[Dixielandjazz] DIXIELAND FESTIVALS

[Steve Barbone]

To those that still think dixieland only festivals will continue to prosper.

Are you kidding? Most are already dead or have changed their program to 
include other forms of music. Yes, there is an exception or two but that 
only proves the rule.

It's like when you put a frog into a pan of cold water. He loves it. 
Then put the pan on the stove and heat slowly. He still loves it, 
oblivious to what is really going on.

Then, before you know it, you have a dead, boiled frog who never 
realized what was happening.

Guess what? Dixieland only festivals are like that frog. Oblivious and 
soon to be dead.

Why? Because they never attempted to renew the audience for the music 
and the old audience is either dead or will be soon. The audience is not 
immortal.

Do not "preserve" the music, attract a new audience for it. Marketing 
101. Festivals and bands should have a very simple marketing mission 
statement:

"To increase the audience for Dixieland Jazz".

Then go out and do it. Not difficult, no consultants needed, just follow 
your nose. Everything you do musically or promotionally should revolve 
around that mission. If what you do does not help the mission, then quit 
doing it.
 
Cheers,
Steve Barbone