This Music Business. Class is in!

Make Sure You Cultivate A Crowd

Not only is it important to hone your skills but it is equally important to cultivate your crowd. Fans are funny. They are the one that likes you the most. Those are the people that pay money to see your shows and give you money to buy your music. They watch videos to see you play your music and they are interested in what’s happening in our life. Fans are an important part of a successful journey. Cherish them and more will come. These are the people that want to support your dreams and visions.

Think of your band as a construction project, with brick and mortar. If you have a bunch of product but no one supporting and buying it, you can build your structure to be a skyscraper of bricks, but after the first storm, you are going to be at ground zero rebuilding the pieces and laying out a new plan. Keep in mind the people are the mortar and the band is the foundation and their products are the bricks.

Your social media presence and your website are the tools you will need to use to keep in touch with your audience when you are off stage. Think of those people as your buyers. Keeping in touch with your buyers, your fans and your supporters is essential to the stability of your plan. Take care of those people. Make them feel special. Invite them into your world and your space. They want to be there.

National Attention

The first example, of a national act or artist who successfully keeps his fans in the know, is Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The blues slinger weighs in with a net worth of a cool ten million dollars. KWS is self-taught and does not read music. He started out in his career as a child and became a star pretty much out of the gate. He was also in the right place at the right time.

He came on the scene five years after the world lost Stevie Ray Vaughan and just when we were ready for a new slinger to hit the scene. Though many did, I could not make a comparison myself of the two, because Stevie Ray led his band in every form and fashion, while Kenny Wayne was more simply the guitar leader for his project. Or possibly I just don’t like comparisons when dealing with individuals. KWS took the number one position on the blues charts with his debut release “Ledbetter Heights.” An effort that replaced SRV’s greatest hits on the chart.

I would say today, 24 years later KWS is fully in control of that role like SRV was before he took flight from here in 1990. Some of the things that KWS does to keep his fans in the know is to maintain a steady presence on social media. He takes his fans into the garage to work on cars or talk about guitars. Sometimes he busts into Guitar Centers in different cities with his singer Noah Hunt and they record snippets of jams to post on YouTube. Shepherd is always up to something and speaking as a top fan of this blues cat, it’s great fun to watch.

When he gets ready for a release, he spends weeks dealing with the press and does an extensive media tour. He gets intimate with his interviews and shares pieces of his soul easily for fans to be a part of the journey with him. Today the guitar slinger is releasing “The Traveler,” his latest band release. To make his fans aware of this effort, he has been making noise on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter since the end of March, taking us on the journey with him. 

 Visit Kenny Wayne Shepherd to buy yours today!

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Local Attention matters

Looking around our local scene, there are a few good examples we can look at as examples. Joe Baes Project always makes their shows fun for the crowds that gather. They play games with the audience, give prizes away and this makes everyone feel included and appreciated. You can check out this band tomorrow night when they hit the stage at The Trading Post tomorrow in Emerald Isle. They offer songs from  6-9 pm.

The Bears are another good example. They get audiences to participate with much the same tactics, like playing trivia with the crowd and calling up volunteers to jam with the band. They offer props like inflatable guitars and the audience loves it. I was speaking with Simon Spalding the bass man for The Bears, (Pictured above) who informed me that he just finished painting fun masks for the band to use as they close out their show with the Kiss classic “I Wanna  Rock n Roll All Night!”

Another good way to cultivate your crowd, which I touched on above with our national act example,  is to use your social media outlets to connect with fans when you are not on stage. The best local example who is doing this is (pictured below) Justin Castellano. He uses all of his social media platforms to connect with his growing fan base. He will put up a video and then offer his weekly schedule so fans know where to come to hear him perform live. For those looking for this stringer, he has a gig tomorrow night at The Wine Room at Afton Village. Music starts at 8 pm.

You might consider using email blasts each week. I even know a few bands that still mail out monthly postcards to connect to their fans. Whatever way feels the most comfortable to you is the best way to go. Just as long as you can develop a routine of including your fans, your popularity and fan base will continue to grow. CLASS DISMISSED

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A Break Down of Festivals for the First Weekend In June

Carolina Beach Music Festival

COME CELEBRATE THIRTY-FOUR YEARS OF  THE LONGEST RUNNING BEACH MUSIC FESTIVALS IN THE UNITED STATES STILL ON THE BEACH

Carolina Beach, NC – The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to be hosting the 34th Annual Carolina Beach Music Festival on Saturday, June 1st, 2019 on the beach strand at the historic Carolina Beach Boardwalk in Carolina Beach. 

 On Saturday, June 1st, ‘shaggers’ of all ages can enjoy a day of live entertainment with the hottest beach music bands in the South.  All three bands offer that laid-back style of rhythm and blues with deep roots in the Carolina Coast.  The gates will open at 10:00 am with the first band hitting the stage at 11:00 am.  This year’s line-up: 

Band of Oz

11:00 – 12:30

Black Water Rhythm & Blues Band

1:00 – 2:30

Jim Quick and Coastline

3:00 – 4:30

This annual, fun filled event is one of the longest running Beach Music festivals in the United States.  Tickets to the 34th Annual Carolina Beach Music Festival are $25 in advance and $30 at the gate (cash only).  Advance tickets will be  available through EVENTBRITE on-line (credit only).  Beginning May 1st, tickets will be available at  the Pleasure Island Chamber, Island Tackle & Hardware, Siver Dollar and Olde Salty’s in Carolina Beach (cash/check only).

This annual fun-in-the-sun extravaganza brings together a multi-generational family crowd, that lets the music flow like the crashing of the waves where you can shag a little, boogie a little and smile a lot.  Help make history at the 34th Annual get together, with your toes in the sand of famous Carolina Beach, where Beach Music originated and shaggin’ was born. 

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First Annual Carolina Music Festival

JUNE 2ND 2019 THE 1ST ANNUAL CAROLINA FEST WILL BE HELD AT THE HUGE KARYAE PARK IN GASTONIA NC, 4227 LINWOOD RD. GASTONIA NC 

* THIS WILL BE AN OUTDOOR / INDOOR EVENT FILLED WITH VENDORS, PERFORMANCES, BOUNCY HOUSES FOR THE CHILDREN, PLUS FOOD, DRINKS AND SO MUCH MORE.

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2019 NC Black Bear Festival Car & Bike Show

NC Bear Fest Car Show takes place in Plymouth NC on Saturday, June 1, 2019

Right in downtown Plymouth on Water St. overlooking the Roanoke River. Please enter through Washington Street.

Come enjoy all the activities at the Bear Fest and show off your ride, all makes and models welcome!

Black Bear Tours
LIVE music
Motocross stunt show
Wooden Boat show
Lazy river tubing
Water slides
Sylvan Heights Bird Exhibit
Dakota and Friends Dinosaur Experience
Mechanical Bear ride
Boat and helicopter rides
Fireworks
Much much more!

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CRUISIN’ TO THE CAPE FESTIVAL 2019

Come out for MacDaddy’s “Cruisin’ To The Cape” Festival!

Annual Car Show, Crafts, food, live music, beer and more!

Vendors needed – contact tracy@macdaddys.com for more information.

The first 100 cars that register get a FREE t-shirt and dash plaque! If we pre-register 100 or more cars online, that means NONE will be available day of the show! Shirt sizes may vary depending on availability.

Sign-in and registration: 10:00 am to 12 noon

Awards and Stage Presentation: 2 pm

FREE for spectators, bring the family! 106.5 WSFL will be broadcasting live!

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PORT CITY MUSIC FESTIVAL

This exciting, free week-long classical concert series is committed to making the experience of great music accessible to everyone. Nationally and Internationally known guest artists will join local musicians at various locations around Wilmington, performing some of the best loved classical works. Please see their website for various events, venues and times.

http://www.portcitymusicfestival.org/festival-2019/

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Beer City Festival

Celebrating of the 10th Annual Beer City Festival is set for Saturday, June 1, with fun happening at Roger McGuire Park – Asheville, NC – 12 pm to 5 pm. Ticket information can be found at www.beercityfestival.com. General admission tickets are $45 and include entrance to the festival, live music, and unlimited beer samples are from 1pm-5pm. VIP’ers get in for an exclusive VIP hour beginning at 12 pm and receive food, an exclusive restroom, and branded lawn chairs to enjoy during the fest.

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Wingate Summer Fun Festival

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WINEY GRAPES OUTDOOR FESTIVAL

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Cold Mountain Music Festival features top-notch musical talent, amazing local food & drink vendors, a kid’s area and more – all in one of the most pristine settings imaginable.

The Milk Carton Kids

Calexico

Yonder Mountain String Band

J.S. Ondara

Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics

Driftwood

Kat Wright

The Travelin’ Kine

Joe Lasher

Logan Ledger

To get your tickets visit : https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1791041?utm_medium=bks 

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~ Live Music Options ~

Friday, May 31, 2019

Getting Down Around Town New Bern

Our Local Clubs and Pubs

The Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican hosts an evening of crazy cool grooves of Brian Mac, offering the music from 7-10 pm. Free music is never free, please tip the music makers that you meet.

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Blackbeard’s Triple Play

Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant, 415 S Front St. The party comes courtesy of Saltwater Gold, they will bring the music to life tomorrow night on the deck with all the grooves you will love. Music plays at 7:30 pm- 11 pm. For more info please reach out and call the club at 252-635-0322.

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The Bruin Craft Beer and Wine

Live music will be offered is at The Bruin Craft Beer and Wine each Friday from 8-10:30 pm.

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On the James City Side of that Confounded Bridge

The Garage

The Garage welcomes the music of Marron Chaplin. Live music is offered from 7-10 pm for FREE! But I suggest, you feel free to tip the servers and musicians you meet along the way!

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BrÜtopia

BrÜtopia offers the freshest brewed beer and the grooves of Daryl Lucas live. He will be sharing songs tonight and jamming from 7-10 pm. Free music for your listening pleasure. Come out and support local music, while you enjoy the freshest new beer on tap!

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Cruising the Crystal Coast

Atlantic Beach 2016

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Cedar Point, NC

Treehouse Beer Company

Treehouse Beer Company welcomes the music of Driftwood, they will be grooving in the garden from 7-10 pm. Sip on a cold beer and groove to the rock blues and country grooves of this popular local duo.

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Riptidez Bar & Grill offers good food and live music each Friday evening. To usher you into the summer season tonight, come out and groove with Adam Hill. Free live music starts at 9 pm and continues until the midnight hour.

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Newport, NC

Carolina Home and Garden

Carolina Home and Garden welcomes the weekend with Now & Then, jamming in the garden, offering songs and sharing the grooves we all know and love. Come grab a bite to eat from Seaside Sensation, a cold beer and relax as you settle into the weekend.

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Swansboro, NC

Saltwater Grill

Saltwater Grill offers live music tonight with the Voice contender Mikele Buck and his band, who will be rocking the stage tonight. You are invited to bring the whole family and enjoy a great night of fine dining with awesome music. Music plays from 7-10 pm.

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Emerald Isle, NC

E-Club Emerald Isle

E-Club Emerald Isle is ready to welcome the Summer season and have a weekend of entertainment lined up for all. Here is what Monday’s post offered: 

Fri- Chris Morlock 8pm. Monterio Experience 10pm

Sat- Dj Yspin 9pm.

Sun- Rick Lamb and the Phin Addicts at 2pm. Jimmy Buffett tribute band. Free food!

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Morehead City, NC

Floyds 1921 Restaurant and Catering

Floyds 1921 Restaurant and Catering welcomes Carolina Sky for your dining entertainment this evening. Music plays from 7-10 pm. You are welcome to come early for a delicious dinner and stay late for fun music.

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Southern Salt Seafood Company

Dos Eddies is on the menu on the waterfront in Morehead City tonight. Come enjoy the fresh catch of the day and this talented singer-songwriter as you dine. Music starts at 9 pm on the deck and rocks until midnight!

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Jack’s Waterfront Bar

There is a good time every time you visit Jack’s Waterfront Bar. Checking things out for the Holiday weekend we find: 

~Friday May 31st~
Open at 4pm
Brick oven pizza available at 4pm 
Fun Friday Happy Hour hosted by ProGreen 5 – 7pm 🥳
Live Music by Spare Change 🥁

~Saturday June 1st~
Open at 12noon
Wood fired Pizza available 🍕
Live music by Trainwreck 🎶 
Late night with DJ Jerm

~Sunday June 2ndh~
Open at 12noon 
Cirila Cothran Real Estate presents Sunday Funday with Bryan Mayer 😎 starting at 4pm
Made to order brick oven pizza available 
Adams Beverage will be here to kick off our Bar Olympics for the summer season 🏅sign up starting at 4 and games begin at 5

See you at Jack’s!! 👀

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Beaufort, NC

Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop

Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop Presents

Dick Knight, Fri May 31st, 8-11 pm, No Cover

Join us for a live performance by Mr. Dick Knight. He is a recipient of the NC Heritage Award, (NC Arts Council) and former member of the James Brown Band. He has played with Maceo Parker, Gladys Knight, Roberta Flak, Otis Redding and more!

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Rocking Around the Region

Benson, NC

Pitchers Bar

Corey Benson and His Bad Habit Band will be shaking things up at Pitchers Bar this evening. Music starts rockin’ at 10 pm and the fun lasts until closing time at 2 am.

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Garner, NC

Locked & Loaded Bar & Grill

Locked & Loaded Bar & Grill opens the stage to Steel County Express offering their take on Modern Country. Music is free and kicks off at 10 pm and lasts until 2 am.

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Durham, NC

The Blue Note Grill

The Blue Note Grill

 

The 9th Annual Will Fest is the best way we know to celebrate another trip around the sun by our old friend Will McFarlane, all while putting a big old exclamation mark on our 4th year on Washington Street.PLUS, it’s three music filled nights!

Fri, May 31, 2019 @ 9pm NO Cover

An acoustic evening with Will McFarlane, Armand Lenchek, Danny Gotham & Carter Minor. You never know who else will show up.

Sat, June 1, 2019 @ 8pm $20 Seated / $15 Standing

Big Shoes. Big Shoes is a Nashville Tennessee based “blues and rhythm” band that incorporates traditional blues influences, like B.B King and Ray Charles along with tastes of The Allman Brothers’ Band, Bonnie Raitt and the Neville Brothers into their original and cover song format. Big Shoes was originally formed to recreate the blues/rock music of the 1970’s band Little Feat.

Sun, June 2, 2019, 5-8pm NO Cover

The 9th Annual WillFest AllStar Birthday Jam and the TBS 1st Sunday Open Jam, twice the music!
We love that Will McFarlane has chosen to spend his birthday with us every year AND that it coincides with our anniversary! The WillFest Birthday Jam runs from 5 to 8pm with Will & guest performers rotating onstage (musicians are invited to bring their instruments). WillFest is legendary around these parts, so be part of history.

 

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Kinston, NC

The Red Room

The Red Room will be grooving tonight with the fun sounds of The Mac & Juice Quartet. They take the stage to groove with you at 10 pm. There is a $5.00 cover charge. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes and enjoy the grooves.

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Washington, NC

Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar & Grill

There are some live music choices up to our North tonight. There is a new room to welcome the bands during the winter months at Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar & Grill. And that is where music is served from 7-10 pm each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. On Thursdays, they welcome all players with a Low Key Open Mic Night hosted by Brian Burke.

On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s the finest local acts on the list to entertain you, while you dine and drink and unwind. This weekend it is Six Pack Band on Friday and this Saturday it is For The Love Of Music Jam Night with John Williams. All are welcome to join in the fun. Good times start at 6:30 pm. Music rocks till 10 pm.

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Greenville, NC

The State Theatre

Joanne Shaw Taylor with Big Jim Kohler opening the show
Friday, May 31st
State Theatre
Greenville NC
Doors 7pm
Show 8pm

Six albums in, Joanne Shaw Taylor has nothing to prove, but plenty to say. Reckless Heart, the follow-up to 2016’s Top 20 hit Wild, finds the British blues musician in glorious form and a mischievous mood, one minute bearing her claws with catty lyrics, the next deliriously in love.

In several senses, it’s an album of firsts – the first made in Joanne’s adopted home town of Detroit, the first produced by her close friend Al Sutton (Greta Van Fleet, Kid Rock), the first largely recorded live and the first to feature an unplugged solo performance and by chance, a passing train.

But it’s also an album that pulls the past into the present. The good-time grooves of vintage British blues-rock are given a modern makeover, while Joanne’s most powerful, yet intimate vocals to date. Taking their cue from the gritty soul greats (Aretha, Tina, Mavis Staples) she was raised on.

“I’ve never had so much fun making an album,” says Joanne. “I feel like I’ve reached a stage where I can stop worrying about what people think. The older I get, the more comfortable I am with being open and honest. If I’m pissed off, I’ll say it. If I want to be flirty, I will. These days, I think ‘Fuck it, I’m writing that down!’
“Also, as a musician, I’m more confident. I’m now a career artist. People know me – I’m not judged on just one album. I’m allowed to be a bit different every time.”

Born in the Black Country and discovered aged 16 by Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart, Joanne has spent a decade releasing increasingly successful albums, touring the world, headlining festivals and amassing awards. Along the way she has won over fans from Joe Bonamassa to Stevie Wonder to Annie Lennox, with whom she performed in front of Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert in 2012.

In 2014, Joanne’s self-released, fourth album, The Dirty Truth, broke the UK top 40. Two years later, Wild recorded with Bonamassa’s band, which became her first Top 20 hit here. Ahead of recording Reckless Heart, she signed to the recently-relaunched Silvertone Records, now part of Sony Music.

For Tickets to this evenings show click here: 

Tickets

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Answering the Call

Checking things out around the rest of the region, I ask my Facebook followers each week where we can go to hear them play. This is what they said this week.

May 27 at 5:33 PM

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Do you like live music videos? Check out my Live Stream Page on Facebook.

Tracey Stones Live on Facebook

Searching for more events around the region:

Events on Facebook

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Keeping up with the Blogger

Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TraceyStones69.

Feel free to invite me to your events.

If you have a budget for advertising, please consider promoting your next event here!

Do you need music for an event you are planning? Consider the services of:

Tracey Stones Productions

I read emails daily. You can send those to:

ncmz.live@gmail.com

Please include the day, the date, the time of the event, the time of your scheduled performance.

Be sure to mention what time doors open and the price of tickets.

Pictures are helpful. You may send links to band websites so I can post those as well.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the dance!

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Every dollar makes a difference in keeping me and my old girl (408,806miles) on the road!

 

All donors are added to the Thank you Page.

 

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