3rd Annual South Street Spring Festival 5/2/15 Artist Spotlight Vol 2: 2nd St. Stage

 

 

Welcome to the Volume 1 of 2: of the South Street Spring Festival Artist Spotlights.

Each year DVT Entertainment brings the Philly's Emerging Artists to the Spring Festival. We would like to give you a preview of the amazing , diversified talent we have for you this year.

The South Street Spring Festival is an all day event on Saturday May 2, 2015 and starts at 11am on South Street in Philly from 8th street to Front St. The performances are outside and free to everyone and all ages. So check out the sounds!!!!

for more information on the entire festival goto

http://southstreet.com/3rd-annual-south-street-spring-festival/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1042286542453749/

Follow us:

@officialsouthst

#SouthStFest

Artists Performing on the 2nd Street Stage

East of the West
Set time: 7:00pm

 

 

Musical Fabric... Stitched in Short Story...

East of the West is a modern, live-action comic book without the possession or hindrance of "one" main character.
Frankie Jah, Kevin O'Beirne, and Teddro Osso illustrate tales of morality (or lack of there of) with their unique brand of musicianship, while Roberto Chavez attempts to weave character based short story into the backdrop of imagination they collectively create...

 

 

Zymotic Flow

Set time: 6:00pm

 

 

Zymotic Flow is a fast rising hard rock band in Philadelphia. There sounds range from a mix of Incubus, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins with driving grooves and melodic hooks.
They make their return to the South Street Spring Festival after they explosive set last year.

 

 

In The Presence of Wolves

Set time: 5:00pm

 

  

"Incredibly humble yet technically adventurous and virtuosic" - Jordan Blum (AXS Contributor)

"The band’s technical ability and tasteful songwriting is miles ahead of most nationally touring acts." - Graham Noel (Kill All Music)

"The crowd actually cheered after their sound check; that is how incredible this band is live." - Dustin Dellinger (Gashouse Radio)

"Vivacious and thoughtful, both technical and melodic." - Justin Carlton (The Phantom Tollbooth)

 

 

 

Kid Felix

Set time: 4:00pm

 

 

After forming in May 2011, Kid Felix quickly began to make themselves known within the Philadelphia music scene. They releas...ed their first EP November 2011 called 'Head Above Water', and with its success they gained international exposure as the Grand Prize regional finalists of the 2012 Hard Rock Rising Global Battle of the Bands, as well as playing both Bamboozle and the Warped Tour in the summer of 2012.
Kid Felix then went on to solidify there role in the music scene when they released their second EP, 'Young Luck' in October 2012. 'Young Luck' grabbed the attention of some very important figures in the music industry today, allowing them to play to huge crowds in venues such at the TLA, World Cafe, Susquehanna Bank Center, Electric Factory, House of Blues, Starland Ballroom and more. Now on the heels of their third release, 'Rivals', as well as a brand new music video for "I Am the River", Kid Felix finds themselves touring the East Coast, playing music festivals and growing their markets.

 

  

Alright Junior

Set time: 3:00pm

 

"Philadelphia's own Alright Junior has been one of my favorite locals for years now."
- Wendy Rollins, Assistant Program Director at Radio 104.5 WRFF

 

“Alright Junior offer beautifully-arranged frenetic rock songs, doused with passion and finished off with a heavy dose of head thrashing. Lead singer Jace Miller is a born performer, and gestures frantically, grabs the microphone for dear life, and at one point even dives into the audience, almost knocking over an unsuspecting spectator. The entire band is all over the stage, thrashing harder than any band I’ve seen. I’m struck by the comparison of children on a Moonbounce.”
- Philly.com

 

 

Sonnder

Set time: 2:00pm

 

Sonnder is an experimental indie rock band based out of Philadelphia, PA. Their music spans the vast genre of alternative ro...ck, encompassing sounds from punk and electronic to ambient and heavy rock influences. Sonnder has just released their debut EP entitled “Thief," allowing them to expand their reach farther across the northeastern United States. The single “Too Bad You’re Not In Love” has gotten a lot of great praise, and has been the cause of a number of exciting opportunities, including a live performance on Radio 104.5! The band is currently in the midst of a year long singles project in which each month of 2015 will yield a brand new song available through the band's website and all online music distributors. The January single "Drifter" received great praise landing air time and a write up from WXPN's The Key. Overall, Sonnder plans to continue to stay positive and honest, pushing themselves artistically while broadening their horizons.

 

 

 

Nik Greenley Band

Set time: 1:00pm

 

"Without hesitation, I will declare Nik Greeley as the best frontman in Philadelphia. Greeley is a smooth criminal, a funk s...oul brother, and yet 100% punk rock. He’s simultaneously foxy and frightening."
Wendy McCardle, The Swollen Fox

 

"Greeley – the ultimate showman – growls, pumps his fist and slides to his knees, where he arches his back and pleadingly wails before the girls sitting on the tapestry table. He frantically emotes for one more song, seemingly burning through all of his energy and passion, and then retreats to the back of the courtyard and his beer."
George Miller, Jump Magazine

 

 

 

Soggy Box
Bluebond Guitars School Of Music

Set time: 12:00pm

Soggy Box is band from the Bluebond "Rock" Music School

Liv Devine

Set time: 11:00pm

 

Liv Devine, a 25-year-old country singer/songwriter/recording artist on Sunny Road Records. In an effort to meet the Hercule...an task of breaking into the competitive “Nashville Country Market”, Liv has aligned herself with track record entertainment industry veterans. She recorded her EP in Nashville at Blackbird Studios. Liv’s EP was produced by Grammy Award winning producer, Obie O’Brien (music producer and engineer of the Bon Jovi camp) along with Grammy Award winning songwriters.

3rd Annual South Street Spring Festival 5/2/15 Artist Spotlight Vol 1: 5th St. Stage

Welcome to the Volume 1 of 3: of the South Street Spring Festival Artist Spotlights.

Each year DVT Entertainment brings the Philly's Emerging Artists to the Spring Festival. We would like to give you a preview of the amazing , diversified talent we have for you this year.

The South Street Spring Festival is an all day event on Saturday May 2, 2015 and starts at 11am on South Street in Philly from 8th street to Front St. The performances are outside and free to everyone and all ages. So check out the sounds!!!!
for more information on the entire festival goto
http://southstreet.com/3rd-annual-south-street-spring-festival/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1042286542453749/
Follow us:
@officialsouthst
#SouthStFest

Artists Performing on the 5th Street Stage

MPRYNT
(Motown Records)
Set time: 7:20pm

 

Born and raised in Philadelphia, MPrynt is a dynamic 4-member R&B group rooted in the rich, soulful musical tradition the Ci...ty Brotherly Love is legendary for. Budda, Rael, Tyce & Faheem (collectively known as MPrynt) deliver contemporary melodies complimented by classic harmonies reminiscent of the great R&B groups that inspired them including Jackson 5, Mint Condition, New Edition, Jodeci, Boyz II Men, Dru Hill and 112. Not only is MPrynt vocally gifted with each member interchangeably singing lead, but they also count songwriting and musicianship among their other talents. Tyce is masterful at playing the keys while Faheem is experienced on both the keys and guitar.
 

 

 

Swift Technique
Set time: 6:20pm

 

Since their early days, the group has evolved from a Live Hip-Hop group to an old school Funk Ensemble in the tradition of James Brown, with the grit of Led Zeppelin.

Throughout their short history, Swift Technique has had the privilege to hold direct support slots for The Meters, Wu-Tang Clan, Soulive, The M&M’s (John Medeski, Stanton Moore, Papa Mali, Rob Mercurio), Kermit Ruffins, Wale, Questlove of the Roots, Keri Hilson, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Orgone, Kung Fu, Mr. Lif, The Fela! Band, Turkuaz and others. Swift Technique has also performed at the Philadelphia Experiment PEX Festival, Bear’s Picnic, Jibber Jazz’s Meeting of the Minds, Princeton’s Communiversity Festival, The Northeast Kingdom Music Festival in VT, The Muddy River Jam Festival in NJ, Ars Nova ANTfest in New York City and Grassroots Festival in Ithaca, among others.

 

  

Footwerk

Set time: 5:20pm

 

 

Footwerk. A Washington, D.C.-based 6-piece Pop outfit can only be described as a ‘blind date’ for first timers or a ‘booty c...all’ to an experienced audience member. Vocally led by a ‘friendzone’ power couple (Melisa & Kyle) on the frontline, the back line is an orgy musicians from diverse backgrounds named Teddi (keys) Eric (Percussion) Fern (Bass) Josh (Drums).
Crafting their sound by ‘Sleeping Around’ with Rock rhythms under soulful Rap and R&B vocals over dance beats with a splash of percussion. Footwerk's unique style of ‘No Strings Attached’ fan interaction made their ‘One Night Stand’ live shows popular in their hometown DMV music scene.

 

 

 

Swing That Cat

Set time: 4:20pm

 

 

We are a creative and crazy group of musicians and singers that have come together to put on music. We are bringing back Jazz, Swing, and Rockabilly. We pay homage to musicians who have been forgotten and ones not yet known.  

We're a crazy bunch of cats, who love that Rock and Roll thing, mixed with Jump Blues,

Jazz, and lots of Horny Swing! Add a ...dash of European Cabaret,
and a splash of the way the Gypsies play, Shaken Well and served Straight up, or on ice,
We like it all Dirty, Neat, and Nice. If you had a great time, with good friends,
dancing through the night, and your evening, had a happy ending,
then we did ourselves right!

 

 

  

The Royal Noise

Set time: 3:20pm

 

 

"one of the best funk acts to emerge from the East Coast in a long while" - Simon Eddie, HOMEGROWN MUSIC NETWORK

“the whole damn band is a pack of rhythm devils … a clear case of a half-dozen souls consumed by percussion poltergeists, and there are only two things they could have done: call an exorcist or form a kick-ass jazz/funk band. Fortunately for us, The Royal Noise gave in to the beat beast and did the latter.” - Brian Robbins, JAMBANDS.COM 

 

 

Montgomery Streets

Set time: 2:20pm

 

 

After their critically acclaimed band "The Vinyl Addicts" disbanded, Brian Murray and Anthony DeFeo began writing some new s...ongs in an apartment on Montgomery St in Brooklyn's Crown Heights. The songs were catchy, unapologetically pop riddled with harmonies and introspective lyrics. Over time, the new band "Montgomery Streets" became known for their energetic and ever changing live shows. In 2013 they released their first EP "Damn Girl". Produced by Chris Cubeta at GaluminumFoil Studios in Williamsburg, the album marks a huge step forward for the band. Featuring Spencer Cohen on drums and Chris Cubeta on guitar/keys, songs like "Change" boast a fuller sound and driving beat while fan favorite "The One Who Got Away" sticks to the group's acoustic roots.

 

 

The Berries

Set time: 1:20pm

 

The Berries are a new acoustic trio from Philadelphia. Characterized by the tight vocal harmonies of Andrew Napoli and Emily... Drinker and the sweet djembe grooves created by Ryan Lutz, the Berries have a sound that is uniquely effortless, laid back, and full of joy. Let the harmonies flow through you!

Out of the Beardspace

Set time: 12:20pm

 

 

Out of the Beardspace has performed at festivals and venues up and down the east coast, including the Trocadero Theater, Evolvefest, ProgDay festival, Camp Jam in the Pines, Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival, Peace of Mind Festival, and many many more. They have shared bills with Consider the Source, Marco Benevento, MC Yogi, Au5, The Protomen, and countless others. Members of Out of the Beardspace have performed and toured with Jon Anderson (Yes), Perry Farrell (Jane's Addiction), Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa band), Napolean Murphy Brock (Frank Zappa band), John Wetton (King Crimson, Asia), The Butthole Surfers, LeAnn Rimes, and Brendon Small (Dethklok).

Out of the Beardspace also organizes the annual Beardfest Music, Art, and Sustainability festival, and is committed to promoting sustainable living practices for the good of the world and the human race.

Tri-State Indie Music Awards - Jam Band of the Year, 2013

Elephant Talk Music Awards - Band of the Year, Live Performance of the Year, 2013

 

 

Tropical Nasty

Set time: 11:20pm

 

 

A rebirth of 60s and 70s era rock and Reggae with three part harmonies and a youthful abandon that renders authentic versio...ns of Jimi Hendrix tunes as well as an abundant collection of originals that sound like Jimi could have written them -Tropical Nasty is pure rocking groove. Their influences include Miles Davis, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bob Marley, The Meters, Southern Culture on the Skids, the Who and of course Jimi Hendrix and they dip into all of the above Dave Tepper is a young master of the guitar who enthralls audiences with his rapturous solos and beguiling stage antics reminiscent of his rock mentors. Myke Anthony and Collin Bunch are a rock solid rhythm section that hold this creative spectacle together and give it motion. Hold on to your hat – the journey is just beginning.  

 

 

Artists Coming to Bullshooters (Philly) to Check Out!!

Check out these Artists
Coming to Bullshooters in April!
14000 Bustleton Ave Phila, Pa. 19116

 

Saturday 4/4/15
Eye On Attraction
w/ Stealing Fame and Grasshopper

Eye on Attraction is the pet project of nationally recognized drummer Andrew Merkle, selected by Mapex USA as one of the top 8 young drummers in the country in 2011. Andrew has been on countless national tours alongside acts such as The Pretty Reckless, Sevendust, Adelita's Way, and Gemini Syndrome. Despite such incredible success so early, he has decided to focus all of his attention on Eye on Attraction, seeing the most potential in the band, by far.

Pulling from influences such as Coheed and Cambria, Rush, Circa Survive, and Dave Matthews Band, they excel at creating a unique blend of progressive instrumentation coupled with catchy hooks and vocals. On-stage, their chaotic energy coupled with technical finesse makes every live show a truly unforgettable experience.

 

Sunday 4/5/15
Dead Horse Trauma
w/ Final Drive and Skinbound

 

  

Dead Horse Trauma is a 5-headed war machine dedicated to infecting the masses with procedures and tactics used by our world ...to feed us the lies we are spoon-fed since before we can crawl. It's the exposure of the perversity and falsities we are subliminally directed by. It's your wake-up call, or the means to your end.  

 

Wednesday 4/8/15
The Maension
w/ Dreamkiller, others TBA
 

 

 

WINNER of "Hollywood Rock band of the Year" at the LAMA Awards

NOMINATED for "Rock Artist of the Year' at the LAMA Awards"

“We’re a hybrid of Art Rock, Alt Metal and Prog Rock with some electronic elements,” explains singer/songwriter MARK MAENSION. “The idea is to be unique. Every song has a different identity, and that’s purposefully done to achieve something broad. We like to crossover and always deliver the unexpected.”

 

 

 

Friday 4/8/15

Saturate

w/ Kelen Heller, Jack Nimbus, Knightlife

 

  

Formed in 2005, Saturate literally "hit the ground running" having one goal in mind: To "inspire" the masses by earni...ng their part in modern rock culture as we know it. By blending smooth melodic riffing, heavy edge up beat rhythms, and harmonious, emotion filled vocals, Saturate is able to achieve all extremes of the musical spectrum in a tasteful way. But what stands out the most, is the live performance.. Its not about glam, gimmicks or choreography.. just pure, energetic, interactive entertainment. 

  

 

 

Thursday 4/16/15

Another Lost Year
w/ Bellisirus, Palaceburn and Maddam Ink

  

With 2 number 1 songs straight off of ClearChannel/iHeartRadio and exponential growth have helped launch the Charlotte, NC q...uartet known as Another Lost Year, in to one of the next big names in Active Rock. Logging over 22 months on a grueling tour schedule that has had ALY sharing the stage with Candlebox, Sevendust, Sick Puppies, Adam Gontier, Trapt, Nonpoint, Deuce, Hinder, Saving Abel, Dope, Saliva, Devour The Day, Fight or Flight, and a list of others, ALY has made a ton of noise and turned many heads from deep within the beast known as the music industry.

 In less than 3 yrs. time, scoring music for popular television shows such as NFL’s Opening Day on NFL Network (Patriots and Jets) highlight reel, Best Ink Season 2 (hosted by Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy), MTV’s The Challenge: Rivals II, and many other, it is no wonder ALY has become a recognizable name in active rock. Filling airwaves throughout the country on the top stations including Sirius XM’s Octane, and landing on their weekly countdown for 5 consecutive weeks, nosing out the best in the industry, to include Papa Roach, Five Finger Death Punch and Metallica.

 

Philly Reppin' at Events During Sundance Film Festival w/ EMERGE!

 

DVT Entertainment along with Ron Bauman of Connie's Ric Rac are proud to be apart of securing a Philadelphia based artist to perform at the Bang and Olufsen at Emerge events at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT. Along with providing a compilation CD featuring the Philly Underground! To select an artist, we ran to music showcases which the EMERGE crew viewed to determine who would fit best in Park City, UT. There was so much talent that is took several days for EMERGE to determine who from Philly was going out to perform. EMERGE selected the Alternative Hip hop act Rowboat Casino. The CD "EMERGE: the Philly Underground Soundtrack" features 28 artists on 2 CD's featuring multi genre artists. The CD will be in 300+ VIP gift bags that will go to Movie Directors, Music Directors, Celebrities, Branding and PR Companies. See below for information on these great artists:

ROWBOAT CASINO
www.rowboatcasino.com

www.facebook.com/rowboatcasino

 

BIO:

Rowboat Casino is a high energy, content heavy, live band hip-hop powerhouse from Philly. Since their onset late 2012 they’ve already shared the stage with legends Black Thought (The Roots), Raekwon (Wu-tang), and Big Daddy Kane (Las Supper). While finishing up their debut EP “Boat Drinks” in 2014,  they’ve been gaining a lot of festival love starting with the Liberty Music Fest (Philly), Dewey Beach Music Conference (Delaware), Elm City Music Festival (New Haven, CT), South Street Spring Festival (Philly) and the CBGB Festival (NYC). 

 The will be performing on
Friday, January 23rd, 2015 & Saturday, January 24th 2014
opening for major artists TBA

 

 

 

Promote your mixtape at ReverbNation.com

The Compilation CD, Streams and Philly Release Party

On Friday March 20th @ Connie's Ric Rac
Will be having a Philly CD Release Party
w/ Performances from Artists on the CD
$5 Cover / Get A Free Copy of the CD
Click here for more info

DISC ONE:
Rowboat Casino - “Test”
Night Windows - “Stay Asleep”
WaveRadio - “Out of Reach”
Sonnder - “Theif”
James Hearne - “Strange the Way”
Stolen Rhodes - “Keep Me Alive”
The Riverside Odds - “Philly Skyline”
In The Presence of Wolves - “Hypoxia”
Joie Kathos - “Gone”
Lovers League - “Thinking it Over”
Sweet Eureka - “I Will Wait”
Kate Barbato - “Drive Faster”
Could’ve Been Kings - “Waste of Time”
Stealing Fame - ”Destruction of Man”

Check Out Disc One, Free Stream or Download

DISC TWO:

DJ Sat-One - "Weekend"
East of the West - "Prude Sister Pam"
Kid Felix - "Counting Sheep"
Carfax Abbey - "Wetwork"
Brooks Long and the Mad Dog No Good - "Ain't Never Had a Good Time"
Jo Stones - "The Letter"
Birmingham Six - "Standing Hear for You"
Zymotic Flow - "Ritual"
DR. Beardface and the Spacemen - "Badlands"
Liz de Lise - "Strangers"
Those People - "God is Drinking)
Joey DiTullio - "Tomorrow Never Comes"
The Discount Heroes - "Games"
The Late Saints - "Pyschodrama"

Check Out Disc Two, Free Stream or Download

Thank You 2014! Happy New Year 2015!!! Recap!

Happy New Year to all the musicians, music industry professionals, radio stations, producers, media and of course you the fans who make artists to continue to push themselves to provide kickass music!

DVT Entertainment (Jim/Vince/Eric) had a great year in 2014 providing our services to clubs, festivals, events and artists. We made some changes this year, which in the long run has made DVT a stronger company to provide more opportunities to artists we had the pleasure of working with this year. We would like to thank you for your continuing support and we are deeply grateful.

DVT had a lot of great national shows we did this year including HR of BAD BRAINS, THE TOSSERS, ZACH MYERS of SHINEDOWN, STROKE 9, THE MOVEMENT, JAKE E LEE’s RED DRAGON CARTEL, CONTINENTAL (Ex. Dropkick Murphy’s) and more…

It was a banner year for growing our work with FESTIVAL’s. Here’s a little recap

2^nd SOUTH STREET SPRING FESTIVAL – May 2014
http://southstreet.com/spring-festival/
There were 2 outdoor stages this year along with 7 street performer locations. We provided 50+ artists with performance slots. It was estimated that over 30,000 attended the festival this year. The crowds were so into all the artists, the talent level was top notch to a point where each band vibed off each other making each band raise the bar with each performance.

The 3^rd Annual LIBERTY MUSICFEST – Aug 2014
www.facebook.com/thelibertymusicfest
All we can say is WOW!!!! We held this event at Finnigan’s Wake this year, utilized all 4 floors of the venue over 5 days and 150+ artists performed under one roof - providing one of the best festivals Philadelphia has ever seen. We estimated over 2500 people attended to witness this spectacular event. We also had day events with industry professional come and speak about ways for artist to navigate and succeed in today’s world.
Thanks to our sponsors Unclaimed Bands, SSA MUSIC, Reverbnation, Starr Hill Brewery, That Mag, Paystr, Broken Goblet, UBER, Freedom Events, Black Maverick Entertainment, Gashouse Radio and Broad Street Music Group.

12^th Annual DEWEY BEACH MUSIC CONFERENCE (Delaware) – Sept 2014
www.deweybeachfest.com/dbmc/
Each year it keeps us amazing how much incredible talent is out there. To me (JIM) it was one of the best in years. It just seemed like it was just music and fun at the beach. This is must attend conference for any musician looking to make connections to further their career no matter if you get selected to perform or not. Free Shows, VIP Parties for Artists and Industry, Networking and daytime Music Industry Lectures there is no reason to not to be there.

1^st Annual ELM CITY MUSIC FESTIVAL (New Haven, CT) – Nov 2014
www.facebook.com/elmcitymusicfest

We were honored to be a part of this kick of festival in new haven, CT. Thanks to Vic Steffens from Horizon Music Group/Elm City Music for bringing us on board. Nothing but stellar performances from all the artists from areas of CT, PA, NJ and NY. The events were held at the Outer Space (www.theouterspace.net/ )and Café Nine ( www.cafenine.com/ ) which were both incredible venues to host the event. The Industry panels were extremely impressive with Michael Caplan – Elm City Music/Universal, 26 yrs Sony SR. A& R, Bob Anderson – 30 years Sr. VP of Sales. RCA, Alan Douches – West West Side Music, Jerry Lembo-Jerry lembo entertainment Group/former VP, Promotions at Columbia Records, Tony Timpano – head of legal affairs, Alliance Ent. Corp. to name a few. Serious look into attending this event next year, we are going to blow it !!!

Along with festivals we work with you the artists in many ways. This year we worked with Rowboat Casino, The Riverside Odds, In the Presence of Wolves and just added East to the West for going into 2015!!!

In the Presence of Wolves have made strong strides in the progressive rock world. They just released their debut record “THALASSAS” which is available worldwide, Itunes, Amazon, XBOX MUSIC etc.. They are currently charting on CMJ’s Loud Radio Charts, have distro overseas, receiving raving reviews on the new release and performing capacity shows. If interested in their buying there music go to their website for details: www.inthepresenceofwolves.com/

The Road to Park City, Utah - Events at Sundance Film Festival
To Cap off a great 2014 we had the opportunity to be involved with EMERGE ( www.emergelounge.com ) with running showcases at Connie’ Ric Rac ( www.conniesricrac.com ) to select an artist to perform at events during the SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL in Park City, UT. Along sending a Philadelphia band to perform out there, DVT, was asked to put together a compilation CD that would be distributed in VIP bags ( worth of $8000 ) that would go to movie directors, music supervisors, PR Companines, Branding Companies. Celebrities and more. So we put together, EMERGE: the Philly Underground Soundtrack – the road to Park City, UT featuring 2 CDs w/ 28 artists from Philadelphia spanning all genres.
The band selected by EMERGE to perform at the EMERGE Lounge is ROWBOAT CASINO ( www.rowboatcasino.com ). They will be representing Philly out there and are opeing for the Crystal Method.

Check out DISC one of the CD - free to stream or download

WHEWWWW!!!! What a great year and thank you again for the continuing support we have a lot stored in 2015. The Same festivals with 1-2 more to add, a new Venue we are booking starting in March, ongoing showcases at Philly’s true underground venue Connie’s Ric Rac ( Hint Feb 28^th Jim’s Annual B-Day Bash) and so much more… so stay tuned!!!!!

Upcoming Shows!!!!

Friday, January 16^th, 2015
A Night of Progressive Music w/ Jolly (InsideOut Music/Century Media Records) , Rausch, In the Presence of Wolves and Shadow Merchant at the North Star bar, Philly
https://www.facebook.com/events/1519746648278008/

Wednesday,  January 28^th, 2015
Wednesday 13 (of Murderdolls) / Eyes Set To Kill / Carfax Abbey / Die So Fluid at North Star Bar
https://www.facebook.com/events/875811152450700/


Jim Thorpe / Vince Volz / Erik Cistaro
www.facebook.com/dvtevents

Most Music Venues: Broken Business Model Here's Why

Just finishing up here at the Elm City Music Festival, a lot topics popped up that referred to the scene and the smaller venues that base their business of showcasing original independent music. I also had a great conversation thread on Facebook with a lot of musicians in the Philly scene regarding the same topic. So I decided to do a comprehensive blog breaking down the reality of venues and where so many go wrong and have a broken business plan. I thought this would be great to share and feel free to add your comments below.

Being a booker/promoter/former club owner for over 20 years I really never really liked when people used the term "Support the Scene", it’s more like support my bar or establishment.  It's “supporting artists” and music you personally like, people go out to shows to experience music that they like to hear. It’s more like "support the music you like". Is there a so called music scene in Philly, yes of course there is, if not all the clubs would be closed. But people fall into that term because bars are falling, they make excuses why nobody's at your show or a scapegoat why nobody's at shows.

The problem is and it’s something I struggled with after my 10+ years at The Grape St Pub (Philly), is that many bar/venues owners don't get it. The goal for a bar/venue is to put asses in seats so you can sell alcohol. Where the model fails is that they rely 100% on the artists to fill their room. Venues do not promote or do different programming to get people in their bar. That's why places close or fail because they work off a broken business model. You want people to go to your venue because they want to. The Grape St. was so successful because we had a lot to offer to the common person and we just happen to have great music there. People loved to hang there. This is why like R5 Promotions has been successful also at various venues they created an environment that people wanted to be apart off.

Also looking a lineups lately at several venues I say what the hell are people thinking of with building shows, it seems bookers/promoters lost the art of putting together cohesive shows and try to do shows based on draw which equivalent to a winning the lottery. Which never really works, people come for one band and then leave. When there is a real cohesive bill and right promotions the odds are people will stay for the entire night. This includes bars/venues actually programming their place correctly with liquor programs, real promotions (adding bands to your schedule of events and a Facebook post is not promotion), building relations with outside vendors to enhance the experience for your customer and having a staff that is about hospitality, fun, engaging, etc.

On the financial side of things the major problem too is that all promoters/booking agents have when the clubs put the cost of doing business on the bands also. I always hate adding production costs into a deduction in bands payment this is at most clubs. Sound/Door/Security is really an operating cost for the bar/venue - sorry owners it is. So putting on shows you’re a min $200-$300 in the hole before you open the doors. Then it goes back to my above comment that they rely on the bands to make them money with no real return. Every bar/venue owner would fight me on this but reality is when shows are booked correctly, you build your business first than the music; money will be there. High cover charges are set to cover these costs which really scares away the public. If you’re in the city, parking sucks, so you’re looking at $15-20 to park on the weekend and then $10 cover. So your already spent $25-30 bucks before you enter to see your favorite band. And the way the most venues/bars work is out of the $10 a portion goes to production, than the promoter, and then the band. Oh yeah, because most venues have put the cost of the promoter/booking agents on you the artist. Again another fail in most bar business plans. Reality is several bar/venues use the booking agents as free labor, do not pay they but rely them to pack the bars, do their promo, handle all the scheduling, handle staffing, handle payouts and then want you to take o cut of the artist money for you pay. This is a BS model and why your business will fail.
Realistically the cover charge should go to the bands 100% but these venues set the tone not to make this happen.
For local shows I really like to see $5-$8 cover charges which all the money goes to the band w/ no added deduction costs. If venues actually really worked on their business, setup correctly and the artists draw is a plus.

The problem the wrong people go into the bar/restaurant/venue business. My normal job (yeah music business doesn't pay well for bookers..lol) is a consultant/designer/dealer for Food Service Equipment and I designs of these places along with consult them on business operations. You wouldn't believe the some of the people who try and open bars and think people are just going to come to their place because they think their shit doesn't stink. It goes all around where they think these are easy investments and the cash comes in by relying on other people for their success. Again a bad business model, who in their right mind would put out 200-600gs and rely on someone else for your business success. Hiring a great team to have a successful club is one thing but leaving your lively hood on someone else is insane.

As people know over the years I have always been on the band side of things. If people were in rooms over the years dealing with all the behind of the scenes BS they would be really shocked. Some of the ideas and shit I heard that owners wanted to do was insane and resulted in heated arguments.

Now to be the devil’s advocate once, it costs a bar in the 125-300 person cap about $40,000.00 to operate a month. It may be low I'm going on costs from the Grape St Days. So the bars do have to make a nut to break even, but if you know a number you have to hit to break even, I as an owner would make sure I fill the calendar up with additional events to bring in other cash. If these owners did the leg work these venues wouldn't have to rely on band draws all the time to pay the bills. They are stuck in this broken model. I have venue owners say you go figure out special events... really??? Isn't that your job...

 Most bands are aware of the situation they are in with local bars. Bands can make decent money with the right club and booker, bands that packed bars for me have been paid $500-800 for an hour set which is decent cash for a local band. I think I paid $2000 to local band for an hour set 2 years back. But that also is my being a booking agent and not rely on the bar to cut me a percentage from the bar. So there are ways to make cash it’s just finding the right place and developing a real crowd.

So, like most of you I am tired of bar/venues owners using excuses or blaming the artists for their failing business plans. The reality is your lack of knowledge, game plans and failure to build your business is the way you’re failing not the entertainment.

 

Jim Thorpe
DVT Entertainment,
Liberty Musicfest
Dewey Beach Music Conference
ELM City Musicfest

Band 101: The Skinny on Opening for National Artists

I have been asked a lot lately about getting on a National Show either large venue to a smaller venue. It’s a show that everyone wants, to open for a major act and play to full house of people. So I figured on breaking it down to different type of opening slots on different levels with pros and cons of each along with ways to get on the show.

The biggest myth is that most shows have a local support opening the show. That is totally false, especially nowadays when most of the artists/management/agencies profits come from touring and merch. So majority of tours are packaged nowadays that those slots for a local opener is scarce. This so true with larger venues from 400 cap and higher. With smaller national’s in smaller rooms usually are more achievable but I will explain good ones from the bad ones.

These comments are based on my experience and there are always exceptions to the rules especially in music there are no rules.

1. The Sold Out National Act at a Large or Small Venue:
This is the ultimate score for any artist to play to a sold out crowd of people who never seen you before. Alias fresh meat. These shows are tours that come in that only have 2-3 artists on the bill. The venue wants to have a full night of music so they tap into the local music community. There are several ways they do this; contact a friends band they know, a band they worked with before on less aspiring shows, contact a local booking agent/promoter for a hot new band.

This is key for artists that do solid local shows, do not over book, always a strong draw and continue to grow and have a great live performance. There is really no negatives to this type of show.

Tip: this goes for all national artist shows, try getting in on a show the back way by contacting the booking agency and/or the band management. I have seen several bands be successful this way. I have done it in the past and has worked. The key is to be honest with these people, make sure your band looks pro and have strong branding. This is a longshot but do your research and find an angle to get in.

2. Open for a National at a Large or Small Venue but need help with ticket Sales – initial sales are good but need help:
These show come about from a tour package that is not selling to its optimal potential. Just say the national band sold 200 tickets for the show and the venue needs 300+ to break even with the guarantee and production costs. When this happens the venue reaches out the local community, same as above, but looking for bands to sell tickets to help meet the breakeven point. The venue may ask you to sell a min of 50 tix to 100 tix for a show. The pitfall here is and a huge no, no is a band buying the tickets just to be on the show. This will basically put you at the end of the list for the next opportunity. When the venue asks you to sell tickets they will usually put a radius clause on your performances in that area. Usually 3 weeks before and 2 weeks after. If the venue makes its quota for the night they usually pay the bands up to $200 bucks.  This is another great show to get, more people to get your music out there. Be smart with this type of show, go all out and make this a priority.

Note: As with both 1 & 2 scenarios be prepared to raise your merch costs either equal to 15% higher  than the touring artists. This sucks for your regular fans that are interested in your merch, but for the new fan they look at it as your part of the tour and most likely won’t squirm at the prices. I also seen several times when a band offers free stuff from CD’s and shirts that they get shut down by the tour manager or tour representative. So the key is to ask before you do it. To get people to sign up to a mailing list, etc. is always totally cool.

3. Open For a National at a Large or Small Venue with poor ticket sales:

These shows come about when the national has bad ticket sales. This happens, I have been there several times. Ticket sales aren’t there and now the venue/promoter needs to cover as much of his losses as possible. Also I seen a lot of nationals booked because the show was booked on a fanboy reasons versus booking a correct show by researching before you decide to book. Which from Jumpstart the bands are asked to sell tickets to cover a nationals costs with real no return – don’t do it! Yeah its cool to play with a favorite band but for a business of band I would avoid at all costs. Here are the reasons. You are asked to sell a high ticket to your base to put people in the venue for the national. Now let’s say the ticket is $15, you are required to sell 50, so you sell them all generating  $750. Now you might get zero or maybe a $1-2 a head if you’re lucky. Now you play to a room with your fans and not benefit playing with a national act – no new fans, no growth or exposure. It’s cool to say you played with a national, a large stage but in reality if you can’t benefit a chance of building new fans it real doesn’t mean shit. To be honest, I rather sell tickets for my own show and take more money in for the band fund. Use the money in other areas to build new fans. Bands are usually lured into these shows on false hopes.

Tip: on these shows there are exceptions just like anything else in life. I would highly recommend asking numerous questions about the show. Why do you need me to sell tickets? What promotions are you’re doing for the event? What benefits the band – future top bookings? What are we getting per ticket sold? (feel free to negotiate this in your favor), Draw up a basic contract with this information to cover your basis.

4. Buy On to National Show

This is definitely a 50/50 proposition. It depends on the show like every other option. Lots of times when there is a buy on offered the national band is making sure they cover their costs above and beyond there guarantee.  Not that it’s a bad thing, it could be a kickass show and maybe not. I see buy on’s usually around $300-$500 per show depending the size of the venue tour. If you’re willing to shell out that money to get on the show really make sure you do your research. I have booked tours where bands buy onto the tour/show, are the first band and play to their fans or no one and then the rest of the packages fans start coming in. Again why waste that money use it for something else more beneficial to the band.

Tip: if you decide to buy on a show or tour, again research the hell out of the bands and past tours, negotiate your time slot and payment for the show (usually it might be over 300 tickets we will pay you this), make sure you are a part of the shows promotions and mentioned in their email/social media posts.

Hopefully this helps you out understanding  open for a national band. I tried to keep it as basic as possible. Feel free to comment or ask questions on the blog!

Thanks for reading

Jim Thorpe
DVT Entertainment
Liberty Musicfest
Dewey Beach Music Conference

Elm City Musicfestival