You can't handle the truth!!!

Finally the rain has stopped and it looks to be a killer holiday weekend. I can’t wait, because I’ll actually have 3 days off in a row!!!

Before I get started, I thought I’d ridicule myself into shape using this public forum. I mentioned last time that my body was getting out of control and it was time to do something about it. Well in 2 weeks I lost 8 pounds by eating right and watching the amount of booze I consume. Hard to believe, but a bottle of Jager has lasted for two weeks. Where I lost 8 pounds is a mystery. My starting weight was 218 and at last check the scale registered 210. I had a target of 190 but I think 180 is where I need to be. The next few weeks it’s time to cut back on smoking and start pumping iron.

OK here we go:

I’d like to thank everyone that made a donation to The Trespassengers fund set up for their bass player that recently passed away. I spoke with Brian last Tuesday and he said he believed most of the activity and donations were from HBGOnline visitors. So I once again say thank you to everyone that has shown your support. Over $1100.00 was raised. You can still donate by clicking here.

I haven’t been able to get downtown during the weekend in a long time, but over the holiday Tom Sawyer’s and The Quarter will be on my radar screen. I heard great things about both venues.

I was the first to coin the term “bi band”. A band that plays covers and original music. Well here’s my latest term “Nowhere Quick Theory”. For those that don’t remember Nowhere Quick was a great rock/pop band back in the day. Awesome stage show with music to match. The band drew heavily from classmates at LVC. They could easily draw 150 or so at a show. However over the years the crowd numbers slowly dropped to about a couple handfuls. Why you ask? It wasn’t the music. In fact I would say their last couple shows before calling it quits were their best. No it was the “Nowhere Quick Theory” that caught up to them. Let me explain. The area goes thru cycles. About every 2 or 3 years a new batch of club goers hits the scene. The same time period the current club goer numbers start to decrease in size. So if you’re in a band and have 100 fans today that come to your show, that same number of 100 will decrease with each year. It’s human nature. People get married, something in their lives change and there’s nothing you can do about it. What you can do is keep in tune with what is happening today. Who are the “hot” bands of today? Where is the “hot” venue to play? My Space can help in gaining fresh new fans, but nothing can be more important then turning someone on to your music from a live show.

What can you do? Go out and see the buzz bands of today, talk to them, hook up some shows. If you do get a show make sure to have something to hand out like a schedule or demo CD. Get some names for your mailing list too. It surprises me that all the bands we run thru on Twisted Tuesday, less than a handful have a schedule flyer to pass out. For about 5 bucks you can go to Office Max and get 100 or so ¼ page flyers made up. Each week when I get to the Hardware Bar the first thing I do is place schedules around the club. Then I’ll talk to people and get a cheap beer. Don’t rely on “Hey check out our My Space page or website” for more info.

You don’t have to keep reinventing yourself, but you do have to stay on top of what is going on in the area at the current time. In my opinion, here are 3 bands that are falling into the “Nowhere Quick Theory”. Spinebelt, Jellybricks and Herbie. I guess time will tell if they will overcome or just be another link I take off the website band listing page.

Well the time is near for the Julian Fist comeback show. June 3rd at Gullifty’s should be interesting. Not only is JF playing but Live Alien Broadcast returns from the ashes as well. I wish I didn’t have my kids that weekend, because that is a show I would love to see. Good luck to all the guys of Julian Fist!!!

It’s been awhile since I’ve talked about some bands that have caught my attention. So here are a few.

Red Room is on fire!!!! I don’t care what type of music you’re into, you’ll love this band. Talented bunch of musicians with songs that will keep your attention. I think what I really like about these guys and girl, is the fact that they are so humble and don’t really know how good they are. Be sure to check them out when you get a chance.

Holis has reformed with a full band and is hitting on all cylinders. I listed them as my bands to watch for 2006. Now that Ray has a full band, good songs and is actually singing to the crowd and not the drummer, good things should happen.

The Gorgonites another band I had on my watch list, has matured over the last few months. Their fans can’t get enough and the CD to be released on June 9th is the tits. Click here for more info on the CD Release Party featuring Hierosonic and Bo Bim.

The Mint proves that good music can come from Lancaster. Good things will be happening with this band. Watch for more Harrisburg area shows in the future so you can catch a show or two.

Grandview is a band that has some serious potential. Even though their Twisted Tuesday show was like watching a deer stuck in headlights, I’m sure they will get better with each show and shed the rookie band thing.

Finally two more things:

The HBGOnline VIP Card will be back in June. Can’t tell you how many people keep asking me for it. Watch the website for more details.

Memorial Day weekend will be the launch of a summer long marketing campaign for our website. New t-shirts, stickers and flyers will be handed out. Look for posters placed all around Central PA too. A new entertainment coupon product will be launched soon and a Compilation CD should be ready by August. This will also be the first year we have a table in the MMC trade room area. So good things will be happening. Perhaps now is the time for you to get on board and increase your exposure with our website.

Well that’s all for now folks. Hopefully the day job starts to slow down and I’ll be out more to catch up with all of you.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend and be sure to catch a band or two if you’re going out!!!!

Lator Gators - BigJim

Agree or disagree I have thick skin, send me an email.