Cliff's Notes

Let�s focus on the Freelance (Casual) musicians in our Local. You folks need some marketing. We started working on the new wedding website for Freelance (Casual) musicians. This site will be linked with www.theknot.com. The Knot is a proven wedding resource; I have personally been using it for 2 years and it has brought in many leads for ceremony and reception bands. The typical scenario is the bride is going to college in New York, doesn�t trust her parents to hire the band or find her dress, so she searches �The Knot�.

Besides just offering a link to our site �The Knot� has an area where Brides and Grooms can chat about bands. Many recommendations come from this area. Of course if they didn�t like your band, they do let people know. There are several bands advertising there, but not too many to make a decision difficult. My web authoring skills combined with Jeff Apana�s will give us a visual and audio edge over our competition. If you want to be posted, please make sure we have a good photo or logo, current song list and some quality audio that represents you or your group. Remember we are marketing for weddings, so the info you give us should sell to that crowd. Many times we will have to send out hard copies of your promo pack, because the bride, groom or their parents can�t hear the audio online. For that reason, we will need to keep copies of your promo at the 655, so please do not give us your only copy. We will also need to know your pricing; ballpark figures are fine�if your band is worth a heck of a lot more than scale, let us know. Feel free to call the Local if you need help or tips.

MPTF (Musicians Performance Trust Fund / Green Sheets) is now called the MPF (Musicians Performance Fund). We have been going through a lot to make the MPF process a lot easier for those who want to participate. In about a week or two we should have a pretty easy step-by-step process finished. Even though MPF gigs only pay scale they still have a lot to offer. They are a great way to perform your original music, showcase your band, get that 20pc on stage, showcase your educator skills, open some doors or make a slow season, low paying gig a little bit better. The funds are there, let�s use them. If you have a MPF idea and need some help putting the deal together, call the 655; we will be glad to help.

We already have great soloists and bands. With a little marketing and good promo, we will make 1-888-655-GIGS the number to call!

Proud to Represent You,

Cliff Walker