coordinator
http://www.herbietunes.com

Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Top 10 Poster
OP Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
I am not sure when folks from Europe or Asia or South America or Australia or Africa think about a trip of a lifetime to the US they think of coming to Indianapolis.. unless maybe they are avid race fans. = ) I love Indianapolis, but it's a sports town and not a music town at all. It's not due to lack talent, as I've learned that outside of a couple of cities where musicians congregate it gigantic numbers, the musical talent is pretty consistent anywhere you go. Indy has had it's share of award winners, but So. Cal. has about 1/3 of our nominees every year and that makes it the best place to get a good turn out.

We have some folks looking into LA Live right now. 2 different contacts suggested it from 2 different angles and so I am hoping that one of them will get somewhere.

Brian


Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@gmail.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney

"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,478
Top 200 Poster
Offline
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,478
I would love it if the awards were in Indy. Of course, I'm only an hour away, but I'm not biased or anything!


Kevin Edward Rose
Celtic, Americana, whatever the folk.
Hailed by Performing Songwriter magazine as a "valued subscriber".
More music sold than Elvis and the Beatles combined!*
http://www.KevinEdwardRose.com
http://www.youtube.com/KevinEdwardRose
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Top 10 Poster
OP Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
One thing that Indy has going for it is that a LOT of people could just drive to the awards on their own (and even return home that night if they wanted to). But it makes me really nervous to risk our biggest night to having a bad turn out. And once you're locked in to a place, you can't really change.

Brian


Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@gmail.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney

"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 162
E
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
E
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 162
Brian Said....

Quote
as well as some relevance to the music industry or something else that will interest folks enough to spend the money to come.


Of course Hartsfield/Jackson Airport is the worlds busiest airport so air connections are there.

Atlanta and Georgia in general has a very strong relevance to the music industry. Atlanta is HUGE in the hip hop recording and producing scene. Just a few miles away in Athens you have REM and a number of top groups. 2 of the really huge Contemporary Christian groups, Third Day and Casting Crowns are from Atlanta. This list could well go on and on... So relevance to the music industry is huge!

Atlanta is now home to the largest indoor aquarium in the world...so that and many other things would be a great tourist attractions. They hosted the Olympics and many huge conventions so accommodations are plenty.

Not sure why you did not get good turn outs for your events. Georgia has two active NSAi chapters one in Atl and one in Columbus, and others I am sure.

Anyway... I think ATL has it all over Indy in every way.






Ed Thomas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 29,275
"
Top 10 Poster
Offline
Top 10 Poster
"
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 29,275
I'll cast my "Vote" for Vegas. Cheap Airfare-to...more Centrally-Located than L.A...& it's evolved into Quite An Interesting Place. (& heck, with a wee bitta luck, might even win BACK the Airfare & Hotel Fees, too!) ;-)>

I've enjoyed L.A. twice now...my guess is that Heidi would set up Vegas to be a very-enjoyable Experience..both Musically and Budgetary-wise. (Tho, yeah, I know NADA about the Unions out there.)(& I give myself a $20 Gamblin' Limit, which lasts about 30 minutes tops~!)

But Vegas sounds like a FUN Venue AND inexpensive Airfare...& with Pillows & Water gettin' sold on flights these days, it'd be nice to know we'll have Bargain Hotels & Meals a-waiting us when we land there.

Thanks Mz Heidi for The Assist...Tho I leave The Choice in Brian's Very-Capable Hands!

Big Hugs to All,
Stan

Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,867
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,867
Hi Brian,
I just spoke to the contact at the Imperial Palace and they are hot to "sweeten the deal" to get the contract. We could certainly shave off some costs now that they are in "deal mode."

I also now have the direct contact to the Head of Catering at the Mirage who said she'd do something for you in your budget. I'm sure we could find a hotel here to suit your needs and costs if we work on it.

Plus, I now also have the direct contact to the Wildhorse in Nashville via an agent here who knows him like a son. She said she'd hook me up any time.

Let me know what you'd like to do.

Heidi


"And, in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." Paul McCartney
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Top 10 Poster
OP Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Thanks Heidi,

I really appreciate the options you've come up with. Right now I am waiting to hear back on a possibility of getting a huge top name venue in LA 100% free... that would obviously trump all else, but I haven't heard back yet. So I don't want to forward anything until I know the status of that deal. Whatever their offer is then I can intelligently weight it against other deals that come. It may not end up being free, but I'm told it's 60-40 in our favor... that would mean we'd just pay for whatever food was actually needed and our costs would be WAY lower than previous years especially if they allowed our members to order and pay for their own food with no guarentee needed.

Let's see what happens. You may still have the best option.

Brian


Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@gmail.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney

"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney

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