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Looper's Delight
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> Often the 'venue' has been 'created' by enterprising folks renting a >dance > studio, gallery or some other type of space because there's no real clubs > booking this kind of stuff. This is so true. If you can't find somewhere appropriate to play your music (and if you're reading this, you probably can't), making that place yourself is often the only option. I think experimental musicians would do well to borrow the "house concert" idea from the folk world. In addition to the electronic, loopy Electrochakra, I also play in an acoustic guitar trio (the Steve Ball Roadshow). Recently we played at a house concert here in Seattle, and it was an ideal performance situation as far as I'm concerned--playing for between 30 and 50 people who have come to listen attentively to music, in a friendly, good-sounding space (large living room/dining room area of the host) organized by a sympathetic individual who is in it for their love of music (100% of the earnings go to the musicians). No fighting the sound of a coffee steamer, no noisy bar, no muted televisions with sports above your head, plenty of soundcheck time, etc, etc. The audience is asked to donate money (important to get around those non-commercial zoning regulations), averaging $10 apiece. We took home $300 and sold a bunch of CDs, and had the pleasure of playing to a Listening Audience. It doesn't get better than that. Normally, these sorts of shows are the province of acoustic/folk-oriented acts, but I know there's a number of solo or small ensembles on this list who could conceivable perform in someone's house (probably helps to not have acoustic drums) in a house concert type setting. If you're curious, I'd encourage you to check out: http://www.jodykessler.com/houseconcerts.html and look at the FAQ on house concerts. It's obvious from the response to the Knitting Factory show that there a lot of people itching to play who lack an appropriate venue. Consider jumping out of the bars and into the living rooms. TH -- Electrochakra website: http://www.electrochakra.com