Mucisians needed for the TMB

[dachtera]

Greetings!

Over the past few years, there has been a decline of evening music down in the TMB, and also a smaller crowd listening to music. Of all the locations on the grounds, the TMB has the most up to date and robust sound system, including a new lighting system in 2009.

We are seeking more members who wish to play down at the TMB either during the day, or in the evening. There has been discussion of changing the format/time on stage for musicians, but nothing is firm in concrete yet. As of 2009, you had the option to play your two songs as it's always been, or you could have the stage for 15 minutes. I'll update this thread when there is new news to report on the timing.

I would like to ask anyone who plays, beginner thru advanced to come on down and play on our stage. Guitar, fiddle, piano, whatever the instrument may be, if the genre is in the spirit of Rollag.

I'm going to discuss with the Music Co-chairs the thought of inviting in local groups to play as well in hopes to draw some additional crowds. (They would be aware they would be volunteering their time and not be paid for their performance, or be able to sell their CD's on stage.

Just a few ideas kicking around, but let me, Karl or Russ know if you have any other ideas to help attract more music down to the TMB. - I know we're competing with the spark shows, but if I turn up the speakers a little, we can drown out Jerry and Jim on their microphones! :aetsch:

I'll be on the Hill Memorial, BOF and Steam School weekends if you have anything you'd like to chat about, or of course catch me on here.

Cheers!

[M Kerkvliet]

Good luck Tim... Seems there is so much going on, on the grounds in the evenings any more that it is hard to get enough people around to keep everything open and keep our visitors and members interested.

I will agree that you have a great lighting system, and sound system that is there for the use of all interested parties.

I wonder if better seating would help? Chairs with backs are more popular that planks on blocks, or bleachers. We had some down there one time, but ended up throwing them out when they were not wanted. Maybe they would not have worked out anyway...

Keep working on it... you will find your niche!

[dachtera]

Mark,

We do have some old theater seats we reserve for musicians, and for the queens on Saturday night.

Our preference would be to have benches build similar to what is in the Nelson building, so I may have to place that request this year to get done for the next show, unless there is an option to get some made this year..

We did lose spectators to the spark shows, however with all of the online surveys, probably 1/2 list the TMB music as something they enjoy. I think just tracking down more music, and working trying to keep the TMB food stand open later would be a huge help.

[dachtera]

Would there be any big issue with trying to attract some local talent to fill up the stage to fill some of our musical gaps in the TMB? Knowing 1) we do not pay them. 2) they cannot sell their CD's on grounds (but sign with band name I'd be OK with 3) They' have to pay the 20$ special event membership (I'd opt to waive this for them, but not my call.

Anyways, is there anyone else that has some discussion on this? We've got a great stage down there, sound, lights and enough for a 5 or 6' piece band (or more if they have a mixer to plug in)

Second topic - Cousin Nick [Hoffman] really feels strongly that we should have a fiddle contest back in the TMB again. I spoke with him last week and he offered to help with it for the 2011 season if we can organize it (so he can get it on his tour calendar and be free)

Thoughts?

[40avery]

If you can get the participants a Fiddlers contest should absolutely be revived!!!

[dachtera]

I'll see if I can kick something around with Nick, and have some loose plan for the music group at the Annual Meeting this fall.

[M Kerkvliet]

I think the band thing would be a cool idea. Logistics would have to be worked out with the board ahead of time.

[crystalaakre]

I agree with all of those ideas.

I hope we can get more musical acts as it seems to be a good crowd draw for other similar shows.

Also, did anyone else see the 4th of July music celebration stuff that Bonanzaville did this year? They charged over $30 for admission I think as well. Anyway...

[dachtera]

Mark,

I'm going to talk to Karl and see if we can have something to present for the annual meeting, in planning for 2011 and go from there. Nick has offered to lend a hand from Nashville, and Gramma has access to the MN State Fiddlers group so we can send out a communication to them as well.. Might be a big draw, I know the show at Albany is pretty impressive.

[40avery]

Maybe we should have a bulldog beauty contest with musical accompaniment of course!