[Dixielandjazz] Declining Victoria Jazz Fest Attendance...

[Jeanne Brei]

Hey Len, Hey Steve,
    I was working a NASCAR event in Las Vegas today and sitting behind me 
was a lovely couple from Victoria, BC -- and I asked them if they go to the 
TerrificVic Jazz Fest there because I went a few years back (to see one of 
the last stops for Uncle Yoke's Black Dogs) and had a fabulous time --  
especially since there were so many wonderful dancers up there (and the guys 
could lead!)
    Anyway, they told me that they used to go to that festival all the time 
but in the last few years it had declined in quality -- primarily because it 
was losing money and so could no longer bring bands in from Europe or very 
far away. And they said that they had already heard all the bands that were 
on the bill for the last few years AND all the songs that those bands did 
and felt that now it was very boring and repetitious.
    I think that's VERY important for the festival bookers to hear -- yes, 
you should always have a few local favorites invited but you should also 
always consider having a few "showbands" who really care about being 
entertaining and always prepare NEW songs for EVERY jazz festival they go 
to -- for instance, you might get some of those folks back if you invite 
Titan Hot 7 with Draga & Barnhart and the guys -- or Banu Gibson -- or Tom 
Hook with the Dogs -- you could never say that any of those acts are boring 
or repetitious -- Banu always makes sure she has at least 12 new songs that 
no one's heard every time she comes out west.
    And I think it's really important for the band leaders to hear --  
especially if they're on the festival circuit (unlike Steve, I really like 
going to lots of jazz festivals). Always make sure you have some new songs 
each time you play a festival!!!
Jeanne Brei
Tin Pan Alley Cat Entertainment
Las Vegas



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve barbone" <barbonestreet at earthlink.net>
To: "DJML" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 11, 2006 7:16 AM
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Why am I back?


>I have returned to the list primarily because of the outpouring of notes
> both on list and off list requesting that that I not leave. To all of you, 
> I
> am very appreciative of your love and support. And a bit awed by it.
>
> Secondarily because of Len Neilsen whom I have not helped. I regard his 
> hate
> as a challenge. Also, Len forgets that several years ago I passed on to 
> him
> some reasons for Jazz Festival declining audiences, specifically the
> Victoria Festival. He took great offense claiming that jazz festivals were
> not in trouble attendance wise, no doubt thinking me arrogant for stating
> such views.
>
> Len, hate me all you want. That I bother you is your problem. But gee 
> whiz,
> please don't try and be the List Rules policeman. But if you are still
> denying the audience problems of OKOM festivals, you might hop the Ferry 
> to
> Port Angeles and ask Gary Sorenson who produces that Dixieland Festival,
> just why he and Don Jones, publisher of American Rag, are spending so much
> time meeting with other US Festival Directors. First meeting in January
> 2006, second one in planning. To STEM THE DECLINE OF FESTIVAL ATTENDANCE 
> and
> figure out ways to get it rising again so that Festivals survive. And, 
> gasp
> choke, using some of the information gained from my "repetitive posts" on
> the DJML. Oh gee, is that a brag? No, just the simple truth of the matter.
>
> Thirdly, because of Kash, Farrell and Vax who are all nice people, no 
> doubt
> we would enjoy a drink together in a pub somewhere, but constantly misread
> and misquote what I write and then go off on personal attacks. I view you 
> as
> a challenge also. But when I respond in kind, I hope you'll quit whining
> that I am the hammer of retribution.
>
> Sword of the Prophet is more to my liking. :-) VBG. (Oh no, please do not
> take that seriously)
>
> To those who have a problem with me, please write me off list and I'll be
> happy to discuss what ever it is that bothers you. In gentlemenly fashion 
> if
> your tone was gentlemenly. Or not, as YOU choose.  And I will keep it off
> list. Ignore my spam filter as I will see and respond as long as I 
> recognize
> the subject line. Suggest DJML there. But please also remember that there
> are 500 others on this list who most of us don't know. And that they are
> probably a diverse group who while having some similar interests are all
> unique and we might make an effort to understand that they are as least as
> important as we are. And that they have some very different needs and 
> views
> from ours. So while "we" might not like a post "they" very well might.
>
> Other than that, use of the delete key is a very simple solution to 
> getting
> pissed about what someone writes. If we hate someone, why not just extend
> the middle finger and delete? Gets rid of a lot of aggression.
>
> Cheers to all,
> Steve
>
>
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