Exposure!

THERE IS A big event in town this weekend. Yesterday, organizers called one of our local performers and asked if they wanted to play at it.

Right. Two days before the event, and you are calling around for live music?

They would not pay the musicians. "It's good exposure," the organizers said.

Exposure? For a last-minute booking? You didn't have plans, did you?

Exposure doesn't pay for instruments, strings, lessons, gas. Exposure doesn't grow dollar bills on trees. Exposure is all fine and dandy - but how about a few bucks for the effort, time and considerable talent displayed? Sheryl likes to say that "exposure" is a cuss word and that people that want to give you exposure should also be pleased with the business your talent brings into their doors. So they should pay their talent.

The event organizers were politely told no. They were miffed. So they called another group, which said yes.

I can see it now. "Well, so and so wouldn't play for us. Fine. We have so and so instead, and we are better off. Pfffft."

The group that is now playing has their own reasons for accepting the offer. I don't think they need the exposure, but if they want to do it, good for them.

I'm not going to the event, and my general impression of the organizers, which was already pretty poor, has sunk even further.

We understand that some musicians don't want to feel as though their talent is worth anything. Even if you don't think you should receive money for your talent, we believe you should receive money for your talent. That is how our local musicians can continue to afford to learn and hone their talent.

Playing for a big audience is hard work. You take lessons to sound as good as you can, and people want to hear your talent. Ask for payment - it doesn't matter how much, because you are worth it.

Hey. Look. I just bought some guitar picks and FingerEase with exposure.

Whatever.

Whadda Weekend

The Midsummer Arts Faire, captured from the second floor of Second String Music. 

"Hopefully by then I won't feel like I've been hit by an aircraft carrier." - Cheesey bass player Don Van Dyke, when hearing about band practice this week.

THAT PRETTY MUCH sums it up. What an incredible weekend - Second String Music rocked, the Midsummer Arts Faire rocked, The Cheeseburgers survived the crazy Keokuk people at the South Side Boat Club, and I feel like sleeping until Tuesday.

Let's see - it's July 4 weekend, right? That means two more Cheeseburger gigs, a Friday jam session at the store and who knows what else chaos.

As usual, Cheeseburger roadie Frank Haxel is right. "We'll sleep when we're dead," he said this morning, while painting the outside of Second String Music.

Why is he painting when he should be sleeping?

Ahhhh .... so much more amazing stuff about to happen. 

So. Let's do it again!

We will be closed on the 4th of July to celebrate not only Fast Eddie's birthday but also the birthday of our great country, The United States of America. 

All week we are offering 10% off everything in the store. That includes all consignment items! If you pay with cash we will give you another 2% off.

Sale goes through this Saturday, July 6th.

 
Spread the word to your musical friends.