Acoustic All-Stars 2012 = Success and Mucho fun!!!

What a weekend!!!  

Let me just start here….. See, this is the 5^th year of the AAS and a tiny bit of history is in order to give you a better idea of how awesome this weekend was.

We started our search for a venue to hold an acoustic music festival at a place called Club Celsius in Park City. They closed down and show was a no go. Then we played at The Star Bar for a show opening for Joshua James and Benton Paul. We fell in love with the staff and the bar set up and got our first venue for the AAS. The first year we had a small crowd.  The second a decent crowd. We implemented the ticketing system that year.  The Third year, we opened the doors to a line down the street of ticket holders.  Then, discord with staff and owner at The Star Bar made all the people we were previously working with jump ship. We couldn’t ask our artists to rely on such unpredictable circumstances and had to jump ship as well. We thought, we want to go to where Celsius was again! So the 4^th year was at The Downstairs. This year we were able to get a few sponsors, make t shirts, pay for advertising, etc.

In the end, I apologize to The Downstairs for this, but we were miserable with the results. The Staff wasn’t friendly, the owner’s expectations were unrealistic, and the seating was atrocious. We had to leave.

The first time we talked to Mischell and Mario about having the 5^th year at Fats, we were at the end of our rope. We heard rumor the previous year of artists complaining that they were too good for a 30 minute set and that we weren’t paying them.  We were at the point that if this year didn’t work out we were going to stop. We also decided that the stress and taxes of having sponsors wasn’t worth it. We weren’t able to spend the time on making the fest the best it could be because we were trying so hard to make money. Unfortunately, we don’t make money on this fest. Fortunately, it is more fun that way. Weird I know. lol

Now, I mean this in the best way possible, but artists…we set up the ticketing system because we can’t afford to pay you. What’s more, we will never be able to pay you all more than you could make with your tickets. Yes, I know you’re being nice and giving them out just to get people to come see you, but that’s YOUR decision. We have had a few people over the years say ‘now if only you could pay us.’  Well, we technically do. You’re just not earning it. I’m sorry but that’s the fact. We give you enough tickets (and you can request more) to sell them and make a good profit. We give tickets out to get people in so the bar makes money and we keep the little bit of money from the door which rarely covers our overhead. We apologize because this year we just didn’t have the money for any advertising but IMAGINE next year when we do J

What you don’t see is that 90% of the attendees are A:Friends of the bar and don’t pay, B: Have Tickets or are on a list, or C: Come in late enough we don’t charge them. Honest math…..If we took our profit (Overall income  + our own merch profit – (MINUS) Photographer, Food, tipping bar, making T shirts, making posters, purchasing tickets (that we give you), and gas to hang fliers, pick up fliers, back and forth to venue all weekend, etc that would pay each band evenly $8.09. I’m totally not exaggerating lol.

I just needed, for myself, to explain that to anyone who wonders why we don’t pay you. We would love to. We really would. But the tickets were brought out to make sure you all could make some money. If you don’t we are not responsible. We also don’t mind if you give them out. But really, what’s the difference of asking people to buy them or asking them to pay a door fee? It’s the same amount. If they are your friends / fans they’ll give you 5$  J

Anyway, what was wonderful about this year was that there was no discord, there was no artists acting like princesses, everyone was on time or early, people hung out, ate, bought or were given tickets, and we all had fun. The staff was friendly, the food was great, the drinks were cheap, and we all left with a happy warm feeling.

We will definitely have a year 6 and it will be even better. 

Off subject for a second…….Last, I want to pay tribute to our good friend Ischa of Minx.

I have been watching her amazing stage presence and ability to just give her performance all she has and I truly look up to her. She is a phenomenal performer and I see her as any musician’s perfect role model. There are things I have always wanted to do on stage and seeing her grace and professionalism has been pushing me to get out of my comfort zone and just do it.

Last night I took my mic off the stand for the first time and sang Alanis. I was so scary. I thought sure I’d pull the mic off and hit myself in the face and end up bleeding, ruin the song, everyone would laugh at me, and Id go home and curl up like a dead spider lol.

It was amazing and empowering and I loved it.

Thank you Ischa. You’re beautiful and inspiring and your inspiring nature lead to one of the best performances we have ever had . Xoxo

Last!

All the musicians this weekend were awesome and we want to thank everyone who stayed for our performance. It was Sunday and everyone works today but the people who stayed for our set are the best friends anyone could ask for. We like to take smaller sets and lesser loved times every once in a while just to makes sure its fair and that everyone knows that side stages and opening the show are not a reflection of your talent but merely the fact that not everyone can play the main stage and not everyone can have the best time slot. Those of you who took time out of your busy schedules to stay and listen to the last band of the festival are our heroes and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You made last night end with a bang and we had no idea we could even imagine that outcome.

Thank you all again. Next year is going to rock your socks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Check out photos!!  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Tim-Candelaria-Photography/305338682811887

Next. Acoustic All Stars August 11 at Rovali's in Ogden!!!

One CRAAAZY Week and A Half!

Sitting here enjoying some quality day time television because I dont have to work I am trying to remember all that has happened. A few weeks ago we had the busiest week we have had in a long time and we felt like total Rockstars! LOL It actually started on Thursday a few weeks ago. Our festival is well on its way and we are/were in need of sponsors. No one would give us a strait answer so I went out to park city, Sponsor Packet in hand, and went to any business I could give reason and asked them to give us money. Its scary and uncomfortable. As statistics usually go in these things, we came away with 1 yes. BUT, we found others in other ways. It felt like a wasted day off at first. Now I realize it was successful. I found a place called Reyes Adobo in Park City who has delish tacos. Friday night we played at Fat's Grill with Steven Swift. He is so damn good! Saturday night we played at a benefit concert in Layton for a little girl named Paige with cancer. We then drove over to Poplar Street Pub to watch Steven Swift play the rest of his set. There was a 'Le Bus' that dropped off a group of people who I am pretty sure are extras on Jersey Shore, and this group of women who were failing at dancing sexy for the bar lol. Sunday, we were working on good ol Acoustic All-Stars stuff and did the father's day stuff. Monday, we worked and then joined our new friends Mateo Coleti and Rachael Alvine to be extras in their new show on Park CityTV called This Is Park City. That was a very fun night. Spending time filming clips at Butcher's Chop House... And Lindzee O'Michaels where we took a shotski, found out a salad from the sushi bar next door isn't exactly what you expect, and danced in the parking lot. And this guy, Tuesday night, we played at The Grove Theater event to break the world record. Unfortunately, they had a few things happen that stopped them from succeeding before it even began, but I thought it was super cool that they just kept on going anyway. We met this cool guy (and I apologize because I can't remember his name) that did THE best cover of John Mayer's cover of Tom Petty's Free Fallin. I think I found my next tattoo lol. JEALOUS! Wednesday, We met with Mateo and Rachael, and Alex from Rovali's Ristorante about the July 16 all day all ages version of the Acoustic All-Stars Music Festival. Thursday work from home night, then Friday, we packed up the car for a long weekend and drove out to Lyndon to play at Naarah Black's house concert with her and Greg Downs. Her mom made these AMAZING cupcakes and treats. MMMMM Then directly after the show we drove to Logan to sleep and got there around 2am, and got up at 5am to drive to Bear Lake and play at a 5K benefit for cancer. Woke up early, and played in Bear Lake 7am , then drove strait to Cedar City to perform at Groovefest at 7:30 pm. We ended up playing for about 30 minutes where usually the side stage gets 2-3 songs. They had some problem with the power and kept asking us to play more. We only had 4 songs ready because I dont know our songs. (hence the book o' songs) So we had to pull 5 or so songs out of our asses and hope to God I dont forget it in front of thousands of people lol. We did it though. It was a great show. Apperently, after we left, a lady had heard us on the radio (as they boradcast Grovefest in Cedar City) to buy our CD and we had taken our Merch with us (dumb us lol)so she didn't get one. SOOOO cool though :) Sunday morning, after we took a few pictures with Steve, we were on our way home. This was so much fun and we thank you all for being a part of it.

Jaded

I have 2 blogs sitting....waiting to be published, and I find myself writing a new one.

Ty and I were coming back from Park City tonight after a really fun and inspiring talk with Mateo Coletti and Rachael Alvine and after talking about music here in Utah, it brought a conversation that I decided would actually be my next blog.

When we moved to Salt Lake, we were new. We wanted to meet people and perform with people and build this scene. It was like dating. When you put yourself out there, you're bound to get burned. As previously posted, there have been issues we have seen here in Utah.... I am sure they're the same everywhere.
When we started getting ready for this years Acoustic All-Stars, I started writing the contract and Ty put his 2 cents in. We found our old contract on my computer and started reading it. It was night and day. Last year, the contracts were more information, mission statement, and encouragement. This year....all business.
I guess somehow, I got Jaded. I started looking for all of the wrong people do and trying to prevent it instead of just being me, doing what I know needs to be done, and if someone shit on an opportunity, so be it....we would roll it off.
Now, we are always seeing the negative. I have realized recently that those arent the people we want to be. I have realized that we need to be better about being those people that are just trying to help and are genuinely concerned and into the beauty of building this Utah music scene we so strongly believe in. People are unreliable in every trade. Its not just musicians. We are right brainers, its hard to combine forces with a bunch of overly creative free thinkers, but it CAN be done.

My Blog will be short.
Dont let people bring you down. Now that I can see how jaded I have become, I want to apologize. If we have ever given you the impression that we were jerks, snubbers, or clichey, let me assure you....we arent. Please... ask us to collaborate, ask us for advice if we have anything of value to you. Let us open for you, let us be reliable, nice, and fun musicians. We will return the favor. We know we aren't better than you. We know that we are just people doing what we do the best we can.
Dont let the bad ruin the good cause there is SOOO much good about this crazy, bumpy ride that is musicianhood. :)

Acoustic All-Stars 2010

Pics: John Zay, Ashley & Taryn, Brian.

Wow. Seriously, this past weekend was the hardest, most frustrating, most exciting, most exausting, and most rewarding weekend I remember ever having. With the pictures, the videos, the laughs, the exorbanant (spelling) amount of drinks consumed, and the amazing people we just spent it with, I find myself wondering, 'What more could a person want'
There was a time in my life when I said, I want to play music. I didn't know another musician ESPECIALLY one who played out. My first open mic was so scary I dont think anyone could hear me cause I was so scared of my voice. As I played more I saw musicians just like me who were scared and very new. But then I would see the focused, practiced, experienced musicians and just sit in awe. When we started this, I never realized I would sit in awe like I was new again. Every year, new talent comes along and we say, "How have I never heard you!?" Its so exciting to get to meet these super talented people doing what I have looked up to AND get to perform with them.

(Pic: Jen Stensrud)

My only regret this year was that we didn't get to talk to the outside stage performers much and felt we didn't try hard enough to include them. We apologize. Luckily we were able to run down there enough to get pics and say hi to most of them.
Now for the juicy stuff....
Friday.
We got off work at 1 and already had the car packed so we could pick up some banners and drive to PC and get ready, check into the room etc. Unfortunately, we realized we forgot a banner in a Mr. Brett Turner's vehicle who lives in Ogden. (Pic: Brett Turner) We decide to meet halfway, originally Centerville but later moved up to Layton. Why? Well, we hit traffic and were driving very slow. I called Brett and said, you're going to have to meet us up here cause we're stuck. Suddently a cop car passes in the emergency lane. Yep. A wreck. We slowly drive for a bit and suddenly, traffic clears. We see a LONG line of cars on the other side stuck behind a motorist who has rammed into the middle barriers. I called Brett again 'Nevewrmind we'll meet you.'  We finally got the banner and headed back to town. Luckily we were able to use Legacy Highway. We pick up the last of the banners and head to Park City.
For some reason, someone decided that THIS weekend, the weekend of The Kimball Arts Festival, was the weekend to do construction on the road. We ended up on one of these roads trying to find where to check into our hotel. Ty apperently pissed off the hotel clerk and she was taking her sweet ass time to get to him lol. I know he didn't on purpose and he WAS able to still sweet talk her out of a few extra parking passes. We were a little close on schedule so we hurried up to the room, claimed our room, took some pics, and then I took Ty to the bar to hang banners. I then went back to the room to park, get ready and walk UP the hill. All in all I took this trek and one even to it in trips to the Miners Park Stage a few times. Im thinking 2 down, 4 up......
The first night was awesome! I got to sing back up for Josh Johnson, and have Greg Downs play guitar and Ty play D'jembe...it was awesome. Then there was the DJ. We stayed until about 12 and headed back to the room. DOWN. Taryn and I were joined by Miguel and Friends. (Super cool guys) We hung out, drank, etc. Good times. Tawny made Chicken Tacos (MMMMMmmmmm) and we started to settle down. Everyone left at somewhere around 3 or 4 I believe and I went and woke Ty up out of the hot tub so he didn't drown. lol
Sleep

Saturday:
Taryn made the best breakfast burritos. (In our full Kitchen)

Since we were able to shove a bunch of people into the room, it was SUPER cheap.
We were able to relax a bit and get ready for the night. Then it was time to go back UP.
Hanging banners, fliers etc. Marc Cooper had Shelly, Kole, and us on the stage to sing some Bob Marley and Beatles. I played the shaker and was being perverted. Of course.
Steve Swift. That guy is a bad ass. I have never seen him play like he played this year. He has a stomp box that he kicks while he's playing and this year he was ROCKING OUT. It was awesome.
(I apologize because I can't talk about everyone's sets. I was impressed with everyone and want you to know that I'm picking by story, and pictures.)
Saturday night was just awesome. I mean, Jen Stensrud, Dustin Bangerter, Peter Harvey, Marc Cooper, Steven Swift, Kimo Watanabe, and Whiskey King Coalition....HELL YA!
After, we all went back and hit the hot tub. First I went with Smash to get suits and Totinos. We got back and made them and smash called the slightly scorched ones 'Cajun Style cause they're blackened' lol
If you have never hung out with Mac and Flip(The Local Landing) they are two funny bastards. Seriously. That's all I got on the subject.
When the water started swaying me OR I started swaying me, not sure which, I went to bed. It was close to 5 am.

Sunday:
8:30 am. My alarm goes off. I feel like SHIT.
Whose fault is that? MINE! Was it worth it? YA!
I got up and tried to help a bit by cleaning. and then slowly made coffee and drank water. I got dressed and had to leave to get to the Miners Park Stage and get passes to a few artists. UP.
I sat at the park for a bit listening to Shelly Riff with Marc Cooper then joined by Kole Hansen, and thought I was going to pass out it was so hot. Stupid weather lying to me.
I couldn't handle it. I needed to change. DOWN lol
I changed and then took a 15 nap and was ready to go again. UP.
I was really dissapointed to miss Amir Jackson's set by only a minute or 2. (Sad Face)
Back and forth I went a few more times to the stage. I got to meet Jenn Hajj, and Utah Slim, and heard US Thieves. Mike got sweet pics of Chris Orrock. Jenn has such a Celtic voice. Beautiful!
Sunday was better than we imagined and we pulled almost as many tickets in on Sunday as on Saturday night. AWESOME! The Sunday Lineup was Miquel and Friends, Brian Bingham, John Zay, Ashlee Dickson, Silver Glen, Kole, Timmy Pearce, Alan Sanders, and W. James Woods. Fantastic!!!

Pic: Kole with Marc Cooper

Now for my favorite part. After....Throughout the year in the past I have loved to see the stage being shared between other AAS artists. I can't tell you all the joy I feel and satisfaction we get from seeing the dream of this festival come alive. Its such an honor to have friends who are willing to come play and promote with us for something that we believe in so strongly. We know and have met some amazing people and will continue to do so. This is networking at its finest and a great way to almost try out for other's interest in opening spots whether its you opening or them.
All I have to say is,(Except you Aleeca cause you were in Alaska) If you didn't come to the 2010 Acoustic All-Stars Festival, you missed out.