Bluessurgery

01/09/2022

01/09/2022

03/03/2019

I'm posting this because over the past few days I have witnessed rival promotor's having a pop at how things should be done, This is how I went about putting on my gigs.

Approximately 10 years ago I approached The Corn Exchange (Hertford) with the idea of putting on live music every Sunday afternoon during the winter months. It was decided (between the two of us) that 'Sunday Bandstand' would be 'free entry'. Whilst this would allow people to come in, and leave, at their will, we both understood that, as no door money was being taken (which would have possibly detered some from coming in), no cash was available for, and I must stress this point, both musicians and the sound engineer. This, as agreed, was my problem (not a problem, actually) to deal with.

Anyone wanting to perform were aware of this. They understood that 'door' money wasn't going to someone else, as there wasn't any money involved. They were particularly glad that the engineer wasn't being renumerated either, all too often being the case (I did the stage setup, and sound, my choice). The musicians liked the idea that people could wander up the stairs and see what was up, they appreciated it was a way of broadening their audience / fan base which wouldn't have been the case if we charged entry. Many welcomed the opportuntity to play on a big stage with proper infrastructure (which The Corn Exchange provided), all part of the experience they could gain. All soloists / bands were booked beforehand, they knew the deal (a deal, incidently, that included photographs and video being taken). A good deal! Those who felt that they wanted paying, didn't play, their choice.

The other objective, which free entry allowed, was for me to guage how popular the acts were. The better one's were then invited back to play at one of the Thursday evenings I promoted. At these I charged entry and everyone got a share. And no, a £100, or so, did not immediately go into the engineer's pocket, as is often the case, because I again took care of that, and the promoting and engineering share came out of the door takings. It didn't stop there, The Corn Exchange asked some bands to 'support' their main acts so, by definition, artists saw a route to something bigger, and better.

Should musician's be paid? Not an easy question to answer. Some, no. As for venue's exploiting musician's, the answer to that is as simple,no! Pay to play, another no. The way it works is for all concerned to be happy which is how it was in my case.

17/06/2018

All day music festival at The Hertford Club, in aid of The Isabel Hospice.

16/06/2018

So far so good!

23/07/2016

That was short lived! Hard work if it's one way traffic!

08/07/2016

Have been asked to do some music promotion, once a month, in Hertford. A pleasure to be back. More info to follow however, in the meantime, any 'originals' bands, please message me.

05/08/2014

My 'post' box says "What have you been up to?" Well, been to Rhythms Of The World to see this guy for one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lqzYARU0Sk

20/02/2014

. . . and Albany Down too! Had these guys play in The Corn Exchange a couple of years ago, excellent! On to bigger crowds and venue's now.

Albany Down's first gig in Belgium at MOL GOES BLUES, featuring the popular song, "You Ain't Coming Home" www.albanydown.com

20/02/2014

Pleased to have arranged a couple of gigs for J ov A over the years and very happy that they are doing so well. Keep it up girls and see you sometime soon.

Check out the NEW music video for JOANovARC's new single 'Live Rock N Roll' Filmed by Will Richards (www.totemav.com) at Mill Hill Studios, London Live Rock ...

15/02/2014

Perhaps I'm just not in touch but, if you book a band to play a venue then you get an email months later saying they've double booked and could you change dates, doesn't this suggest that they've substituted the first band with another! Well, the date was available when I looked in their (the venue's) diary. Not happy and nor are The Doctors.

06/02/2014

Good to get back into some music promotion last night (after a couple of years off). As well as sorting the gig, tasks included, sound engineering, lights, taking photo's, etc. etc., all part of the 'job'. Looking forward to Mayfest.

21/01/2014

The Guitar Club is moving back to the Corn Exchange after many years at Waggers, Ware. Pleased to be asked to help stage the monthly evenings. First date - 5th February and every first Wednesday of the month from then on.

24/12/2012

More Plugs playing live, The Hertford Corn Exchange (23rd Dec 2012)

'Watching The Box' - The Plugs live at The Corn Exchange, Hertford

24/12/2012

The Plugs, Sunday Live, Hertford Corn Exchange (23rd Dec 2012)

High Society by The Plugs at The Corn Exchange, Hertford

12/09/2012

Larry Miller with support from Feathertop, this Friday evening in The Corn Exchange, Hertford. Doors: 7.30pm, Feathertop: 8.15, Larry Miller about an hour after. Only a tenner!

29/08/2012

Palm Tree Club playing at last Monday's 'Rockin The Carpark 4'.

Palm Tree Club play 'Rockin The Carpark 4' - 'Busted'

14/04/2012