This Music Business ~ Class Is In
I am not a lawyer and will not give legal advice. I would say to those starting in business, even a band business to make sure they have a line item under their expenses for legal counsel and a good accountant too. Having been in business for a number of years it leaves you with plenty of experience dealing with the general public. If you are serious about what you are doing, then prepare yourself in dealing with humans.
Accountability. It was something that was briefly mentioned in the last segment of This Music Business ~ Class Is In!. When we talked about this band business being a team effort and everyone who climbs into the boat needs to be responsible and accountable for their role in the success of the mission.
The best way to keep everyone on the same page is to draft something in writing. Even band agreements. If your bass player is the creative eye and does graphic design and or artwork, he has a dual role in this business. Spell out the roles and what the positions are accountable for. If your keyboard player has all of the sound and lights equipment, I am going to bet that he is going to want to be compensated for use of his equipment. I can tell you that things can get touchy and go south quick when we talk about the equipment equation.
If this stuff is not talked about upfront it can lead to a lot of miscommunications and hurt feelings, disbanding and lost friendships. Simple conversations and agreements help keep everyone on task and accountable.
Do most local bands go to this length? No. Next thought, do most local bands advance beyond the local club scene? NO! But if you are stepping into this next project with all hands on deck, take the simple steps of drafting an agreement.
As for keeping things on the up and up with clubs, venues and event promoters, google and download or draft a performance agreement to use for booking dates.
The other advice I have is to look at the many ways your team can make money to support the mission. Will you be teaching lessons, will you be a session player on your off days? There are many ways we can cultivate resources. Here in NC, you can present a class idea for the continuing education program at your local college. Maybe you can book some speaking engagements. Be sure to make use of your talents so to earn the most income.
Also, consider merchandizing the band and creating an online store. Here again, we have to go over time, cost and who will be in charge of the online shipments and such.
When we return to class tomorrow, we will talk about cultivating relationships and some simple rules you might want to consider following for the best business practices! Until then, CLASS DISMISSED!
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NCMZ.LIVE May 2019 Festival Guide
North Carolina Fairs And Festivals
May 3-5, 2019
Tis the season for festivals and fairs. The busiest months for fairs and festivals in the state of North Carolina are May and October. I am sure this is not by accident when you consider the fact, those are the months right before and immediately following hurricane season. Having said that, here is part one of this four-part series looking at the festivals taking place around the state in May! We will break in down over two weeks with two installments each week.
For this initial installment, we will check out the many fairs and festivals happening during the first weekend of the month. Tomorrow we will check out all of fairs and festivals taking place next week. Then come back next week for the series conclusion. Parts 3 and 4 highlighting all the fun found from May 16-30, 2019.
Craven County Attractions!
The Craven County Jaycees are hosting a fair at the Fairgrounds, located at 3700 Highway 70 W, this event offers rides, games, food and fun for all. Tonight they will offer live music by Joe Brown and The Band. Music starts at 7 pm. The fair runs through the 5th of May. The cost is $5.00 to get in and for those interested in riding the rides over and over again, be sure to buy the ride wristband.
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Vanceboro Strawberry Festival May 3rd and 4th 2019
The festival grounds will open today at 5 pm. There will be food, beverages, crafts, games, carnival rides and live music. On stage and offering the music for opening night will be the area’s youth. At 6:30 pm music will be performed by area students ranging in age from preschool through high school. This jam will run throughout the evening and is present by the Vanceboro Rescue Squad.
Saturday the festivities kick off at 9 am offering rides, vendors to meet and greet, food and live music. Playing on stage for day two of the event will be Pamlico Sound, starting the music offering with fun and funky party grooves we all know and love. The Donald Thompson Band offers the next set of fun sounds. They lean towards blues and rhythm n blues music. Closing out the night of music will be the Christian contemporary rock band The Band We Are_________! According to the info I found, this band is a group of Christian musicians with an eclectic sound of Contemporary Rock, Southern Rock, Acoustic stylings to popular Praise & Worship songs and original music.
This annual fun festival featuring fruit comes to a close with the parade at 10 pm. Be sure to pack up the family and come enjoy the sweet tastes of Strawberry season.
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Around the State
There is also another Strawberry Festival taking place this weekend. It is the 87th Annual NC Strawberry Festival in Chadbourn, NC. For those that are unaware, This is “The Strawberry Capital of the World!” And they love celebrating this crop with cooking contests and vendors, rides and live music. To check out all the goings on in Chadbourn this weekend visit The NC Strawberry Festival.
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Carolina Strawberry Festival
Did I mention it is Strawberry season here in the Carolinas? In case I didn’t, let me add a little more proof to the pudding. This weekend is also the Carolina Strawberry Festival in Wallace, NC. Kicking off on Friday night at 6 pm and goes till 10 pm. The entertainment on tap for the evening is The Johnson Boys and Band of Oz. They set things in motion on Saturday morning yet again at 11 am and the fun carries on all day until 10:30 pm. The website had no listing for Saturday night’s entertainment, but I am sure they will have music on the stage. To learn more about this festival, visit this website:
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Unite Festival is a free outdoor worship festival open to everyone. Worship musicians and artists from all over the area will come together to share music, song, poetry, drama and spoken word in worship of the Lord. The festival is a family friendly environment where everyone is free to worship, fellowship and break bread together. We desire to see unity restored to the church body. No matter your denomination, faith, race, social status or age, EVERYONE is welcome.
We will provide lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast Sunday morning. The festival is outdoor on 34-acres of shaded (wooded) land, so you will want to bring a chair, blanket or hammock to relax on.
This is a FREE event, but we ask that you register so we can prepare enough food for everyone. You can register on Eventbrite. Please indicate each time/day you plan to join us. Checkout our website for all the details.
If you would like to be a part of the worship team, volunteer, pray for or donate to this event, please visit our volunteer or donate page on our website.
UniteFestival.org
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Ham & Yam Festival
The Ham and Yam Festival is a two-day event with several competitions for everyone to sign up for; including a Sweet Potato Pie Eating Contest and What’s That Yam Thing Contest? This fun-filled event takes place in Smithfield, NC. This year’s event is action-packed and offers lots of music too. To see the full schedule of events please check out this attachment: ScheduleEvents
While in town be sure to stop by Little Brown Jug to see who else is serving up the tunes!
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Jiggy with the Piggy Fest
This is the city of Kannapolis’ signature event!
2019 Jiggy with the Piggy Festival includes a Kansas City Barbeque Society Competition, Rides, 5k Walk/Run, over 100 artisans, Concerts, a Friday Night outdoor family movie, an All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast and People’s Choice BBQ and Wings Tasting.
This event kicked off last night with a 5K and continues on throughout the weekend. It ends with a jazz band in the park, with the Brian Burton Trio this Sunday from 1-3 pm. And lots of entertainment, including some popular country, acts are on the schedule of events.
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North Carolina Butterfly Festival
For fans of the beautiful butterflies, head out to Hudson, NC and have some fun. This two-day event will host fun for the kids, games, lots of vendors to visit and live entertainment. To get the full itinerary visit NC Butterfly Fest. As for your entertainment options, here is the line up for that:
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Apex PeakFest
This year marks the 39th Annual Apex PeakFest in Apex, NC. This is the largest town event, that kicks off with a concert tonight and a full day of activities tomorrow. Here is the entertainment line up for those interested in heading to Apex this weekend.
Apex PeakFest Entertainment Schedule
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23rd ANNUAL MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL!
This festival focuses on five major cultural areas: African American, European, Asian, Latino, and Native American, with many nationalities represented within them. Stages will feature entertainment from around the world. Visitors will experience new vendors and performers as well as family favorites, and be immersed in a variety of different cultures from around the world! This event will be the thing to see while visiting Lexington, NC this Saturday.
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2019 Amanzi Marble and Granite Spring Folly
Kernersville Spring Folly is a three day long, weekend festival featuring free music concerts on two stages, carnival rides, children’s activities, craft show, antique car show, great festival food and shopping opportunities. Discount tours of historic Korner’s Folly offered on Saturday & Sunday. Sunday afternoon Christian “music in the park.” For the full schedule of events that await you and the family click the link below.
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Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance
Perhaps the biggest music festival taking place around the state this weekend is the bi-annual Shakori Hill Grassroots Music and Dance Fest in Shakori Hills.
The Spring 2019 edition of the bi-annual Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance.
Single day tickets are now available!
Donna the Buffalo has invited these fine friends to the farm in Pittsboro, NC May 2 – 5, 2019:
Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real
Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad
Turkuaz
Zach Deputy
Driftwood
Kat Wright
Sophistafunk
Megan Jean and the KFB
West End Blend
Travers Brothership
Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba
Dr. Bacon
The Tan and Sober Gentlemen
The Broadcast
…and over 30 more acts!
https://shakorihillsgrassroots.org/
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Closing Out a Little Closer To Home
BBQ Fest on the Neuse
It is time again for the Annual BBQFest on the Neuse, which takes place in Kinston each year. This is a big event that offers lots of attractions and plenty of music. It also includes BBQ competitions and lots of great food. For a full schedule of events visit:
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~ Live Music Options ~
Friday, May 3, 2019

On the James City Side of that Confounded Bridge
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The Garage
The Garage welcomes the music of Mark Makenzie. 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! There will be a glass blowing demonstration taking place in the newly revamped back yard space.
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BrÜtopia

BrÜtopia offers the freshest brewed beer and the good grooves of Motherload 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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Triple Play Restaurant & Sports Bar
They are offering live music on the stage at the Triple Play Restaurant & Sports Bar. Tonight you will have to call the club to see who is playing, at press time no post reflected live entertainment. If there is live music, it starts at 9 pm and they rock until closing.
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Gettin’ Down Around Town

Come out and enjoy all of the great live music all around town. We have lots of talent shining bright and plenty of places to visit.
The Bruin Craft Beer and Wine

The Bruin Craft Beer and Wine offers live music from area acts each Friday. Free music plays from 8-10:30 pm. This week local crooner, Bruce Lynch sings the songs.
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The Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican hosts the music of Sometimes Lions tonight. The acoustic duo will share songs from 7-10 pm. This show is free. Free music is never free and neither is the gas to get there, please tip the music makers that you meet.
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Blackbeard’s Triple Play
![IMG_E8010[1].JPG](https://i1.wp.com/ncmz.live/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_E80101.jpg?zoom=0.800000011920929&resize=376%2C527&ssl=1)
Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant, 415 S Front St. The party comes courtesy of Rural Route Romance tonight who will be rocking on the deck. 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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City Stage New Bern

City Stage New Bern offers Karaoke tonight with fun and music starting at 8 pm.
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Cruising the Crystal Coast

Cedar Point, NC
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Appearing at Treehouse Beer Company be sure to catch Wes Sayer offering live music from 7-10 pm tonight. Come out and welcome in the weekend, by enjoying a cold beer and country grooves.
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Riptidez Bar & Grill welcomes live music to the stage tonight!. Music is offered from 9 pm until midnight. Come enjoy the end of the week with great music on Hill St. Slum Underdogs.
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Newport, NC
Carolina Home and Garden

Tonight in the garden at Carolina Home and Garden, you can enjoy the groovy sounds of Will Baker live, offering the music from 6:30-9:30 pm. Food, beer, and wine are on site for consumption, with live animals and so much more. $5.00 music charge is collected at the door.
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Morehead City, NC
Promise’ Land Market
Barry Charleton will be gracing the stage and sharing songs at Promise’ Land Market, with music being shared from 8:30-11:30 pm.
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Jack’s Waterfront Bar
Tonight it is Jupiter Jones bringing the fun and party grooves to Jack’s Waterfront Bar. Music starts at 10 pm and the grooves last until 2 am. There is a music charge payable at the door. Come dance the night at way at the Crystal Coast!
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Beaufort, NC
Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop

Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop presents 4EverAll, Fri May 3rd, 8:30-11:30 PM, No Cover.
4EverAll is one of our favorite local duos. They showcase originals and covers that span from Fleetwood Mac- Dave Matthews. Please check out their website!
www.4everall.com
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The Backstreet Pub
The Backstreet Pub welcomes the Mac & Juice Quartet live tonight, with music being served on the patio from 6-10 pm.
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Rocking Around the Region

Raleigh, NC
Lincoln Theatre
Cravin Melon w/ Runaway Cab will be providing the live music tonight at Lincoln Theatre this evening. Doors open at 7 pm. Show starts at 8 pm For tickets follow this link:
cravin-melon-wrunaway-cab-raleigh-lincoln-theatre Tix
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Kinston, NC
The Red Room
The Red Room is very excited about BBQ Fest, and is a proud host of live music for the fun time weekend event. As per a morning post on Facebook today, they announced:
Its BBQ Fest 2019!!
Join us for our outdoor stage debut!!!
FRI 5:30PM – BILL LYERLY (OUTDOOR)
FRI 10PM – FEEL HARMONIX (INDOOR)SAT 11:30 AM – WICKED SHIMMIES (OUTDOOR)
SAT 3PM – DEAN DAUGHTEY & THE TROUBLEMAKERS
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Oriental, NC
The New Village Brewery & Taproom
Big Jim Kohler Blues Band welcomes you to the weekend in Oriental this Friday. They will be providing music on the back porch at The New Village Brewery & Taproom. Music starts at 6:30 pm and they play until 8:30 pm.
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Greenville, NC
Buccaneer Music Hall

Matt Rogers will be sharing the grooves tonight at the Buccaneer Music Hall, the popular party band that offers the country grooves you love. Come boot scoot tonight from 9 pm until 12 am.
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AJ McMurphy’s
AJ McMurphy’s welcomes 3’s Company return to the stage, to rock you through the night. Sharing all of the fun and popular hits, music is offered from 8:30 -11:30 pm. Music is free. Dinner is delicious. Come early for a good meal, stay late to dance the night away!
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Christy’s Euro Pub
Join the fun at Christy’s Euro Pub for May’s First Friday, with some delicious brews from Southern Pines! Then stick around for some live music with The Still Shakers at 10pm!
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Havelock, NC
Jean’s
The Adam Hill Band brings the rocking good fun to Jean’s tonight. Music starts at 10 pm and there is a $5.00 cover at the door.
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Val’s Pub & Grill
Ryan Cain is ready to sing songs and share music memories with all that gather at Val’s Pub & Grill this evening. Music starts at 7 pm and plays until 10 pm.
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Thank You for Reading!
Please go out and support live music tonight! Always call the club in advance to confirm what you read here is true. Many times events change without anyone updating the changes publicly.
I am dedicated to making sure you know where to go to find live music. If you like this blog please sign up and get an email each time we publish.
I appreciate my readers, the musicians and the venues who all do a part in keeping live music alive! Give us a like and tell your friends about our mission by sharing this page on your social media pages.
Thanks to the many bands and clubs, thanks for keeping me informed!
When you walk out the door tonight, take kindness with you. Be sure to tip those that serve you and the music makers that rock you!
Hug people often and share the love. Make sure you take time to enjoy the dance. Please party safely sweet people! We love having you here with us! Rely on your sober friends, call a cab or sign up to Uber around town tonight!