Six years ago, a friend of mine named Biro got saddled with the creation of a local music festival. Everybody else sort of fell away, and there she was. She'd never even set up a house show. First I sat around saying "this ain't gonna work," because I am sometimes an asshole. Then I said, "I could help with that," because only sometimes. And now I help Biro set up a great big shindig every year, with a hundred bands playing on a half dozen stages over the course of a day in a two block area. Gaines Street Festival, it's a thing.Every band that applies gets in, pretty much regardless. From bar cover bands to instrumental metal, they all get 20 minutes and a good time. Plus all the rest of the stuff you need for a street party - food, tanks of beer, oceans of booze. Local orgs, dogs to adopt, artists and bellydancers and a guy who gives you a piece of fruit if you draw something for him. We partially fund it with nudie calendars every year.
So, the season is upon us. Between now and November 12, I'll devote more and more time to the Festival and less time to everything that is not the Festival. I'm sorry, friends. I'm sorry, family. I'll try to leave time for karaoke.
Sounds like a good festival . Seems like you will be a busy man Hank.
ReplyDeleteNot as busy as Biro, but busier than everyone else.
DeleteIt's that time of year again.
ReplyDeleteSigh.
But I am always blown away by what you guys accomplish.
No more than I am, sincerely.
Deletebiggest thing my crew did was 'we need to pay rent so let's get a band to play in our house' shows. we sold SOLO CUPS for 5$, one of the kids had a deal with the party store he worked at to get super cheap kegs. . . .which worked really good. we paid the band, got the rent and everybod got fucked up. your event sounds much more legit and fit for public consumption!
ReplyDeletexxalainaxx
The not so secret secret is that almost no one gets paid for Gaines Street Fest. From the top down, it's a volunteer event. Aside from the printers who do the shirts and paper stuff and the sound guys, because that's legit. It's much easier to throw a massive thing if you don't have to worry about paying everyone.
DeleteGood for you! I spent twenty plus years exhibiting at art shows and always knew I did not want to be the producer. Have a grand show.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI have time to help out now! Keep me updated.
ReplyDeleteI don't know who you are! It just says "unknown".
DeleteDoes that mean less or no more blogging?
ReplyDeleteNot until the last few weeks, when I am in the weeds 24/7.
DeleteSounds like a good mix of hard work and good fun.
ReplyDeleteJust curious - do you sell the calendars online or via the mail? Shipping may not make that worthwhile.