Monday, October 6, 2008

Music Festival reflections

Finally rested a bit, and now I can write some about the festival.
There were some obstacles, as I guess you have heard. Faulty generators blew up some amps. Remedy Drive didn't want to hook back up and you couldn't blame them for not wanting to risk their equipment and their safety.
We were something like two hours late getting started, maybe more.
There was a mad rush to find an electrician - no easy task on a Saturday afternoon.
The guy from Graham's electric came through and got us rolling. The generators were rented from a place in ponca city. One was putting out twice as much power as it was supposed to, and that caused the problems.

Rex Riggs brought us a good generator. It was one he uses for welding.
We got it hooked up but didn't hook up the whole package. There was a long discussion about what to do. I considered trying to move it to a church. No one liked that idea.

Remedy Drive has a nice light show, but we didn't even try that.
We finally got rolling around 5:30.
Cut the acts down some. The musicians got 30 minutes instead of an hour, and we carried on.
We lost a lot of people when we were sitting around in the sun waiting.
I think the crowd would have been better if we had started on time, because a lot of people did leave.
There were people arriving around 6.
I was surprised that we did not have more people. It was on a saturday, and i thought i actually promoted it more this year than i did last year. We even spent more on radio advertising this year.
But there were lots of other things going on the same day, and that probably hurt some.

We did have a decent crowd. Id say there were 300 people there in the evening. Lots of kids really liked Remedy Drive. I liked them too. It was good rock and roll.
Not sure they will be back. Last year before they left, they told me they had a great time and wanted to come back. This year they said they had a good time, and didnt mention coming back.
Can hardly blame them after they lost two amps and had damage to a piano. Probably worth several thousand dollars.
Also a local church, Calvary Chapel, lost some equipment because of the generators.
Not sure how that will shake out.
But we probably wont use generators anymore. Maybe we can get electricity put in.
It shouldnt be as hard as it is to get electricity put in. There are just people who are stumbling blocks that keep it from getting done.
Its a long story. Everyone says do it, even the people who could make it happen, but then they dont do whatever it is they need to do.
The electric companies position is that if it is only used once a year, they wouldnt make anything off it, so they dont want to do it.
I believe that if we had electricity there, and a few events, other people would want to have events too.
KACY tried to have an event there.

Anyhoo. We had some good music.
As I wrote in the other post, someone called the cops on us.
I didnt believe the people who told me that there was a cop waiting at the highway.
But there was. He was nice. Just asked us to tone it down.
The generators started making a buzzing sound, and there was a minor power surge. That freaked the band out so they shut the sound down.
So we did quieten down, but not because of the complaint.

What happened next was very cool though.
Remedy Drive guys broke out their acoustic guitars and sat around the stage and played. People gathered at the stage and listened.
They showed what kind of musicians they are. They played hard and sang loud so everyone could hear even without amplification.
It was a very nice ending to a long day that had been full or trials.

There are lots of questions now. Im too tired to think about many of them
What direction will we go in from here?
Location is a concern. We could just do indoor shows. Would be a lot easier, but not as much fun.
We could do several shows through the year instead of one big one.
We could get more into local talent.
I like the idea of bringing in a band, but ... no matter how good they are, if no one has heard of them, they wont come.
Remedy Drive is a band that is taking off. Their cd is on the charts. They have tours booked across the nation. They are going to be touring with the Newsboys - which is one of the biggest christian rock bands there are anywhere.
So we were lucky to have them.
But would people rather come and see local bands.
Im sure if we put together something like .. .Revival, Butler Brothers, and Julie Sutton, we could get a decent crowd.

AND what is our goal? In one sense, my goal is to promote the levee and develop that area. But maybe the music should be the top priority. I think there are people who share my music vision. Thats an interesting choice that Ill have to think about.

There are many people who worked hard. I appreciate all their efforts. Several people also contributed money, about $5,000. Im pretty sure we will break even, unless we get sued to replace damaged equipment.

I suppose it was not the success it was a year ago, but several people have been encouraging me to press on.
I do want to press on. I just want to re-evaluate the direction.
We need to learn from the experience.
Lesson No. 1 is that small generators are probably not a good idea. I still dont understand why they worked so well last year and not this year. They were the same type of generators.

A bigger one might work.
Getting electricity would be a better option.
Moving is also a possibility. Carla Pike, who is one of the biggest supporters, wants to move it to Curry Field and develop that area.
Im not so sure. There are houses around there now.
Lots to think about.

61 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good job.

Keep in mind what the state motto says: "Ad Astera per Aspera", which translates: Oh, well, you know what it means... It means sometimes you blow up a Fender Twin Reverb or two.

I'm still blown away that an Ark City PD would approach an obviously scheduled and organized open air concert and not realize the "noise complaint" was not something to pursue, but was probably a mean-spirited prank.

Should have the snap, all the way up to the top cop, to understand that it is a CONCERT, DUMMIES! and to back off.

It reminds me of a quote (please pardon the obvious liberal (gasp!!) arts (double gasp!!)) slant in quoting Ralph Waldo:

"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines."

Keep truckin through the fog, amigo, You're doing good.

Anonymous said...

So, the band that lost the amps and generators just get a "woops, sorry about that" and sent on their way? No offer to reimburse them for the damage that your equipment caused to their stuff? I sure as hell wouldn't come back after that.

Anonymous said...

Amps and piano I meant to say. sorry.

Anonymous said...

jj, haven't you heard, nobody listens to our local radio stations. I have tried to listen to 102.5 KACY, but all the dead air really turns me off. And their always breaking into something. or two things will play at the same time. It's very unprofessional sounding when those things happen.

Anonymous said...

Of course not. That why there is insurance. If it was caused by negligence from the company that supplied the generators, they have the hit.

Anonymous said...

Nobody reads the newspaper. This blog is stupid and nobody reads it either. Nobody buys anything in town. Nobody goes to concerts. Nobody goes to the movies here. Nobody goes to this stupid college.

Yeah right. Heard it all before.

Just because you are a porch monkey that doesn't ever do anything, don't say that everybody (or anybody) is like just you. Who would want to be?

You're boring. Keep it to yourself.

Traveler Editor said...

We're still trying to figure out a way to make everything right. My first priority is going to be the local church that lost equipment.
Right now everyone is saying someone else is responsible ... the generator rental company .. the bands that hooked them up ... etc.
We will see how it shakes out.
I told them we would do whatever we could. Just have to wait and see.

KACY gave us lots of free time in addition to the ads we bought. We also advertised a lot on the christian station in ponca city. We had several people from ponca city show up.

Anonymous said...

Hey. Speaking of radio, at 8:53 this morning, the Mell Kuhn story went nationwide on the syndicated Walton and Johnson morning talk show.

W&J said something about you can't hear about racism when you have a KKK sheet over your ears (head).

Hmmmm. And who said Ark City couldn't be famous?

I wonder how the listeners in New York City felt about that one.

Someone called it in from KFH, Wichita.

Anonymous said...

Not sure if you realize... but concerts have to follow the laws too. OfficerS even have to go to the Ag Building, VFW, and other events when the people that reside around those locations get upset about the noise level. It is not something they enjoy... but laws apply to everyone. Organized event or not... So stay blown away Lagonda.

Anonymous said...

Porch monkey?? Really??

Is that you Mayor?

Traveler Editor said...

Why do we care what people in new york think?
FOr that matter, why do we care what people in Newkirk think?

When i lived in South Carolina, there were lots of people from New York, New Jersey, Ohio etc.,
And you know southerners don't cotton to yankee arrogance.

So we had a bumper sticker that said
"I don't give a s*** how you did it up north."

Maybe we need one in AC that says
"We are who we are ... deal with it."

Traveler Editor said...

but concerts have to follow the laws too. OfficerS e

Ive no complaint with the ACPD or the officer who came over.
They were doing what they were supposed to do, and did a good job at it.

Anonymous said...

Isn't there some kind of permit a person can get to put on a concert without having to worry about the noise level? If not, maybe thats something our commission should consider.

Traveler Editor said...

Im going to check on that.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Isn't there some kind of permit a person can get to put on a concert without having to worry about the noise level? If not, maybe thats something our commission should consider.

Permit? Not important, now licensing the cats and dogs thats a priority. [Mention it on Friday, pass it on Tuesday, before most folks learn about it] [Back to the Red Zone by Wednesday].

Anonymous said...

Porch Monkey! I'm takin' it back!

Anonymous said...

Maybe we need one in AC that says
"We are who we are ... deal with it."


That would definitely help with economic growth and the image of the town!

It is a global environment these days and you can't just dismiss "big city people" because, although I sometimes question my next statement, Ark City isn't an insular society.

Anonymous said...

JJ, what about Wilson Rotunda? Aren't they working on it?

Traveler Editor said...

Yes.
We were going to have it there if it rained.
That is a possibility.
But there are houses nearby.
Theyre probably used to music though.

Traveler Editor said...

My point about image was just that maybe we shouldnt worry so much about what others think.
WHenever something happens, the first thing you hear is ... "what others will think: ..
I just think thats not the right question.

Traveler Editor said...

My point about image was just that maybe we shouldnt worry so much about what others think.
WHenever something happens, the first thing you hear is ... "what others will think: ..
I just think thats not the right question.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry Mr. Editor, I care what other people think. I don't want to be lumped into the stereotype of the red-necked racists the residents of our fair city are purported to be. I don't want to be part of a "good-enough to get by" community. I want to be part of the Ark City I believe we are now, a diverse, tolerant, open-minded community who accept our flaws and work to get better.

Good luck with future concertx. Now future concerts will only be better, because we will learn from this one. If we did not care... why would we be writing on this blog?

Traveler Editor said...

. I want to be part of the Ark City I believe we are now, a diverse, tolerant, open-minded community who accept our flaws and work to get better.
>>>>

Maybe we are just talking semantics.
We want the same thing.
I think if we are striving to be diverse, tolerant, open minded community, and recognize that we are, THEN we will not have to worry about what others think.
Those that are not will be left behind as we move forward.
Thats what i mean by not worrying about what others think.

Anonymous said...

We do not live on an island. If we want this community to grow, our image, aka "what other people think" is very important. People choose where they live and work, where they educate their children, and where they spend their money based on reputation. We can not be so smug to ignore what other people think.

Anonymous said...

I know this is not the topic at hand, but why is one of the Queen candidates cropped from the front page picture on the paper(not online)?Makes me sad for Dori.

Anonymous said...

"but laws apply to everyone. Organized event or not... So stay blown away Lagonda."

No they don't. The police department doesn't shut down the car show, the parades, WCR or other organized events.

That is the funny part about "excessive consistency being the hobgoblins of little minds".

Officer Barney Fife always thought he was right.

There "always" is the flexibility and requirement of an officer to use his judgment.

Do you think that a policeman would go to an open air free concert (on city land) with 300 people attending, and act that way in Blackwell or Geuda Springs?

Of course not. They might stick around and assist in parking duties.

The organizer would probably get a (cheap but pretty) commemoration plaque from the city for putting on the concert.

Why? Because people appreciate it there.

Come-on everybody, it is all about city pride and rewarding people who do things that make Ark City a better place.

Nobody has to explain this in other towns, why do they have to in Ark City?

It is what separates first class from second rate.

Maybe the best solution is to follow the ACPD's advice and have it somewhere more isolated from residences.

Like Kaw Lake or Wichita.

Yep. I'm still blown away.
It is soooooo stupid.

Anonymous said...

No they don't. The police department doesn't shut down the car show, the parades, WCR or other organized events.


Actually, there is a dirty little rumor going around Winfield that they have offered to host the car show. The story is that Winfield has promised not to ticket or harrass the car owners who cruise the main drag.

Anonymous said...

It seems to me that every time someone tries to do something good in Ark City, the pinheads conspire to sabotage them.

It's got to stop.

There is absolutely no difference between the vandal kid painting "gangland" signs on cars and the moron who gets his rocks off by calling the police on a concert to try to get it shut down. It is the same thing.

The real shame is the police department still falls for being the pawn to the "practical joke".

The dispatcher should say, "yes we are aware of it, It is an outdoor concert and it will be over at X o'clock. Thank you for calling". Just like they do everywhere else.

Instead of sending a police officer to maybe arrest someone (and certainly to harass them) for having a free concert.

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I just had an idea. Don't know if it's possible.

Perhaps the dispatcher could tell the complaining caller "yes sir, but, I'll need to send an officer by your house 1st to take a report, then we'll go let the concert team know of your complaint"

I'd bet if the complaining caller knew that they would have to show their face instead of anonymously hiding behind the telephone, it might give a bit of accountability and make complaining a little less inviting.

What do you all think?

Anonymous said...

I see where you are going, but why have the ACPD in the harassment mode for anybody?

Just say: "got it covered, thank you for the information." Not pi## anyone off, but not be part of the Bart Simpson prank.

Do you think they would put an all points bulletin out for Mike Hunt or Schmellish Poon?

Then why do they fall for people calling in a noise complaint for an open air concert?

They need more wise Andy Taylor than reactionary Barney Fife influence.

No, I don't want the ACPD harassing anyone. It's not their job.

Anonymous said...

I'm not a policeman or a lawyer, so don't hold me to this... I think, I think if someone calls in they HAVE to respond in some manner.
How they respond?
I don't know, maybe my idea doesn't hold water. Anyone here have any legal knowledge along this line?

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Traveler Editor said...

just deleted a long post about politics, and someone else objecting to the post.

Anonymous said...

Why for how come?

Traveler Editor said...

oh it was about three-feet long for one thing
rambling on and on.
maybe i shouldnt have deleted it ..
what do you think?

Anonymous said...

Remedy Drive truly showed they were professionals and create QUALITY music-no wonder they have a record deal...the rest of the acts were BORING...YAWN...so unimpressed with the girl acts...there are a lot of really great girls out there you could've had...chicks that can rock for Christ!

Traveler Editor said...

THanks for the comments.
I agree about Remedy Drive.. love those guys.
Ashley Reynolds is real popular though, there are people who say they love her and dont care for remedy drive.

I felt bad for the other chick - julie sutton - the sound really was bad while she played. and she is better with a band behind her.

Id like to know what everyone thinks about the bands ..
:)

Anonymous said...

Yes, JJ, you should have deleted it. There are other blogs devoted to politics where those bloggers can go vent, like "Politics 101".

Anonymous said...

City gov is politics, too.

Traveler Editor said...

we like local politics on this blog. going on and on about presidential candidates is not something we like so much.
i wouldnt delete a short one regardless.
three feet is a bit much :)

any other comments about the bands ?

Anonymous said...

thanks for deleting it. was wondering where it came from. clear out of left field.

Anonymous said...

Live music is just like , well, hmmmm... Well, anyway when it is great, it is wonderful and even when it isn't perfect, it is still pretty darned good.

Considering the sound problems, it makes it really almost impossible to put on a stellar performance.

I appreciate all the bands that played and appreciate the free concert. Very good stuff.

Anonymous said...

"I think if someone calls in they HAVE to respond in some manner."

Have them respond in the same way they they do when someone calls in a noise complaint about one of the Arkalalah parades.

It is a prank. They should see it as such.

Anonymous said...

I came to the concert both this year and last year and appreciate it is a FREE event. Seemed like a lot more people. But having duplicate acts like Remedy Drive and Ashley Reynolds was boring for me. There are tons of bands/singers out there...its silly you don't mix things up a bit. I agree with Remdy Drive-two times is enough...and Ashley is pretty and all but in my opinion isn't a great performer although she does love the Lord. Yes the Julie girl was ripped off with the sound.

Myspace has tons of bands/singers listed. If you do it next year I hope you find some new bands.

Traveler Editor said...

Good comments
thats the kind of comments i want to hear.
maybe just having local bands would be fine ?
theres plenty of them.

i want to have Revival next year, they are a local band.
anyone have a thought about that?

Anonymous said...

I vote no. No concert. No Bands. No way. No how!!

Way too loud, it keeps my dogs awake. You must abide by the law, and it was no joke, I did not like the noise so I turned you in.

Traveler Editor said...

it keeps my dogs awake.

Maybe the dogs were groovin ...
did you ask them ?

Anonymous said...

"Maybe the dogs were groovin ...
did you ask them ?"

Good one James.
It has been proven that sometimes dogs are smarter than their owners.
I think it is true in this case.

Seriously, I hope the previous poster was just joking around.

Anonymous said...

Haven't you reflected on the music festival enough yet?

Can't you think of anything else to write about?

Anonymous said...

Pipe down!

he does have a job too you know.

Anonymous said...

I got a new subject; why doesn't the city commission hold an art contest to design the new dog tag. Wouldn't that be exciting.

Then the paper could run print of all the different designs.

Then the blog sites would demand more server space to keep up with all the Arkcitians typing with joy.

Then the commission meetings would have to be held at the Brown Center, in order to hold the overflowing roves of cheering citizens. Many of the over zealous citizens shivering in the crisp evening air, would wait outside, just to catch a glimpse of the commissioners exiting the building.

Traveler Editor said...

sounds good
maybe i can get one of the bands back to entertain the shivering crowd as it waits out side ?

obsession .... :)

Anonymous said...

How about the fact that a couple of the commissioners are saying that if we vote down the sales tax to fund the hospital, then they will just raise property taxes to cover it.

Traveler Editor said...

ive not heard any commissoners say that...

Traveler Editor said...

ive not heard any commissoners say that...

Anonymous said...

Can they do that?

Anonymous said...

Well JJ, I heard it presented by the hospital folks as a possibilty that the city would have to consider if the tax is voted down.
The commisioners I spoke with right after don't want to take that route but didn't deny that its an option.

Sooo, thats not saying they absolutley will, but not saying they won't either.


But you are right, they never said I WILL at the meeting I attended.

outside looking in

Traveler Editor said...

The sales tax is a fair-er tax.
And people not from here, just passing through, help pay it.
Homeowners need to vote for the sales tax.
Property tax keeps going up and there are a lot of people out there not paying it.

Anonymous said...

I agree that sales tax would be the way to go. However, do you believe the city should threaten one or the other? I remember in the beginning that the Mayor was not for the hospital at all. Then, he changed his mind and said put it to the people to vote. Now, someone claims he basically said one way or another it will be built and AC citizens are going to pay for it.

Why the sense of urgency now? What has changed?

Traveler Editor said...

Now, someone claims he basically said one way or another it will be built and AC citizens are going to pay for it.
>>
I plan on asking commissioners monday about that.
the sense of urgency is just that the costs keep going up, and that the current facility is getting worse.