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[Zipper]

Hey everyone...
(lurkers and casual observers included...)
 
I would like to hear your thoughts on the entertainment at the CC Fair. Because I made a proposal to the board regarding local talent this year, I would be interested in knowing what all of you really think.
 
Thanks.
-Zip

[Puffin]

Zip, I just read the article in the Trib. Knowing the problems the Fair has had just breaking even on some of the acts they brought in, I think your idea is something they have to look at seriously. The Fair to me has been a celibration of local life. Local bands sure are in context.
For 51 weeks of the year the local people get their entertainment from the local groups. There has to be a local audience that would be willing to go there and see them at the fair. At the very least the money stays locally.I believe your idea might have them thinkin.
 

[Zipper]

Just for reference, here is the article:
http://www.meadvilletribune.com/local/local_story_042224122.html

[E-L Man]

Well, I think it is an excellent idea to give local bands and entertainers a shot at the fair. Ok, buy'm some M&M's but, you wouldn't have that mile long list of goodies that the Pro's (?) are provided. That alone would be a big savings.
 
I'm surprised the fair board is still accepting local veggies in the Ag building instead of bringing them in from Idaho or California or Florida or Michigan, etc.,etc. It is supposed to be a county fair. Nothing more and nothing less. 

[CindyLouWho]

I love the idea Zip and would definately attend a show.

[NightmarePatrol]

That idea has a lot of merit. It's a win-win for everyone. There has to be room for that. Nothing like exposure, except to the elements of course.

[lifefeedsonlife]

The band I was in played at the fair a number of years back. The first time was in 1999 I think. They let us play in a tent behind where all the tractors and goats were. We had about 7 people other than family and friends show up. Not promoted or anything - it was practice at the fair more or less. Nice though I suppose.

The second time was  alittle more exposure. I think it was '04. We played along the fence on the south side of the grandstand. No fee - played for free. Sold a couple CD's I think. We were next to the Cool 101 van. Some folks liked us - some folks sat stone faced.

Fair crowd - can't please everyone!

Would be a cool idea - and I hope they follow through. Honestly - the best way to make it happen is to have the bands go play for free. Play for the exposure to a crowd - fair board would charge $5 for an all day ticket or somethin' to cover their cost (rental for PA - lights - etc.) Give the bands a tight 45 minute set - have 10 bands or something.

Close with Jake.

[Zipper]

Jake is awesome, isn't he?

I disagree about the "free" though. The bands in the area do an awful lot of charity work, entertaining people and raising money for nonprofits. Meanwhile they have expenses too. Some are laid off right now from their day jobs, and all they have is their talent to fall back on to help support the family. Yet... time and time again they come out, some drive for miles as not all members of the bands are local. They drag their equipment, lug it up and down stairs, set up, tear down, and from what I've seen, 9 times out of 10 the audience won't even buy them a beer.

The fair is not a charitable event, so I do believe they should be paid. It's not going to be what the big stars make, but it will show the guys some respect for their talent and their time.







 

[Zipper]

Well, I think it is an excellent idea to give local bands and entertainers a shot at the fair. Ok, buy'm some M&M's but, you wouldn't have that mile long list of goodies that the Pro's (?) are provided. That alone would be a big savings.
 
I'm surprised the fair board is still accepting local veggies in the Ag building instead of bringing them in from Idaho or California or Florida or Michigan, etc.,etc. It is supposed to be a county fair. Nothing more and nothing less. 

1) Green M&Ms, counted out into ziplock snackable sized baggies, each bag containing exactly 100 M&Ms, but every thirteenth one has to be tossed aside for superstitious reasons.

2) Onion bagels with all of the visible onions removed so all that's left is the flavor, but no actual onions.

More here: http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/9693

[CindyLouWho]

Shopped for Eddie Money, Molly Hatchet,  The Marshall Tucker Band and Charlie Daniels for their pre-show lists.  Nothing too weird that I can recall.....just very brand specific....and a very certain number of each.   

[Kimmi]

I don't know why the area doesn't do a battle of the bands?  It could be done at the fair at an all day event.  The Academy theater certainly has the space. 

Maybe they ought to think about bringing the pageant back too! 

[NightmarePatrol]

They used to back in the 70's. They had it at the high school.

[Zipper]

Most of these guys are beyond the battle stage. I agree with the one commenter on the Trib page that in some cases, the only thing separating a local band and a national act is that they haven't been seen ~or made the right connection yet. Most start out as local bands, local to their areas.
 
I like original music (when it's good) too. Cover bands are great, everyone likes to dance to music and sing to songs that they know, but when someone can write and have that music be "hit-worthy" then all that's left is making the right connection.
 
I can't wait for Jake's new CD to be done. Wait till you all hear what you've been missing, and I know because I am at most of his events, and don't see many of you there.
 
There are so many good musicians here, but it's a big world... with a lot of really talented people all trying to get to the same level. It's important to celebrate what's right in your own backyards, whether it's music, or arts, or the businesses in our community.
 
 
 

[Kimmi]

Yes I wouldn't consider Jake's Blues in the category I was thinking about. 

Why not have a teen dance with a DJ on the stage of the grandstand.  They are all loitering around there anyway. 

I never understood why they tried to have a national act on most of the days.  I would just think the expense would not be worth it.

[CindyLouWho]

I agree.  People are going to come to the fair with or without the big acts.  So if it isn't monetarily a favor to them, and they are saying it is not, then why bother?   Chili and rib cook-offs with a celebrity chef may go over big?  A lot of people are there for the food and those cooking shows have been very popular.