admin
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Post by admin on Apr 8, 2008 15:31:21 GMT -5
OK, just starting this thread a little early for Artist, Volunteer, sign ups and planning for next year...
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Post by skynyrdkeys on Apr 20, 2008 4:57:36 GMT -5
All I'm gonna say is "DUH!"
You know better than to ask if I'm going to be there....
Joe
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Post by jody on Apr 20, 2008 8:44:05 GMT -5
Heh Heh Yea, what he said!
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admin
Administrator
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Post by admin on May 21, 2008 12:46:38 GMT -5
OK, after careful thought and consideration, I think we gonna set the date for May 30th, 2009
Here are the things we need to work on for 2009:
A set "House Band" that can handle all the songs from individual artists. We want the band to only be there for backing up folks and not doing their own set. Not fair to the band to worry about doing their own sets, then move on into learning other peoples music. This band's sole responsibility will be to back up artists, and the open jammers only. I tried to handle too much on my own, and some things got confused and wires crossed. I am kicking myself and I just don't want to have it happen again next year.
Sound and light guys, I don't want bands to be doing it because it is just too much for them to worry about it all day, then do a set, etc.
How to improve the Webcam experience
How to handle the open Jam so nobody gets left out
Team to find out what we can do to improve the event.
Endorsement/sponsors to help offset costs, etc. (we want this to be a completely self sufficient event without it being a ticketed event) In other words, how do we get this to pay for itself without charging for admission. Some thoughts are : Members and invites are free, and general public pay. Sponsors to help pay for some of the costs, merchandise and raffles to cover some, etc. I think it has to be a little of everything (easier to start a bunch of little fires instead of one big one)
People in charge of each part of the event. This way nobody has too much on their plate and nothing gets over looked.
So,, here are my thoughts on the Management staff for 2009, if they are willing to except the responsibilities:
Event co-ordinator and Production (General Event organization and show production)- Myself Music Director (Lineup booking, and time slots, etc)- Scott Braswell Merchandising, raffles, contests, programs, keep sakes, etc, etc. - Teri and Susan Food - Denise Webcam and live streams - Joe Bar-nadav Photo and Videography (would like to get a DVD etc next year) - Tony Beazley Security - Tex Audio recording/streaming - Mark Johnston
Jobs needed: Stage Manager (In charge of getting equipment on and off, issues like blown breakers, anything to do with stage functionality) -
Communications - in charge of keeping everyone in touch (two way radios, etc) -
Guest Services - In charge of making arrangements like hotel rates, maps, camping, etc, etc, etc. Basically anything to do with guests, special travel rates, hotel rates, setting up site seeing trips, what is going on in Nashville, etc, etc. Also, they would be in charge of making sure any "special guests" are treated accordingly, making sure they they are not out of pocket, have anything they need, etc.
Endorsement and sponsorships - going out and looking for folks that wish to help sponsor the event with either cash, products, or services.
Improvement committee - team of folks that will talk to guests, artists, etc, etc, and come up with all the issues, suggestions, etc that will make this event even bigger and better.
Would like to schedule Monthly Online Chat meetings with all of the above people and teams, to go over progress, and create action items, etc to work towards.
I would like Jody to co-ordinate the efforts. In otherwords - the committee/team co-ordinator.
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Post by skynyrdkeys on May 23, 2008 15:22:06 GMT -5
Bruce,
I volunteer anywhere you think my skills are appropriate.
I can handle comms, power issues (I'll look at getting two commercial generators donated for the event) sound, light and webcam/audio. I can also assist in the coordination of the general production of the stage event.
We can discuss the details when I get out there next month.
Anyway, last weekend was a blast and, all things considered, went better than expected (production). Blowing breakers isn't a big deal it just means we were having too much fun!! Remember, it's not just a job.......
Later,
Jersey Joe
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Susan
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Dvanzantgirl
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Post by Susan on May 23, 2008 16:30:31 GMT -5
LMAO...You got that right Joe. We had way too much fun.
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Post by Tony B. on May 24, 2008 23:52:08 GMT -5
Joe you amaze me ...where ever there is a jam there you are sitting behind the keys...... thanks for everything you did brother.... we finally got to jam together..... ;D whats your name was great!!!!!
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admin
Administrator
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Post by admin on May 25, 2008 11:07:39 GMT -5
Yup, always can count on Joe. The plan is to go after some sponsors and build a permanent stage, etc down at the bottom of the hill by the woods. Run dedicated power just for the stage, etc. Larger stage, better view, accomodate for good photos, video, recording, and webcams. So, if any of you have any ideas how/who to go after for sponsor money, let me know. By 2009 I expect between 400 and 500 attendees, and between 5000 & 10,000 webcam hits. That is if everything follows the last 4 year trend. We will actually have a 2 day deal. Friday will be a acoustic night on the stage, Nashville songwriters, etc. This gives us a dry run on everything etc. We had over 50 people at the house on Friday,, sooooo. WE are just going to make it an event in itself.
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Post by Tony B. on May 25, 2008 12:23:43 GMT -5
.....question about down by the creek.....does it ever flood down there..... would 2 tractor trailer beds work.....we can cover them up and put stuff around the front of em.... would be cheaper but .......just an idea in case of no funding for the sheltered stage......
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Post by skynyrdkeys on May 25, 2008 13:22:23 GMT -5
Can anyone say SouthStock? How about DownSouthJukinStock??? Choose your name....we know the game!!! lol!! With the way this thing has grown, we should go after big coporate sponsors ie. Budweiser, Guitar Center, SIR, pro sound light and staging (production), record labels, Caterpiller or Gorilla for power, security, and maybe a farm to host the event. We would need to get radio involved for sponsorship/ad time and other promotions. Of course, we should try to attract some major headliners. If we go this route, we'll need to take out at least a $1 million bond to protect ourselves. We would probably have to form an LLC to protect ourselves and seperate ourselves from the event legally so our personal finances and property are protected. It's up to you Bruce, how big do you want to make this thing?? If we want to keep this thing small and cozy I think we should limit the number of people attending and it is a major liability to have that many people on your property. YOur homeowner's insurance would only cover so much. We were lucky this year that no problems arose. Imagine the crowd control/security issues and bathroom/parking/garbage problems with 400-500 people running around. Just some food for thought..... ;D We'll talk more later..... Joe
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admin
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Post by admin on May 25, 2008 23:18:48 GMT -5
yeah I have thought about that for the last 2 years. I think this year (2009) will decide how we proceed from here. I am looking at the Music Ranch as a model. Using the stage for other events thru the year to help support it. Then making it a semi-private, semi-public event to control the volume. We have talked about the logistics and growth the last two years and has been why we have not really aggressively promoted the event. However, the event has taken a life of it's own. I have been thinking, members and staff will all be issued laminates for free all access and only allow members and staff for Friday event, laminates and tickets for sat. event. Then, the "semi-public" would have to pay for admission. But would have to request permission or be invited to purchase tickets. In other words, only allow so many tickets up for sale, to keep some control over the situation. Plus, would like to be able to at least pay artists expenses. and be able to improve the event every year. Possibly purchasing a larger undeveloped property, say 40 acres, to build a stage, maybe several mobile homes for artists to stay in, camp sites, bathrooms, and showers. However, we want the event to pay for itself. I think if we get the right sponsors, and do merch, raffles, etc. we can grow this thing without large expenses. The goal is to make it self sufficient, not necessarily profitable, just not out of pocket. The absolute main thing that has to endure is that this can not be a business venture!! That takes away from the spirit and the meaning of the event. So, ANY monies above cost of event either goes into improvements, a fund to help members/staff that can't afford to come, and/or a charity like make a wish. What I would like to see the event grow into is this: A really nice stage, sound, and lights. This give a better experience for the audience and the artists alike. It also provides the opportunity for some of the open jammers who may have never gotten the opportunity to perform on a nice stage to do so. I would also like it to be set that the event is multitrack recorded so performers may not get a pay check but they get a live CD out of it, the radio station gets exclusive live cuts, etc. A great photo and video invironment so bands can get footage and photos they can use on websites, etc,etc. I want to maintain the DownSouthJukin.com Family environment. I do not want to loose the meaning of this. It's purpose simply is 3 things: 1) To Show My Thanks to all of you.... And all the artists that have put their trust in me and you. 2) To Share in the blessings I have experienced, get to know some of your heroes the way I have gotten to know them,,, as really cool people. 3) To Promote Southern Rock, Unify the fans, and keep the music we love alive and thumping,, To show the music industry what they have forgotten....
As long as we keep those three things as our mission. As long as everything we do helps realize those three things, we are good to go. Growing it helps #3 and allows us to show thanks on a grander scale. But, I NEVER want anyone to say I am doing this for my own profit.. Every year the event costs more and more to put on. This year was several thousands of dollars out of my pocket, not to mention all of you who helped, traveled, donated, etc. If it grows too much more without finding a way to cover the costs, it could very easily grow it's way out of existance, by being too cost prohibitive. Plus, everyone now wants it to be a 2 day event, double the cost. No worries, we have figured out a strategy to offset all this, just gonna take all of us working together to get sponsors, endorsements, planning, promoting, etc. Look at it this way, If you really want some of the larger bands to make an appearence we have to make it appealing to their management. I wont name names, but I have discussed this with a few artists of national caliber. It can be done, but we need professional sound, stage, sponsors, etc to make it happen.
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Post by jacksonvillekid on May 26, 2008 2:24:30 GMT -5
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Post by jody on May 26, 2008 6:13:26 GMT -5
O.K. folks, this is getting exciting now even more than ever! #3 on Bruces list is and always has been my #1 priority. I want to preserve and expand Southern Rock into the future and into the hearts of people everywhere. If we get the music to them, then it will build fans of it's own accord, because it is that good! Joe, I think Guitar center is an obvious choice as one sponsor, I will work on the one in Beaumont, they're good people and would be glad to help I'm sure. A two day event is the obvoius next step, accoustic sets are always more personal and can build friendships and ties that will last a lifetime. Which could insure artists for future events. Gathering funds for artist's expenses should be goal #1 I think. I hate to think of the event being a burden on any bands pocketbook. And of course their management will feel the same. The purchase of other property should depend on the size of the 09 event I think. Right now Bruce's "Estate" can support 4-500 people if his neighbor allows parking like this year. We need to BUILD the event on a solid foundation first I believe. Moving the stage towards the creek will raise the level of seats so to provide a better view no doubt. Two or three flatbeds do make a nice stage, and old used ones aren't that expensive. Moving them there would be the thing. SPONSORS SPONSORS SPONSORS is the key to rapid success! But they should be sponsors that are keeping with the spirit of the event as much as we can. God, family and southern rock/heritage. A theme each year will help attract attention. Of course if the event features really BIG names like the CDB, Tucker, or Skynyrd then keeping it small will become a problem, I mean can you imagine turning away a big bunch of Skynyrd fans because we're full up? ;D That could get interesting! We have a year! I'm ready to do whatever it takes to make this event whatever Bruce wants it to be. And I say the bigger the better! But... Too big Too fast is never a good thing. Bruce my brother, this year was amazing and the future is more than bright! Two days is nice, but we need to make sure there are not Too many artists! If they travel to Tenn. they need to play on Saturday. And the crowds seem to dwindle after oh say 10 p.m. sooo... Maybe earlier start times? At any rate couint me in on whatever I can do to help grow this thing!! Because out of everything I do all year long, THIS is my favorite thing! I just plain LOVE it!
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admin
Administrator
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Post by admin on May 26, 2008 17:00:30 GMT -5
Cool, seems like we are all on the same page.. I don't want flatbeds, we will just build the stage. This years schedule was more that that everyone in the first two hour sets was late, lol. So we were adjusting on the fly. But, yes we need to thin out the line up some.
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drewface
New Member
Don't Ask Me No Questions, And I Won't Tell You No Lies
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Post by drewface on Feb 12, 2011 7:39:00 GMT -5
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