Thursday: I havent posted anything controverial in a while. (Yeah, I know how FB rolls). Nevertheless, it wouldnt be any fun unless I tossed a zinger out there every now and again. So here goes.... Back in 2008 when I returned to Amador County after a 10 year absence, it was a time of change for the local music scene. The National Hotel was closing down. (BGs would open a year later). Other than this venue, there werent a lot of places to play live music for local musicians. But, this didnt mean there werent places to see live music. It wasnt comprised of anyone local, but at the time there was the Sutter Creek Theater, Sutter Ridge Winery in the summer months, and of course, the biggest draw for music, the Jackson Rancheria which at the time was booking well known acts that were popular and drew well. Shorly after I moved here, the casino was forced to halt live music shows due to some requirements towards rennovation of their facilities. For a few years the casino didnt book any live music...at all. I dont think it was by accident that shortly after they STOPPED booking, demand and business for local music and local venues exploded. Between the years of 2009 to 2011 there were a lot of places to play, and a lot of business was done with local musicians. It started to curtail off in 11, by 2012 it was very slow, and since then...its trickled back down to a crawl again with the exception of a couple of local acts. I dont think it was by accident that once the casino started booking again, business slowed back down. Now its at a crawl again. Although I cant exclusively blame the casino (other factors were involved including sweep throughs by ASCAP/BMI which shut down operations, a lawsuit which effectively shut down one of the top local venues for live music, and a couple of places that have changed ownership and their policies along with it), I do sort of factor in their presence. If someone blew out their budget to see a big name rock band (even one that might be aged or theres only 1 or 2 original members left), why would they bother spending money elsewhere to see the same kind of music locally? They dont for the most part. The casino does do work with some local acts, but its on an extremely limited basis. I wish they did more, but in truth I think thats wishful thinking. I do know as long as the casino is going, the chances for regular bookings for anyone locally reading this that is in a rock band, or a bar band locally is slim to none unless youre willing to play for reduced wages or for free to empty rooms. Have a great day, People. I still love ya, even though I know youre getting your music jones fix elsewhere. ;)
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 16:19:15 +0000
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