ANYWAYS, last night I had a performance at a pretty cool venue... Its a very good venue that plays host to a lot of names, big and small. But to be honest I really hate performing there. The sound is crappy (their fault) and the stage is too small (my band leader's fault). I don't know why the band leader thinks that we (an 11 piece band) can all fit on that tiny stage. We need room to move! Oh well, anyways aside from the packed stage, there was also a packed audience! It was good to finally have a decent crowd at our show, even though most of the audience was probably there for the other group we were sharing the evening with. Lately we have been having issues with our turnout. I think it's because a lot of people really don't get the music. Yet the other band plays just about the same kind of music and they draw 300-500 people a show! ??? True our band hasn't been around as long as this other group but I think (as far as general musicianship goes) our players are some of the best ones out there. But audiences here in Seattle really don't know the difference between one Salsa band and another. Seattle isn't exactly the Salsa capitol of the nation. I just hope that eventually people realize that we have the musicianship, the authenticity, AND the energy to bring a really good show!
Anyways, I just wanted to reflect on the evening... Take Care!
1 comment:
I don't understand the problem with telling people you're a singer. I guess it's a matter of context and HOW you say it. Obviously, you wouldn't want to run up to a stranger and say, "Hey, I'm a singer!"
But if someone asks you what you do, just say the truth: "I'm a singer," or "I'm a singer, specializing in Latin music," or "I have a day job, but singing is my life."
If they don't show any interest, then that's the end of the conversation. But if they start asking questions, just respond with the same excitement you exhibit on stage. Tell them you trained to be an opera singer, you're totally jazzed by Latin music, you're still pumped up from your last performance, etc.
Regarding low turnout, I was shocked by the small audiences I've seen at Sambatuque performances. I think a lot of it is simply a matter of publicity.
To put it in perspective, Seattle's worst Salsa teacher is one of the best known. Why? He appears to be an expert at networking and self-promotion. After he insulted me in class, I bailed out. After doing my homework, I discovered one of the best Salsa teachers has a studio right across the street from my home!
Anyway, keep blogging, and I'll do what I can to publicize Sambatuque on my SeaLatin site. After that "Birthday Bash" in Fremont, I'll bet your fan club grows. :)
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