THE SOAPBOX / Editorial


by Tom Lounges, Editor



   After taking last year off, it seems that perhaps we will undertake the
heady chore of once again presenting local music on the stage of the Star
Plaza Theatre. 

    The show we have planned will take place in late October, which is a new
twist for us, considering our last two showcases were held in spring.
 
   Once again, the event will be held on a Sunday and run all day – 4 p.m. to
11 p.m. – so that other local bands are free to attend and show their
collective support. 
 
   By the way...That’s not a request, but a directive.  If you guys want to
see this kind of thing happen again, this is your LAST  CHANCE to make it
work.  If all the regional musician show support on this gig, you just might
have a chance to get YOUR band on the stage of the Midwest’s premier concert
venue in the not too distant future.

    As most of our readers know, we presented two showcases in 1998 and 1999
(taking off for 2000 to hopefully irk enough of you to get off your butts if
and when we decided to produce a third event).  Anyway...that time is here!

    This is seriously the FINAL SHOT you local musicians are getting to make
the award-winning concert venue “local-music friendly.”

     We can only feature so many local bands on a given show...it’s a matter
of logistics.  But whether your band makes the cut on the first show (we have
3,400 seats to fill here people!) we need to see you out showing your
support.   If this show comes off successful, I have been assured by Charles
Blum, the president of Star Productions, that we will be allowed to produce
more local showcase concerts at the facility.

     I confess that I was quite angry and rather disgusted with the turn out
from band members and musicians at the last show in 1999.  I walked the halls
and room throughout the day with a note pad and counted only 17 musicians in
the house who were NOT on the bill that day.   Even most of the bands who had
performed the year before (and who were not gigging that Sunday) were absent.
 It was cool that they got a chance to play the year before, but they could
not come out and support the next year’s event?  For shame on your “rock
star” egos for thinking you are the only ones who matter.

      I am just a player in the game here people...the non-musician who tries
to help coordinate things to keep our scene alive and well.  Shame on those
who have chosen not to be team players for it will be on your heads when the
whole local music scene falls flat on it’s face.

     By the same token...kudos to local players like Jim Hillegonds, Joey
Rega, Tony Troncozo, Mike Sheffield and others who have not only attended and
supported the events, but actually got hands on involved in making things
come off smoothly. Also a huge “Thank You” to Freak from the “Mancow Morning
Madhouse” show, who donated his time to co-host the day long event with me
and show his support of local music.   Freak...you are more than welcome to
join us again! 

    In fact, maybe we will recruit a few other celebrity co-hosts to break up
the day.
   It’s NOT about the money people (we underwrite most of the cost and for
the last two shows have wound up in the red)...it’s about local music and
giving it a chance to be heard in a great concert setting.

    Disturbed, No One, Chevelle, From Zero, The Pimps and others from our
region have landed major deals in the last couple years.  This area has some
powerful talent that is locked up in smokey bars all the time.  The point of
these shows is to present our major bar stars in a concert setting so that
all ages can hear and see them on a real stage and with real production at
their disposal.  
 
    How many times have you attended shows at Star Plaza and dreamed of one
day playing on that stage?  We’re trying to make that dream come true for you
and a lot of other like you.   So start showing your rock ‘n’ roll colors
and start turning off the television, the Nintendo and the computer and get
back to the music!
 
    Yes... we need your bodies at The Star when we do these shows, but that’s
just the tip of the iceberg.  We (the music community at large) also need
your bodies in the clubs too from jam nights to weekend gigs!  Supporting
local music is the responsibility of ALL of us...Please do your part!

HOW IT WORKS...

     Bands who have original music who think they are ready to play a room
like Star Plaza (seriously ready!) are encouraged to start sending in their
materials to me immediately.  A total of eight bands will be chosen to
co-headline our October showcase.   Some advance ticket sales will be
required so be sure you have a following ready to support you.

     All styles of music will be considered and once the bands are chosen, a
lottery will be held to determine the time slot on the show.

     Because we want to showcase the high caliber of original music the
region has to offer, we are looking for band who are predominantly original
and who have (or will have by show time) music available to purchase.

    Watch for full details in our August issue.  Bands  chosen for the
showcase will be announced in our September issue.

    My thanks to Charles Blum for giving local music another opportunity at
this remarkable theatre which has been described in the national press as “a
diamond amid the cornfields!”