TOM'S SOAPBOX (Editorial)

by Tom Lounges
Publisher/Editor

    Wow!   The response we got to the editorial last month, where I announced
we were going to host another local music showcase event at the Star Plaza
Theatre resulted in almost three dozen press kits from Chicagoland bands.  

    I had not even expected to formally solicit such materials until this
issue, but with so many great bands jumping to action and firing off their
stuff to us, I met with my counterparts at the Star Plaza and we decided to
start screening the  materials immediately. 

    That being the case, we have settled on five of the eight artists who
will perform. Those bands already selected are – Flathead Fillups, The
Steepwater Band, Inzane, American Motherload and Free Raine – all stellar
local bands ranging from nu-metal, to hard rock, to modern rock, to blues.

   We have a few other bands that we are leaning towards, but we have decided
to hold off on filling the last three slots until the middle of August just
in case there are a few “sleeper bands” out there we have not heard about
yet who might just knock us out.  So get those kits sent in NOW!

     Remember, we need the support from the public and from all the area
musicians for this show,  dubbed – “The Region Rumble” – which will take
place on Sunday, October 28.   Even if your band does not make the cut this
time out, if we have a good turn out for this local music event, the Star
Plaza has committed to having us do a second one later in the year. 

    So if you want to see local music unleashed in a venue the caliber of
Star Plaza Theatre on a steady basis, we need to have you in the seats
showing your support.

      I’m happy to announce that Maniac Music Group has committed to be on
hand at the show.  Maniac is a full-service music company (internet,
management, publishing, record label, etc.) headquartered in New Orleans.  
The company’s President and CEO, Michael R. Allen has assured me that Maniac
Records will have A&R reps on hand to check out the bands performing and to
accept press kits and demos from any Chicagoland bands who although not
performing, are interested in attending the show and dropping their packages
off while they are there.   Maniac’s music stable ranges from heavy rock to
gospel.   “We are open to all kinds of music,” said Allen, “as long as it’s
good music, really good music!”  Any other labels interested in setting up
arrangements for their A&R folks are welcome to contact me @ (219) 972-9131.

     For the record, tickets will be $10 in advance and $12 day of show. 
Remember parking is FREE. Tickets officially go on sale August 25 at the Star
Plaza Box Office.  Tickets are also available from all bands on the bill.  So
if one of your favorite bands are performing, help them sell the most
tickets, because the artist who sells the most will get a free full page ad
in this publication and a few other bonuses.

     The “out of the gate” response to this show has been tremendous, let’s
see it continue and reflect in ticket sales. I can’t say it loud enough or
often enough – Support Local Music @ The Star Plaza!