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Lack of All Ages Venues
| Message Board > General Chitchat > Lack of All Ages Venues |
| Ann D User Info... | Its beyond me why there are so few all-ages venues in Victoria! The Fernwood is awesome, but very small, & Hermanns is old and skanky.... Come on people! I have a group of award-winning under-aged musicians who could pack out a venue 5 times the size of the Fernwood, and yet there is no place suitable for them to play... When existing venues are having to turn-away patrons who want to see them play, how come some larger venue hasn't figured out that teenagers and parents with kids in tow also like Live Music and SPEND MONEY! In fact, lots of it! Unlike "starving students", parents eat food with their beer & wine and kids order everything on the menu! Kerching! Kerching! Get with the plot and organize more all-ages venues! - Mon, 30 Aug 2010 7:56pm | ||
| peter gardner User Info... | FACT: There are actually lots of all ages venues in town. FACT: 99% of them are near or over 1000 to book. It sucks. For sure. What kind of place are you looking for? Oaklands Community Center just had a show, it's small but was pretty good. Lots of Churches can be rented out. James Bay was recently, and it was nice. As was Fairfeid, and it was nice. Hardcorefest was done at two places this year, White Eagle Hall and The DaVinci Center. Both are expensive, but VERY nice. The Fort Cafe is all ages and nice, but small. And a few other coffee shops like Solstice and Black Stilt on HIllside do shows. Then there's the victoria events centre, the norway house, the metro studio, and if you can afford it, the alix gooldin hall. So there ARE lots of options. They are mostly costly. That said, The Oaklands Community Center was just used (as I said) and to the best of my knowledge it was the first time it'd been used for a show. I have this feeling there are places like this, that just no one really knows about. It took some time for the promoters to FIND the place (I know them) but it was just about that, taking the time, and talking to people, and FINDING places that will rent out. They're out there. You just gotta look. - Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:17pm | ||
| Curmudgeon Rocker User Info... | So what awards has your band garnered? - Tue, 31 Aug 2010 7:11am | ||
| Ann D User Info... | Hi Curmudgeon - The individual young musicians involved in this band have won several honours from different sources - for songwriting - for performance - and numerous words of praise from some famous professional musicians (whom they have met or performed for purely by chance....long story, right place, right time....). As their security is always an issue due to their ages, I won't disclose details in a forum format, but you will hear about them, and hear more from them in years to come. They're not trying to brag about their abilities, and they don't even tell people about their awards. They just want the chance to do what they love doing - "making music" - and being able to share it with others. When they've performed in public before, those in the crowd who've not seen them play before always start with the preconceived notion that "hey...they're just kids - so they can't be that good, right? - isn't it cute tho'...". Then these kids hit it.... and you see people grabbing their cellphones to video it, because they know that no-one is going to believe them when they talk about it in the pub!.... I had one lady come up to me afterwards and say "OMG... I still can't believe what I just saw... I still have goosebumps!... Now I know what it was like to be in the Cavern Club with the Beatles...." Now, I'm not saying that because I'm trying to be provacative - her words and her comparison, not mine. Far from it, there are lots of talented musicians in the world, and these kids acknowledge that, admire them, study them, and learn from them. These musicians are very modest, and they don't have huge egos - it's all about the music for them... But my point is that they deserve the chance to share their special talent with the world - and the world definitely would appreciate hearing it. It would just be a lot easier to share their talents, if there were more places willing to let them do that! - Wed, 1 Sep 2010 8:33am | ||
| Ann D User Info... | Hi Peter, Thanks for the info on the existing venues available. I agree with you about the outrageous costs! That's the problem that we're having... I will follow up on Oaklands Community Centre tho' because I hadn't heard of that one. I've already ruled many of the others out due to the rental cost... The point remains that getting underaged bands "booked" as an act at a recognized nightspot remains a huge difficulty, and, more importanly, getting them in to watch other acts is almost impossible, as 99% of shows for other bands are played at age-restricted venues! The Sutcliffes even ackowledge that on their website, and understand the problem, as they have kids, so they've started a page on their site listing the shows that they play in all-ages formats (such as outdoor concerts etc.) so that they can highlight the opportunities to bring kids along to see them. I wish that more bands would twig that and follow suit, by considering a seperate listing for their all-ages events! And I'm hoping that other venues which might not have considered that there is a unique market in being able to attract families to live music, will jump on the bandwagon... As the parent of 2 kids you would not believe how frustrating it gets to find that there's lots of live music available, and most of it is played in places where your kids aren't allowed to go - therefore, as a family, neither can you! Look at how absolutely packed Pagliaccis gets when they have music on! Unfortunately, its such a small restaurant that only very mellow, quiet, acts work in that format. But imagine a restaurant the size of say Macaroni Grill offering live music on a Monday night.... That's the sort of size that it needs to be... Any brave entrepreneurs out there willing to consider an all-ages music venue restaurant of an appropriate size to accomodate a variety of acts, and seat a large-enough audience? - Wed, 1 Sep 2010 8:56am | ||
| Vincent F. Evans User Info... | Provided that ones audience isn't especially rowdy, or likely to trash the venue, the following halls are available: Tom Lee Music (in Langford) has an excellent, all ages, 85 seat recital hall (including lights and a QSC sound system) that is very inexpensive to rent. Contact: Bob Goodwin (250) 383-5222. The Victoria Conservatory of Music (downtown) rents their Robin and Winifred Wood Recital Hall for a reasonable rate: http://www.vcm.editnew.com/templates/textPage_noImage.php?pageid=118 The Church of Truth (James Bay) rents their lovely 90 seat recital hall at very reasonable rates: http://cot.rd123.ca/?page_id=36 http://cot.rd123.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Church-of-Truth-rental-rate-sheet-june-2010.pdf There are many churches and community halls in and around Victoria that rent for far less than the $1000 suggested by Peter above. If other users of this board can suggest similarly suitable venues, perhaps they might be willing to post information and links to this thread, thereby benefiting all concerned. Cheers! Vincent F. Evans. - Wed, 1 Sep 2010 10:29am Edited: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 10:29am | ||
| Crux User Info... | Ann: Its sounds like you'd rather talk about it than actually do it. There are many venues available provided you are willing to spend the money. If your talent can bring it the amount of people you are saying they can, you wouldn't be on this board saying they can do it, you'd be renting venues to fill such as the Victoria events center or the sunset room. Put your money where your mouth is, get it booked and start promoting it! The problem with all ages shows are these: expensive venues, renting (or buying) a p.a that will fill the venue correctly, knowing how to use that p.a, security and promoting. Promoting is more than just getting on facebook and making an event page for have people come out. - Wed, 1 Sep 2010 12:07pm Edited: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 12:50pm | ||
| Aidan Logins User Info... | And in the mean time they can be playing the many 19+ venues. I'm sure if they're as awesome as you say they are they will be appreciated by 19+ audiences. Once people have heard about them that way, it will be much easier to tag them on to an all ager if you aren't into setting the shows up yourself. It might not be a ton of fun for an underage band to play in a bar, but it will help make them the first choice when spots come up at better events. And if you want to rent a hall cheap look out of town a bit. There's great audiences out my way (Sooke and Langford) and plenty of cheaper all ages spots. - Wed, 1 Sep 2010 3:18pm | ||
| Ann D User Info... | Hi to Vincent! Thank you for all your helpful suggestions. I will follow these up. Good advice for others as well! Much appreciated.... To Crux - Hey, dude, I've got no problem "getting on with it", but one thing that you aren't aware of that I haven't dropped in here in the formum format is that when these guys play, they not only don't seek to MAKE money (they do it purely for the love of performing) - but they actually donate anything that they do make to CHARITY, so it gets a bit expensive for the families to sponsor concerts that cost $$$$ in outlay to rent venues and equipment. Thus, it would be kinda nice if there were venues that would be willing to provide opportunities to perform without charging the earth, such as a symbiotic relationship with a restaurant. You get to play, they get good entertainment, and they get more customers because of it.... There are a few places doing this, but there needs to be more! To Aidan - Thanks for the tip about the 19+ venues. We'd heard a rumour that they could actually play in those, but we didn't believe it. Good to know that it's true! They are well received by adults in the current all-ages venues that they play (small restaurants), and have developed a following of regulars who come to catch them... Keep the suggestions coming, and hopefully this thread will lead to someone compiling a guide to all-ages venues for live music?!?!? There is definitely a need for it! - Wed, 1 Sep 2010 9:45pm | ||
| steve User Info... | sorry.. did I miss something here. From what I can tell.. 'The band' doesnt want to make money.. so anything they make (before paying back their family for putting on the show) they donate to charity.. basically taking the money from their family and giving it to charity? I guess If I lived with my parents still I wouldn't care about a couple bucks for a paying gig... the way I see it.. promoter (family in this case) puts on the show and gets paid first.. then the band can give whats left (their cut) to charity.. until of course they develop strong alcohol and drug addictions and starting having to gig for a fix. Who are these guys anywyas? Whats the band called.. I would be definitely into checking them out.. especially if they still have the dancing cheese. - Thu, 2 Sep 2010 8:58am | ||
| Anchor User Info... | " would be definitely into checking them out.. especially if they still have the dancing cheese" +1 - Thu, 2 Sep 2010 10:53am | ||
| MC -K.N.Z. User Info... | Ha ha ha dancing cheese.....ha ha ha If they are that good .....someone will bite the bullet and pay for them to be seen more.And if the people like them and they go over well,then the gigs will come to you. Just take the chance and get them out there.If they can hack it. - Thu, 2 Sep 2010 10:59am | ||
| Crux User Info... | this is going to come off as asshole-ish but welcome to the wonderful world of promoting. as a promotor, you pay for the venue/expenses then the rest is divided between yourself and the bands. If this band can pull as many people in as you say they can, then rent a venue, pay for it and give the rest to charity. no biggie. book them with some other bands willing to not get paid for a show and you're golden. - Thu, 2 Sep 2010 12:07pm | ||
| Vincent F. Evans User Info... | If other users of this board can suggest similarly suitable venues, perhaps they might be willing to post information and links to this thread, thereby benefiting all concerned. Cheers! Vincent F. Evans - Thu, 2 Sep 2010 12:27pm | ||
| Ann D User Info... | Uh, guys....Steve's 'kind' little 'note' - trolling much? - and the further mocking comments attached are precisely WHY I'm not posting the band's details in this format! Sorry to those who would like to know, but guaranteed you'll soon know who they are 'nuff said. The fact that they currently choose to work for nothing, because they can choose, instead, to use their talents to benefit charity is admirable, not cheesy! The fact that we parents shell-out for gear and venues - paying their expenses - just means that they have supportive families who are putting the money into a musical hobby (read future career) rather than into hockey gear, and rink rental fees - same difference to us! It doesn't mean that these guys don't WANT to make money - they do, and they WILL make money in due course - but at their ages they don't NEED the money, so they choose to do something that benefits others... It's called being selfless. No insult to those struggling musicians out there who are needing the money to get by, as most do, or any reflection on them - these guys CAN work pro bono, so they choose to. If you make your living out of your music, you shell out for a venue, and you make a profit on the deal. Great. Good-on-yah! But when you're intentionally not making a bean on it, it would just be great not to have to be gouged too much for the privilege of helping others, that's all.... Hopefully, raising the issue of the lack of venues out there which are specifically all-ages will lead some people to rethink. End of story! - Thu, 2 Sep 2010 8:22pm | ||
| Anchor User Info... | When approaching these venues offer them a taxable donation receipt for the use of their facility. I'm sure that if this is done for charity a lot of places would be on board, as long as you can provide the above, otherwise there is no credibility to your claim that all monies raised are going to charity. - Thu, 2 Sep 2010 9:23pm | ||
| B.P. User Info... | Over-promoting/over-hyping a band can have the opposite effect you might want, Ann. I'd say stop making the band sound like they're the next coming, and worry more about their actual talent. Pretty sure that's what the cheese comment was meant to address. - Thu, 2 Sep 2010 9:30pm | ||
| MC -K.N.Z. User Info... | Come to think of it....You should have never mentioned them.Just comment on how there's no place for all ages gigs. Now we are all interested in hearing, this awesome bunch of talented soon to be superstars. And when we do,this image you have made then to be ,could be shattered. Just saying.... - Thu, 2 Sep 2010 10:20pm | ||
| Ann D User Info... | Hey Anchor, re the charitable receipt aspect, the venues / patrons can actually just make a chq payable direct to the charity being supported, who will receipt them directly, but we also have a letter of authority and understanding from the H/O of the reg'd charity to collect money on their behalf. But I agree, there are too many scam artists out there for "its all going to charity" to hold much water without good proof! Hi B.P. - Good advice re the meaning of the cheese, but I have no need to hype these guys - their talent speaks for itself. As in, praise finds them, they don't seek it. For example - Chad Kroeger and the other members of Nickelback aren't usually known for B.S.ing about fellow-musician's talent, or even taking an interest - but yep, that's right, Chad and the boys are actual bona fide fans, and have met members of this band up close and personal (seen the live act). I didn't come on this page to hype the band, in fact, I haven't even disclosed who they are! My point here is that underaged musicians have difficulty being heard in public - my point is not to promote this band, but obviously, the irony that this band finds it difficult to find venues (despite their talent) is something that needs to be brought up. Thanks for the promotional advice, and they will bear in mind that too much hype can have a negative effect - "Can you say Justin Beiber boys and girls? I think you can!"... - Thu, 2 Sep 2010 10:28pm | ||
| Vincent F. Evans User Info... | If other users of this board can SUGGEST SUITABLE VENUES, perhaps they might be willing to post information and links to this thread, thereby benefiting all concerned. Cheers! Vincent F. Evans - Thu, 2 Sep 2010 10:54pm | ||
| steve User Info... | Ann D, Not trolling sir.. just commenting on your thread. This all just doesn't really make any sense. There are plenty of venues who would gladly donate their space for charity.. happens all the time. Not sure what the issue is here.. if the 'band' wants to play.. let em play. And stop bitching about the price of a venue.. Parents are covering the costs anyways. Ann D.. for once id have to agree with Grimtardlard.. probably best you shut up about how great these young (fragile) kids are and just focus on your apparent venue issues... referencing nickleback and their love for these kids isnt going to help your cause I dont think. no one really cares how great they are.. especially venues.. can they pay the rental cost? thats what they care about. and once their 19+.. they'll want to know they can draw a crowd of beer drinkers. So get em out there. playing shows.. and when they do.. promote it.. let us know. and we'll join Chad and the boys for a rocking show.... Ann D.. we live in a capitalist soceity.. if there was a demand for all agers and the subsequent ability to make a profit there would be more venues. Live music (especially a bunch of kids) has the ability to turn people away from a restaurant or other food establishment which is why you dont find (one of victorias many) gigging bands playing the macaroni grill. It hurts the bottom line. if they want to play free shows.. get em out there.. busking and playing park shows and battle of the bands and schools and and and... - Fri, 3 Sep 2010 9:11am | ||
| laprider User Info... | Hi Anne...hmmmm, I suspect you are a parent of one of the band members....so I'll lay it out like this. Bars sell alcohol end of story, they aren't in it for the music, if they hire bands it's on the expectation they will get people drinking. A band under 19 has mostly friends under 19 hence the hesitation to book them in a bar, who would come?...and yes you can legally play in a bar underage! as far as the cost of "renting" venues...well suck it up princess, the days of renting halls for a hundred bux are gone. Having said that, there are some very cheap places to rent if you do the homework. as a parent signing a rental agreement you will probably have much more luck renting one. I give this advice and it is very sincere. I suspect you are an enthused parent so don't really know the "biz" at all. 1. don't mention Nickleback! 2. Don't oversell your kids despite your pride and enthusiasm. 2. Get the kids playing anywhere and everywhere, schools, talent shows etc, book a hall gig. if they are good people will notice, and people will open up and gladly share the info they worked hard to figure out. drop me an email, I will steer you to some affordable venues I think could work for you. and as a side note....as someone who a) was playing regularily in bars while in high school b)someone who works often with kids in music and proud parents. take a step back...have you ever noticed at a dance recital, most parents actually aren't allowed backstage. there is a reason. let the kids grow under there own terms. not knocking you, just trying to open your eyes to how things work. cheers Steve - Fri, 3 Sep 2010 9:37am | ||
| music.teck User Info... | You've got me curious. Find a venue and I will donate the P.A. and Soundman. I can even provide a decent light show if circumstance warrants. If these kids are as great and dedicated as you say they are, I want in on the ground floor. This is a serious offer... - Fri, 3 Sep 2010 9:47am | ||
| steve User Info... | Didnt Laprider offer something similar to the perish?..... - Fri, 3 Sep 2010 9:50am | ||
| Vincent F. Evans User Info... | If other users of this board can SUGGEST SUITABLE VENUES, perhaps they might be willing to post information and links to this thread, thereby benefiting all concerned. Cheers! Vincent F. Evans - Fri, 3 Sep 2010 9:52am | ||
| music.teck User Info... | The City of Langford has live music in Veteran's Park every Sunday all summer, as well as some kind of Festival. If even one of these kids lives in Westshore it should be pretty straight forward to get on the bill (next summer, I guess now). Now would be the time to start promoting say, a Hallowe'en show. How about in conjunction with one of the schools? - Fri, 3 Sep 2010 10:27am | ||
| Ann D User Info... | Hi Music.Tech - Thanks for the great offer! For obvious reasons I don't want to give out band details here, but will send you an email re venue when we find one and we can work something out! As to the other pro musicians here who have offered advice on how NOT to be an obnoxious stage parent of a band and how not to overhype a band - yep, that's right - I'm a parent - yep, that's right - I'm proud - but as I keep saying, I'M not the one actually praising these guys. The only reason I ever brought up that they get noticed by pros (not just N'back btw, but I'm not going to give you a list!) was to make the point that they weren't your average half-assed highschool garage band playing other people's covers badly and singing offkey (no offence intended to other highschool bands people), so that wasn't the reason they weren't playing live gigs... If they were bad or sad, we wouldn't be bitchin' about them not finding places to play! I agree, its a capitalist society and the music biz is all about making money. No prob with that. I agree, that these kids have to find there own way, without parents wiping their noses. And they DO. And no, we're NOT allowed backstage at their concerts - because they know how to behave like pros, so they just get on with it. In fact, that's the thing that strikes people most when they meet them... The first words out of their mouths are always HOWWWWW OLD ARE YOU?!?!?! F'ing H*ll! Are you SERIOUS?!?!?! So, sorry that these kids are still at a 'tender' young age where we have to be concerned for their security, and can't come out to play with you big-boys yet, but, in time, they will... And no, you won't be disappointed. In fact, I'll make a bet with you guys posting here that you'll want to meet them yourselves when you finally hear them.... And then you'll see what I mean... Anyways, I'm out of this thread now, so you can laugh about me behind my back all you like, I don't care... But I'll leave you with this - ever see the movie 'Anvil'.... These kids are so NOT them in years to come... Many thanks to Vincent, for staying on point and focusing on helping me with venues. Many thanks to Music.Tech for the offer of assistance on the soundsystem. Many thanks to others who have been constructive - and after all that - If anyone is a venue-owner willing to donate a free venue to host a fundraiser for a respected national or local charity (these kids support a selection of charities, or you can suggest your own) then make contact via this page (I will check in on occasion). To all else - goodbye! - Fri, 3 Sep 2010 10:47am | ||
| Anchor User Info... | http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/victorianews/entertainment/100478509.html Looks like these kids are doing something similar. If I was you I would personally take laprider up on his offer. He is a valuable source. There are also affordable halls up island, Aggi Hall ladysmith etc. Good luck. - Fri, 3 Sep 2010 11:43am | ||
| steve User Info... | Wow.. Anchor! Moonlighting as a P.I.? - Fri, 3 Sep 2010 1:37pm | ||
| Anchor User Info... | nah, just heard about these guys on cbc last week. - Fri, 3 Sep 2010 4:59pm | ||
| MC -K.N.Z. User Info... | I think ,if they're that good ...they will blow up on there own . And as it is ,there are a lot of people here with really good resources,and knowledge. So it would be cool if the OP would come back and tell us if the problem (in their eyes), is somewhat resolved. The perish should open for Nickleschtack - Sat, 4 Sep 2010 11:18am Edited: Sat, 4 Sep 2010 11:19am | ||
| Zippgunn User Info... | Ann, anything to do with Nickleback is the kiss of death as is keeping the band's name (and their charity of choice) secret. In this business it's called "hype" and it usually means that if this band isn't really the second coming (and "the Kroeg's" interest pretty much guarantees this) they will be raked over the coals by the cynical. Also remember that bars usually hate booking under 19 bands because they almost always draw a large amount of underage fans who think it is great sport to see if they can sneak into the bar and get hammered without getting caught. This has happened to me in the past WEEK! the basic policy where I work is to not have underage people play in the bar without extensive prior consultation with the bar staff/promoters. Booking the gig and then showing up with 5 guys with no I.D. is a sure way to piss the venue off but good. P.S. if there is a beautiful young lady in this band I would be very careful with old Chad... - Sat, 4 Sep 2010 2:34pm Edited: Sat, 4 Sep 2010 2:38pm | ||
| Ann D User Info... | Hi to all still in this thread. I am very appreciative of the help offered, and I'm not trying to be awkward with keeping the band's details a 'secret', but if you've now figured out who these kids are, you'll know WHY cyberspace is such a dangerous place for their contact details to be too readily available.... and so the security measures. I agree with those who have posted here that if these kids are good, then they will blow up on their own, and, I didn't come on here to hype them, just to ask advice on venues. To some extent, success is already happening, and has already happened for these kids (and if you now know who they are, then you'll know what they're hooked up with, and you'll therefore know that they'll already be walking in the footsteps of some very famous names in just a few weeks). The aim wasn't to get them noticed (that happened months ago), but to find them a place in Victoria to play which could accomodate the fact that they were underaged, and still be LARGE enough to let them play to the crowds that now want to see them, (but yet reasonable enough to let them raise as much money as they can for a pretty amazing charity). Their last (free) restaurant performance (which they do just for fun, as it's open mic) saw the restaurant crammed with dozens of people who had come to see them just via a F'book note on one of the performers own page - no publicity, and the restaurant was having to turn people away, to the point where the people who couldn't get in were getting pretty upset with the restaurant.... who did their best to squeeze everyone in, and the rest had to listen from outside the fire exit doors. Thus the original msg. asking for help finding something larger for an actual ticketed fundraiser.... Re - N'back, I never said that these kids were fans of their music, and I realize that N'back mainly appeals to a 30+ crowd - not the nightclub crowd. These kids music doesn't sound a thing like N'back, but obviously, when one of the few Canadian bands that people outside Canada can actually NAME says that you've got talent, it is noteworthy... I said that N'back had taken an interest when, by pure chance, they caught the lead guitarist busking outside a restaurant, and were blown away by it, to the point where they spent several minutes talking to the guys, discussing music, and chucking them a $20. Good to know that the younger crowd finds the mere mention of their name painful, and so its a name not to mention in publicity... I'll keep checking back, so keep feeding the advice, and if I get a venue, I will post a notice of the concert details here, so that you can judge for yourselves whether its all spin, or whether these kids really CAN rock... Thanks and regards, "Ann" - Sat, 4 Sep 2010 6:14pm | ||
| MC -K.N.Z. User Info... | "Good to know that the younger crowd finds the mere mention of their name painful, and so its a name not to mention in publicity..." Who the hell do you think looks on this site anyways...goes to show, you now nothing of what it takes to manage a band.And in my eyes ,I see you trying to do that ...you don't promo the band...yeah right.You should just take yourself out of this game altogether...let someone who knows what they are doing take over.... I hate to say it ,but there has been many a wishful parent that have pushed their kids to hard to soon,and fail.Not that you will,just make sure not to make it what you are all about. They still have to be kids too. P.S. most people that like real music ,hate NB...I'm 39.Plus ,we're starting to think you are as delusional as Jeff from the perish...look it up...could tech you some things. - Sat, 4 Sep 2010 11:25pm Edited: Sat, 4 Sep 2010 11:37pm | ||
| Ann D User Info... | Hey - MC K.N.Z. - Well good to know what you think of me, duly noted, thanks for that, and I have no idea who comes on these boards, but I suspect, as its called LiveVictoria, its pro musicians playing around Victoria and venue-owners, promoters etc., but as absolutely ANYONE can access the threads on this board to read them if the comments flag in a "search engine", there's no way of knowing who reads them.... thus my caution... Anyone who has offered help to the kids I will contact directly, without posting details here. As a parent, I'm pretty busy, so the only music that I get to listen to is what my kids play in the house, on their ITunes loop, which is all classic rock and blues, (plus the original music that they write), so I'd struggle to name a N'back song, but I'm aware that NB keep winning music awards...you don't like their music, fair enough but, don't throw it at me that they're crap and I should be ashamed to breathe their name, because I really wouldn't know - I don't listen to them... and I'm only 41 btw, so not clueless about rock, just too busy to listen to what's new and currently trendy! You're 39, so you'd hate MY era of rock even more, because I last had an actual collection of music back when it was all euro-synthopop... which would have been considered "really sad", when you were a teenager listening to grunge, so you'd cringe at what I used to listen to "back in the day". I never claimed to be hooked-in with the "biz" in any way. I'm just a parent and I don't profess to be any more than that. I leave you with this: a) I'm not trying to "manage" this band, in any capacity other than being a roadie and monitoring who the kids are dealing with - but neither are we parents particularly looking for a promoter for them at this stage, as they still have a lot of growing to do, not to mention school to finish. When they're ready, they'll find themselves a promoter - and I will note that they need a professional, not a band parent. They could well decide that they want a promoter sooner, in which case I'll send them to this page for help. b) I'm not trying to push this band - far from it, I keep getting begged by them for opportunities to play - beyond what is offered by schools etc. That is what I'm trying to facilitate, thus the frustration with the lack of venues. Just for reference, they, themselves, sought out the "big opportunity" that they've hooked up with, and they worked damn hard to get through the various obstacles in their way to convince their parents, the concert promoter, and the professionals doing the auditions, that they were ready to take it on - and worth the logistical difficulties of involving them at such a huge distance. Its no small achievement for kids this age to be involved in what they've landed - and all the credit goes to them in every way. Because they ARE just kids, we don't want them to get to a position where they CAN"T be "just kids". To some degree, they need anonymity, so that they can just be normal kids, hang out, goof off, make fools of themselves in public without people pointing at them and saying "Hey! Isn't that X from Y?!?". Which is why we're fiercely protective of their privacy, and NOT pushing them. So no worries there, but thanks for the advice on not being delusional - which I'm not...but good to know you think I'm crazy. Always a compliment that I seek out! I'll add it to my resume! Like I said at the beginning - I needed help finding a bigger regular venue, and also a venue where they can do a major fundraiser. That's all. That's why I'm here folks. Didn't realize that I should have brought a bigger club for the many trolls on the bridge.... - Sun, 5 Sep 2010 10:34am | ||
| Curmudgeon Rocker User Info... | Hi Ann - I was wondering if you could clarify when you mentioned "I'm not trying to be awkward with keeping the band's details a 'secret', but if you've now figured out who these kids are, you'll know WHY cyberspace is such a dangerous place for their contact details to be too readily available.... " a couple thoughts come to mind: - regardless of previous posts, I'm not convinced that anyone knows who this band is - isn't cyberspace supposed to be a GOOD place for a band to advertise themselves? You say it's dangerous.....I guess I'm keen to know why this band is in any kind of peril putting themselves out there. Is it because they don't have a name yet? Have they had criminal records? Someone indirectly associated them with Nickleback? there were a number of other things you mentioned that I had no choice but to cock my eyebrow at, but I'm still kinda sleepy right now...to..... ..................YAMN - Sun, 5 Sep 2010 10:39am Edited: Sun, 5 Sep 2010 10:40am | ||
| steve User Info... | Sorry, ignore McKNZ (Grimlord/tard/lard) he's a mouth breather. He once started a fake account to pretend that there was a s girl actually interested in him.. pretty sad really. I think its awesome what those kids are doing! Great to see forward thinking youth, nice work parent. Apologies for my previous comment being misunderstood. I really was quite confused to the facts surrounding the band and their financial situation, etc. Keep up the good work and pass on a congrats.. Massey Hall aint nothing to sneeze at. Steve and for the most part I wouldnt say you're experienceing 'trolling' but as mentioned by curmudge.. some of your comments are a little bizarre and perhaps we're all a little confused. - Sun, 5 Sep 2010 10:42am Edited: Sun, 5 Sep 2010 10:45am | ||
| Curmudgeon Rocker User Info... | great - as I was writing my post, the response to it was also being written. dontcha just love those whacky coincidences? anyway, your mentioning "absolutely ANYONE can access the threads on this board to read them if the comments flag in a "search engine", there's no way of knowing who reads them.... thus my caution." doesn't really constitute THAT big a concern for you, really? ya gotta have a band name, and hype (especially of the cyber kind) should eclipse any security issues.....ROCK OUT! - Sun, 5 Sep 2010 10:59am Edited: Sun, 5 Sep 2010 11:08am | ||
| MC -K.N.Z. User Info... | Just because I tried playing you all up,doesn't mean I have no advice to give. It's not like any of you have ever said things on here that are not true.Plus ,those days are gone for me.....No one is trying to pass themselves off as me, and try and destroy my name on here......I do a good enough job of that myself. Ann D I don,t think your mad,just uninformed as to what to expect people on here to say about your comments. I was just giving you some heads up.Look up the Perish threads....or some of the Grimlord threads, you'll see. I think most 19+ venues will let underage bands play ,if they have a chaperon. And you should try and get them on some festivals,it might be too late for this year but you never know.Laprider is a very good person to know for these things.Take him up on his offer.... There is a glitch in the user info...doesn't say the # of posts anymore. And Steve's a douche.... - Sun, 5 Sep 2010 11:12am Edited: Sun, 5 Sep 2010 11:16am | ||
| steve User Info... | Its not because you tried 'playing us all up' that you have no advice to give.. its cause you're a washed up life that has nothing to contribute to society. You are inarticulate and misguided in most everything you do and say. yeah tardlard.. those days are over.. as of when? September 1st? "Whatever........some people's children ......You are a Chinese f#g ,aren't you .with a name like that,how could you not be.I don't listen to gay f#gs. What does a Chinese f#got have for launch? Cream of sumyungai." -Rimjob - Wed, 1 Sep 11:02am Grim you are a shining Beacon as to why a parent might want to protect their Childs identity on this and probably other boards.. do we need to start talking about your craigslist fiasco again? - Sun, 5 Sep 2010 11:25am | ||
| Ann D User Info... | Thanks for riding to my rescue guys! I'm glad that you've now got an idea of WHY I need to be careful (it's a hard balancing act protecting vs. letting them promote themselves...being a responsible parent vs. letting them jump at opportunities offered which could be a bit dangerous). Now you see what the parents of this band are up against! And thanks for the congrats. These kids have worked really, really, hard. That's why we know that WHEN they are old enough, they have already got what it takes. Over and out! But I will keep you posted if we get a local concert organized... - Sun, 5 Sep 2010 11:44am | ||
| Ann D User Info... | PS - About the "bizarre" comments - just trying not to give too much personal info on them away, but at the same time, giving enough info for people to see the problem - sorry to have to be so cryptic.... Cheers and regards, "Ann" Band Parent - Sun, 5 Sep 2010 11:47am | ||
| Zippgunn User Info... | Just how old are the people in this band? I mean are they infants or pre-teens? I ask this because if they are slightly under 19 then they shouldn't be too cloistered away because if they really do make a splash they will be suddenly plunged into a world that will be very alien to them. Get them used to the weirdness of the music business ASAP. - Sun, 5 Sep 2010 3:32pm | ||
| Jl User Info... | Regardless of age... If you want to promote them, then do it. Dont be afraid; that'll only give your kids' band a jaded sense of what the music industry is really like. Stop watching those silly programs on how dangerous the world is and let your kids do what they do best... play music. If I had the means kids have now for promotion back 15 years ago, you're dam straight I would use it, regardless of what my parents would've thought. also, in order to book them, you'll have to let someone know the name of the band at the very least. And remember ANY PRESS IS GOOD PRESS!!!!!!! - Sun, 5 Sep 2010 4:12pm | ||
| Ann D User Info... | Hi Zippgunn & JI - SCARILY young is the way to describe it (see the link above as posted by Anchor) - not at all the age where we can let them fly solo, thus the caution, and yes, we, and they, are very aware that the music biz is a wierd place to be. These guys are street-wise, but they are also at an age where they could easily get in over their heads. As far as letting people know who they actually are face-to-face no problem. Its just posting personal info which can be used to search them "out there" with no control over access that we're trying to avoid. - Sun, 5 Sep 2010 8:31pm | ||
| Jl User Info... | Ok, let be realistic then... why not try the fernwood inn open stage? its a start and they/you will meet ppl there. Or do you think they're well beyond playing there? If they're THAT good, then seek management and get them going... stop holding them back. Or if they're "scarily" young then there's lots of time for them to mature and discover things themselves(believe it or not, they will). Either way, get them out playing... there's lots... why not book them as an acoustic act? coffee houses? or try the fort street cafe? You have to be more open to what can happen on the good side... otherwise you'll never let them see the light of day. If you'd be more willing and open, there's a whole world out there willing to help!!*(you could google just about anything, rest assured this board isn't filled with weirdo's and is monitored by very good mod's) - Sun, 5 Sep 2010 11:17pm Edited: Sun, 5 Sep 2010 11:19pm | ||
| MC -K.N.Z. User Info... | Has this band recorded professionally ? Get a good recording done, and toss it around.People will respond if it's all good.Things could happen to fall into place.Then you might find it hard, not to find a place of your liking,that will turn you down for a show. I wish all the best .... But ...I can't say anything nice on here without someone being a clown about it.That's just the thing you would like to avoid I guess ... - Mon, 6 Sep 2010 12:21am | ||
| Jl User Info... | That's another good point that KNZ(aka grim) made. Get them into a studio to record... not only will they get the experience of recording in a studio, it'll tighten up their music and abilities. Maybe that's where you should start, versus going out and trying to book a show. And, once they have good recordings; the gigs will follow... i believe the saying goes "if you build it; they will come". Id be happy to help if I can, just let me know. ps, zipp would be a good guy to talk to about recordings, he has a little experience, and despite his perish bashings/rants... I've only had one dealing with him and it was a great experience at S.o.S*(a good 6 years ago i think by now... the price of mctucklin recorded there) ;) - Mon, 6 Sep 2010 11:23am | ||
| Zippgunn User Info... | Yes, you could say that I have a "little" experience; my first recording to hit the street did so in 1982. I've done literally hundreds of recordings that hit the shops since then. I've even done a couple of very young prodigy bands successfully. A good recording is an important first step for sure, no matter who does it. It's a great way to spread the word about the band without exposing them to undue dangers or pressures. - Mon, 6 Sep 2010 1:13pm | ||
| Ann D User Info... | Hi Guys, thanks for all the tips. Much appreciated. "Ann" - Tue, 7 Sep 2010 6:31pm | ||
| MC -K.N.Z. User Info... | Keep us posted...I would like to check em out sometime. - Thu, 9 Sep 2010 4:38pm | ||
| Ann D User Info... | Will do! - Thu, 9 Sep 2010 4:53pm | ||
| Master Joda User Info... | You want a great all age venue to play at give me a call 250 532 4697 and I can get them in a place holds 300+ and is a great venue for all involved...It will become the new ALL AGE venue in Victoria - Sat, 23 Oct 2010 8:08am | ||
| Mr. Hell User Info... | "To some degree, they need anonymity, so that they can just be normal kids, hang out, goof off, make fools of themselves in public without people pointing at them and saying "Hey! Isn't that X from Y?!?"" I'm not really sure what to make of this, but just so you know, the classic breed of rockstars are dead and I'm sure you won't need to protect these young lads from all the problems fame being in a local band can bring. Amazing. - Sun, 24 Oct 2010 1:09am | ||
| sumyungai User Info... | @ Master J... Please tell me that you are not referring to Vertigo.... Please. - Sat, 30 Oct 2010 11:22am | ||
| Troy User Info... | Besides asking in this board section of livevic did you ever try going to Resources --> Venue. to the very large database of venues on this site. Most have some form of contact information and if not that you can google the name of the place or look it up in the phonebook for some. Seriously why didn't anyone mention this I do however wish there were more affordable options in vic. There are a few... beibg a promoter is a money drain 90% of the time. also this whole thread was hilarious. - Sun, 31 Oct 2010 2:53am | ||
| Jl User Info... | Im sure he's not referring to Vertigo... Isabella Reader theatre perhaps - Sun, 31 Oct 2010 12:01pm | ||
| 256mb User Info... | one thing to take into consideration is that often times young 'cute' bands playing like the 'big boys' is really just that.. cute. Not to say that makes it talentless or unworthy of the attention, but not unlike perhaps the New Kids On The Block ( random example? ) its really sellable when they are teenagers because its so damn 'cute' but when they become older sometimes that uniqueness fades. As for Nickleback, those guys toured hard and penniless for many years and hit it big before the music industry fell into its current quagmire of failing record labels, massive debt and corporate bankruptcy. I also imagine there are dozens if not hundreds of bands good old Chad loves with all his 'heart' (or wallet?) that are still struggling or have fallen apart altogether (Arcmchair Cynics come to mind?) and perhaps 604 Records is just a wonderful tax write off for a band with steady enough radio play to actually get a nominal royalty cheque out of Socan every now and then and who actually appeal to a somewhat older mouth breathing type who havent figured out how to download music for free. I bet there are many musicians on this site alone that regularly get heaps of praise poured upon them as they sip their after set beer, signing CD's for strangers and go home with glory on their mind, only to never see it ever, not because they arent good or worthy, but because that is the reality of todays music scene! PS: I agree that the all ages situation in this town is hard.. but some suggestions Ambrosia Vic Events Center Isabelle Reader Vertigo perhaps? White Eagle Hall Burt Richman Hall - Thu, 4 Nov 2010 4:38pm | ||
| MC -K.N.Z. User Info... | Adoration is all anyone wants in playing music.And if you happen to gather a bunch of fanatics along the way then cool.And get paid for it to boot.That is just icing on the cake .To do this locally for mediocre pay..is all worth wile. - Thu, 4 Nov 2010 11:40pm | ||
| Trevcore User Info... | 61 million views should be worth something. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6EQAOmJrbw - Fri, 5 Nov 2010 1:10pm | ||
| MC -K.N.Z. User Info... |  | ||
| Trevcore User Info... | I have that pic. My wife wont let me post it. She thinks it would be mean, and make Mike sad. - Tue, 9 Nov 2010 9:06pm | ||
| Trevcore User Info... | Grade Ten yearbook, hahahehe - Tue, 9 Nov 2010 9:07pm | ||
| MC -K.N.Z. User Info... | No ,he should be mad at me...for putting this reference to him up.It's all in good fun.....He has made me look like a fool more then once, so...... Put it up Tee core ,then people will know what I'm talking about.It's all good.Unless the ginger post's not too . - Thu, 11 Nov 2010 9:03am | ||
| wizzie User Info... | Kids these days have no imagination and spend to much time in malls. Most underage bands aren't going to draw a huge crowd even with 2 bands on the bill, my advice find a smaller locally owned record store/skate shop/musical instrument store/coffee shop/book store/empty paint booth or garage and become a loyal customer, go there frequently, spend money there, get to know the employees and try and plan a show inside their "venue". Why pay huge for a venue your only going to half fill at best, throw a smaller, memorable, intimate show in a smaller venue and gain the bragging rights. It's not going to happen over night and probably not very frequently, but these are hard times for everybody, especially local businesses and if you can draw more people to their store then what reason would they have to say no. if your not in it to make any money and you can get the company to stay open a few hours late for your show and you can load 30 or so people in and get your fans to spend some money in their "venue" then it works out for everybody. - Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:17pm | ||
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