SA Rocks Forum
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I was going to keep my mouth shut about this, because I thought I'd get crucified by anonymous posters, but here goes ....
We played the second weekend they were open, Sept. 5. I had, on NUMEROUS occasions, told both the booking agent and the manager we were a classic rock band ... meaning ALL classic rock, not just a few songs, but the entire gig, and it was even on the posters we put up.
Long story short, the night we played, the management got upset with us because of our song selection, despite positive feedback from the crowd present, which included musicians from a number of local bands.
Apparently, some group who was going from bar to bar in a bus didn't like what we were playing and left. Manager tells us at 12:30 a.m. to pack our stuff. We got paid less than half of what we were promised, and the manager feigned ignorance that we were a classic rock band I pulled down one of our posters that clearly stated that and asked him "What part of 'classic' he didn't understand?"
He told me Saturday crowds want to hear 80's and hip-hop ... I just laughed when I heard that!
This was an early part of the night, and people who came in saw the band was packing and left. So to what end did making us stop early serve? So the bar could put on some crappy rap and disco? They ended up chasing off the remainder of the people there!
I guess classic doesn't play on Broadway. I knew we weren't going to get gigs in the clubs down the road, but I was hoping Broadway Bar would be cool. It didn't happen.
This is just our bad experience, and I hope all the bands that play there now have much success and have a great time there!
Dead Ringer is scheduled to play there on 10/17. I'm very interested in this thread. I do recall how Broadway Bar was before but it was still kinda cool. So being invited to play there is very exciting for us. We play some 80's but hiphop? Yikes. Has anyone else played since the good fellas in Three Way Split that can share their experience? Does any live band in town even play hip hop?!?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with '80s music. Why ya'll gotta hate?
Seriously, I e-mailed them our set list and rates...they must not want '80s. Oh well! Hope they do well! Nice to have more bars out there!
Somebody should open up a Roadhouse type place. A real Road House or Buck Merril's place!
Can't say I'm surprised but here's an email I got from broadway bar:
"Hey guys im going to have to cancel the October 17th show at Broadway Bar. The owners are going to go a different direction as far as the music they want played at the bar. Thanks and good luck!"
At least they gave us enough notice and didn't pull the plug with very short notice. Good luck to the B-Bar and I hope they find a way to make live music work there. There seems to be less places for live music now days. Hope things turn around for everybody.
Mario,
Sorry to hear about Dead Ringer getting canceled, but I can't say I'm very surprised! And I wouldn't consider three weeks a lot of notice!
When it was the ORIGINAL Broadway Bar a few years ago, the GM there was very cool and knew the local music scene well, and didn't decide to go in a "different direction" every time the wind blew a different way.
The bars that have been successful over the years are respectful to everyone they deal with, from the customers to the employees to the bands.
These bars need to understand they cannot keep a music-oriented club going simply by word of mouth, and not bother spend a penny on advertising to get the initial word out or never lift a finger to market, other than free bulletins on Myspace.
Plus, the service there needs to improve dramtically or people will simply go somewhere else to drink and party!
AKA: Thanks for scheduling yourselves to play here, but you're not young enough to play here. Hmmm.
They have "the best hip-hop, R/B DJ in town" there tonight. There's your new direction. Hey, there's a market. Might as well cash in on it!
Yeah guys, Broadway wants the new stuff, rock and to attractive a younger crowd I guess. We really like the place and play there quite often. Unfortunate that shows had to be canx for some bands. In fact I know a few really good bands and friends that got cut. Different strokes for different folks and I guess that's business. Nevertheless, Rory and the folks there are very business saavy and they're trying to hit a target market. Who can blame them in this economy.
As for Club 100, all I can say is that we were booked every Sunday but unfortunately I had to CANX all shows! That's a different story and would rather not get into that one. However, whoever is in there now....good luck!
Keep plugging away at what you do best and people will notice you. You guys have been in the biz a long time to know that and have been very successful at it. My advise to my guys has alway been, "Play like it's your last show". Life's too short. Keep rocking guys.
Your friends,
Rudy
A U D I O M O U T H
Yeah, Sam. There's always a better place to play no matter where you're at. I've played all over the world and I think it's more of what you make of it. You're their to perform and whether people like it or not, musicians have always been the "hired help" per say and all you can do is what you do best. Bring your supporters and fans and never expect a club to supply the people for you. It just doesn't happen at clubs like this. Although it isn't Sherlock's, it's what you make of it. Always stay positive. You guys are great musicians and not all clubs suit all bands.
Hell, it's always great when bus loads of people come in from a pub crawl but as you know, they're just bar-hopping. Unfortunate for Steve and his guys, he got the bad end of it at a point where the club had just opened and a regular in-crowd just isn't that big there yet.
You guys have a geat weekend.
God Bless the yuppies in this town. That's all I can say!
Long story short
(by email)
me: Can we play there.
Them: Yes
me: We have these dates open
Them We'll take them
me: We charge this much xxx
???????????
Never heard from them again :(
I suck as a business man 
OH, Rikk...you'll always be my hero.
Speaking of new clubs, here is a new club opening in February. Grand opening on the 5th and 6th. First weekend in Feb. It will host Blues, Southern Rock, Classic Rock, Country and Tejano, depending on night.
It is called the Southside Of Anywhere, and is located in Elmendorf. Bar and Grill. Beer bar only, no mixed drinks until sometime next summer.
It will be fair to musicians, although not a top pay spot, pay will be based on an up front gaurantee (not real big), plus a pct over break even. That will be the pay method, tied to the profitability of the night but with a gauranteed amount.
Anyway, just thought I would drop this on the thread. I know my band will be hired once in a while, since I hire the bands
Looking for solo/duo's for dinner hour.
Anyone wanting to talk, let me know.
More news to come as we get closer. Opening was delayed by a near death experience with an ugly monster called Cancer, but with the great people at the UTHS, and the CTRC, it has been all cut out of me, and I am going to live. So on with the club!!!!
George
P.S. I do monitor this here forum, so if any band has a problem with me, you know where to find me
George
Congrats on beating the cancer George!
Amen, George! I LOVE Elmendorf!
Thank you Christian, and Brett for your thoughts. And if you ever get going with that Roadhouse project Brett, let me know, that's closest to what we are trying to be, even though it's off the beaten track, in a small town (right next door to SA, but small never the less). Roadhouse Blues, Roadhouse Rock, and Roadhouse Country.
I went into Broadway Bar and recorded some video the other night. A lot of changes...
I can vouch that they are absolutely 'fickle'.
Looks like Bond's is still looking for bands on Thursday (NYE)
So from what I can gather Broadway Bar is only doing DJs on weekends. They have Sundays and Wed. booked with weekly acts.
Same for the Boiler Room, no bands on weekends. They're doing Tue. & Thu. with regular acts.
Anyone else noticing a trend here?
Best to adapt and keep your regular venues happy because they're dwindling.
Well, we are getting close. Grand opening is Feb 4th with an open Thursday night jam session. Booking bands for weekends Feb and March.
Looking to be a blues based house, Texas Roadhouse, Classic Rock, some Country, and tejano. Gospel Blues is especially welcome for a special brunch on Sunday's. Original or cover, or both is best (imho).
We are located off the beaten track (hell, off the track completely almost) in Elmendorf. Near, but still inside the SE cornor of 1604 near 181 to Floresville. Across the street from the city park in Elmendorf. Hours will be 8 till midnight for music. It's not a bar, but a cafe/grill. We just happen to serve up beer and music at night. Don't let the pool tables fool you.
We are starting out low budget, but at least we have one. Small up front per man, plus a pct of the register, so could be good if it is full, has the potential. We are both tied up in the night, kind of a partnership, but at least you will go home with something. Plus we will feed most musicians, some just eat too much, but we will try.
If your not scared off yet, and would like to know how much, email me. Check out the website, and let me know if you want a date not listed (Fri or Sat for Feb and March).
I have a budget for 6 months to try and make a customer base out of thin air, so if you want to help, and play, and have a good time, then let me know.
George
pianoman@southsideofanywhere.com
www.southsideofanywhere.com
bravenet.com