This business of Music

So today, I began not by making a game plan but by jumping in head first. Before I can come up with a plan to sell my music to interested buyers, I needed to take care of some pressing business first. I needed to get my band a gig.

Incidently, interested parties can check us out here:

http://myspace.com/justprevailsband

So I hole myself up at the local library and get my handy dandy computer out and get to work. Thus far I've contacted only 7 places in the city, and they're heavy hitters:

Elbo Room (http://www.elboroomchicago.com/): This one I have good feelings about. My drummer, Mike Amandes, says he knows the guy who books there and could probably get us in.

Andy's(http://www.andysjazzclub.com):This one was recommended to me by Chris Edwards of "5 after five". Seems to be our kind of spot

Green Dolphin(http://www.jazzitup.com/): Heavy, Heavy hitters. Beaucoup dollars spent there for private parties.

Jazz Showcase(http://www.jazzshowcase.com/): A little higher up than our band is right now. But, a man can dream, right?

Ironically enough, it was the last two I've contacted that almost broke my spirit.

The Joynt(http://www.thejoyntchicago.com): The guy there, one Paul Babcock, answered directly. Nice enough guy, asked me what kind of music I played.

Mostly Jazz/Funk/Blues, I said

He said didn't really like Jazz Bands playing, really looking for like Motownish/Funkier stuff.

I pressed on. Just listen, I said. If you don't like it, it is what it is. He'll listen, I think, but will probably pass.

The next guy, I think his name was Bill was at this little place in Evanston called Bill's Blues (http://www.billsbluesbar.com/). He was willing to book, willing to take a chance. He cautioned, however, that it was hard getting people to come from one side of town to another. I asked what kind of draw would keep him happy?

50-60. That's about half of my draw right now.

We chatted a little more, and I thanked him for his time. It's a sobering reality that draws make the world go around. I was looking to get into playing with my band again, so that the fellas wouldn't get discouraged. But at every turn, it looks like without a draw my music is dead in the water.

The interesting thing is, I know if people heard- they'd really get into it. Just keep pressing on, I guess.

I was at Molly Malones (http://www.themollymalones.com/) in Forest Park last night. They have open mic every Sunday, hosted by members of The Get (http://www.myspace.com/thegetjamz, http://thegetmusic.com) and Reed Rische. I was there to play some new tunes I had written. The crowd got thinner and thinner as the night progressed, but more importantly, the people who were left where very, VERY appreciative of my work. If I could get a core crowd like that- I would take over the world.

Tomorrow's another day. Better times.