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Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!)
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Subject: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 17 Jul 99 - 10:36 AM I really do! I direct a women's chorus, we usually have very respectable crowds (200-400) for our 2 concerts each spring and fall, charging under $10 for a pleasant, a cappella, feel-good folk-ish program. Imagine my delight a few months ago when the local big-time theater asked us to be a part of their "Summer Sizzlers" series, along with Joan Armatrading, Jonathan Edwards/Vance Gilbert/Lisa McCormick, and Three Dog Night. We've been working hard, I took no summer job since this was to be a paying gig- and yesterday, one week before the concert, the theater board cancelled the concert due to low ticket sales!!! They were expecitng 600 people to pay twice the usual price in the middle of July, which wasn't altogether reasonable, I guess. I'm being mostly philosophical, realizing that it just isn't our sort of venue- we're usually in a more intimate setting of a church, and we really prefer to be in control of our own pr, etc. So, here I am, having given a huge amount of energy to this, looking forward to having some "open sings" instead of rehearsals, but still feeling bummed and poor! So I'm asking for hugs, fuzzies, and maybe also your stories about cancellations, rejections, and other hard knocks. Thanks! Allison |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Barbara Date: 17 Jul 99 - 11:00 AM Aww Allison, that just sucks! I hate that approach to life where people don't matter, and just money does. Can you use the material you prepared and schedule a summer concert at one of your regular venues? Can you write a letter of protest to the local paper? I don't think these folks should be allowed to get away with that. Cyber hugs and blessings, coming your way. Barbara |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Art Thieme Date: 17 Jul 99 - 11:48 AM Alison, In a month it won't be nothin' but a blip on your screen that might've been a UFO! I'll never forget takin' a gig in Stone City, Iowa and nobody came. (It was a percentage of the door gig too.) I was depressed and ready to quit musi---all the way to the next gig at the festival in Winfield, Kansas. In Winfield, doin' a show-workshop-songswap with Tom Chapin and John McCutcheon (with 5,000 people stretched before us on the ground) I forgot all about Stone City---until now. (Of course, it was John & Tom's draw that made it happen, but as Richard Nixon once said, "I'll take all of the responsibility, but none of the blame.") Live & learn & head to the next gig. Here's the hug---with a little feel. ;-) ***BIG SMILE*** Art Thieme |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Big Mick Date: 17 Jul 99 - 12:02 PM And here is a Big Mick hug to help you along the way. We have all had these times. Mick |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: WyoWoman Date: 17 Jul 99 - 12:03 PM (((())))) ((((())))) ((((())))) NOW...post-wuzzums: If t'were me, I'd get a venue right fast that was more consistent with what works with the group. I'd set a date, print up some flyers, make up a brief press release saying what happened, make friends with some local reporter or editor and get him/her interested in the idea and put on my own darned show. If you make the gig a benefit for some charity you care about, you can share the money with them and get free advertising (if you're in the U.S. and you do this for a non-profit, you can get free Public Service Announcements on the television and radio if you're doing it for a not for profit organization). AND THE SHOW CAN GO ON!!! All this falls under the umbrella of my profession, and I"d be more than happy to help you get this figured out and to work with you on press material if you want. If you do, just email me and we can get set up to talk about it either through email or over the phone. Non corborundum mundum illigitimi, Babe! (Which I may have screwed up, spelling-wise, but which means something in the neighborhood of "Don't let the bastards get you down!" WW (She Who Is Queen of Bouncing Back) |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Joe Offer Date: 17 Jul 99 - 12:07 PM Aw, Allison, that's crummy. Now that you've got everything worked up, I hope you can find somewhere to do your music in a more intimate venue. I didn't know you directed a chorus - that's cool! I hope something good comes of this. You sure are good to us here, so you deserve to have good things happen to you. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Night Owl Date: 17 Jul 99 - 12:23 PM WW...I think you're really NEAT!!!!! Animaterra...((((((((((((((((HUG)))))))))))))))))))))))) How about you give yourself the weekend to be sad, mad and regain footing.......then first thing Mon. am contact WW. I'm sure if she wasn't serious about the offer...she wouldn't have taken the time to post. DO IT....thought...pick a non-profit that helps victims. :o) Might help you know that on the road from birth to death, this is just a hiccup. (And all the rehearsal time wasn't "wasted" was it?) |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Rick Fielding Date: 17 Jul 99 - 12:30 PM Allison. I been there a few times. It will pass, as Art says. Big hug from Canada. Now how about a "back bacon on a bun"? rick |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: WyoWoman Date: 17 Jul 99 - 12:38 PM Allison-- Yup, I do agree with Night Owl that you have to give yourself a little time to feel the pain and just be bummed about it. But then, get back on the horse that bucked ya', as they say here. You have to "get Western with it," as they also say here (there are many, many Western U.S. ways to say "get tough," but I haven't heard of ANY to say how to get tender...) And I was absolutely serious about helping you with your public relations. I'm a master. (There are only a couple of things in life I can say that about, but this just happens to be one.) WW |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: DougR Date: 17 Jul 99 - 01:54 PM Allison: A very tough break, but I think WyoWoman has the right idea. You and the chorus have put in all that rehearsal time. See if you can turn this bad luck into a good thing. Schedule the performance at a smaller venue and reduce the price. Sharing proceeds with a nonprofit is an excellent idea and, as she said, ensure good publicity for the event. DougR |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Lesley N. Date: 17 Jul 99 - 02:07 PM Sorry Allison... what a bummer. But as a woman who's had much crap dished out (is crap dished out?) in her life, I've come to believe that something good generally comes of it. Part of the trick is focusing on the good (you and the chorus worked hard and no doubt both polished your performance and had a lot of fun) and the other part is finding alternative good to what was expected! I agree with everyone here. It would be a terrible shame not to perform when you've all put so much time and effort into it. By all means find a venue for it. Then tape it and auction it at the Cat!
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Dave Swan Date: 17 Jul 99 - 02:10 PM Allison, So sorry about the bad break. All dressed up and no place to sing. I've been there a couple of times and it's just no fun. Here's me agreeing with the folks who encourage you to find a place to sing and go ahead with the program. If I lived within striking distance I'd buy a bunch of tickets. Be of good cheer, Dave |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: katlaughing Date: 17 Jul 99 - 02:18 PM Hi, Allison, I've seen what WW can do...take her up on it! I'e also got a few years experience at promotion with my bro's music & the ad agency I had back in Noho. Anything I can do to help just holler. One thing I have to say, from experience, IF you ever agree to that type of thing , again, and IF you didn't have one already, get a written contract with a clause about cancellation and recompense. It doesn't have to be fancy. Just something that says, if it gets cancelled, they agree to compensate you & your group a certain amt. We did that after something similiar happened and I now it sounds kinda hard assed, but if you passed up a summer job to prepare, I think you deserve to be treated professioally and compensated. There is a fine line between being too much of a hard-nosed businessperson and a kindly phoaky. I am sure you have the ability to walk it and I KNOW your group is very professional as are you, so there ya have it. Oh, and here is another Great Big Hug from Way Out West, where we're really not all that tough, we just talk that way, and well, if we stay out in the sun and wind too much, we wind up looking that way, too, kinda the boiled leather look, ya know?**BG**Love ya, katlaughing |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: The Shambles Date: 17 Jul 99 - 02:27 PM Will a bar of chocolate help? |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: catspaw49 Date: 17 Jul 99 - 02:29 PM Look Al, you know damn well that every 'Catter around would be there if we could. Ain't it a shame this is a cyber village? (Ol' Spaw bein' dead serious about that!) You've gotten some great advice and suggestions. Take WW up on her offer (as opposed to Joe, who hangs out with lighthouses). WyoNot??? Send me the promoters address and I'll be happy to forward them a can of Possum Assholes complete with Serving Suggestions! .......and here's a huge catspaw HUG!!!!!!!!! Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 17 Jul 99 - 03:27 PM Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, garsh, y'all, thanks! I'm feeling better already! WyoWm, I just might take you up on it. We're meeting on Tuesday to decide what to do; much of the program is stuff we've done before, just all polished up and pretty for a new audience (or so we thought). All of our concerts are benefits; this one was to have been our first non-local benefit, for Kosovo refugees. There's some desire to go for it anyway, or we may just wait until the fall and do an all-new program with that in mind. Anyway, you are all the greatest! I feel I need to hold my head high & be strong for my group right now, but I just knew there'd be some shoulders to weep on and a lot of warm, wonderful (eek! Art, that tickles!!) hugs. Loads of love, Allison |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: bbc visiting in Maine Date: 17 Jul 99 - 04:01 PM Thought of you as we drove through NH. I know hugs from women friends will count w/ you, too, so consider yourself hugged warmly & sympathetically! Hope to see you soon! love, Barbara |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: WyoWoman Date: 17 Jul 99 - 04:13 PM That's the spirit, Allison-two-ells. Please do call on me if you need any assistance. Kat,too. Maybe we can start a cyber-Wyo-public-phoaks-relations phirm. WW |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: gargoyle Date: 17 Jul 99 - 05:03 PM So sorry.
Multiply the feeling 1,200.
Its the same as the Aussys did to the band kids. |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Martin _Ryan Date: 17 Jul 99 - 06:32 PM Alsion Nobody deserves a hug more! Regards |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Helen Date: 17 Jul 99 - 11:50 PM Hi Allison, A big hug from me too. I agree about using the lead up to the performance in a productive way. It's not wasted energy, it just needs to be redirected into something more under your control. Love from Helen P.S. Gargoyle, it doesn't matter how nasty you get I'm never going to take the bait. |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Helen Date: 17 Jul 99 - 11:57 PM In fact, gargoyle, you can have a gi-normous hug too. ((((((((((((((((gargoyle)))))))))))))))))))))))) And what is more, you are surrounded in love & light. Love Helen |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: campfire Date: 18 Jul 99 - 12:25 AM Here in the Midwest, we KNOW how to hug (helps get us thru the winters, if nothing else). So here's another.... ((((((((((((((((BIG HUG))))))))))))))) campfire |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Dan'l (inactive) Date: 18 Jul 99 - 01:14 AM ((((((((((Alison))))))))))))) Everything else has been said. Dan'l |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Lonesome EJ Date: 18 Jul 99 - 02:38 AM Hey, Allison! You keep your chin up. We've all been there.I am sending you some very strong positive waves. Feel em? LEJ |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: McMusic Date: 18 Jul 99 - 03:05 AM Can't add any words to what's already been said. But here's a great big bearhug for you, along with a little tuck under the chin, and an affectionate peck on your tear stained cheek. |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: John in Brisbane Date: 18 Jul 99 - 07:59 AM Alison, It sounds like you've worked really hard. While everyone is hot there are no excuses! Find a semi decent recording engineer with a portable rig and a small , but enthusiastic audience. Record it live and get a CD burned for each member of the group, with some leftovers for Mudactters. I'll buy one! I could give you lots of hugs too, but I'll gladly send the cash. Maybe Joe could put some sound grabs on his excellent site!
Best Wishes
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Ted from Australia Date: 18 Jul 99 - 09:21 AM To Allison. A big (((((((Hug)))))) fron Ted (who is sometimes called Ted Bear) and a box of Tim Tams. Love(and Regards), Ted.. . PS We once had a gig cancelled (same reason)where we we to be support for Fairport Convention. I KNOW how you feel. |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Matthew B visiting in Florida Date: 18 Jul 99 - 09:32 AM Allison, I may not be good for much else, but I'm always good for a hug, anytime you want one. If I listed all the frustraing and humiliating things that have happened to me, I'd overload the Mudcat. Why don't you all just come to NY City and sing with us? |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Jeri Date: 18 Jul 99 - 09:42 AM Here's a hug from not too far away! Jeff Warner's doing a concert tonight at the (is it HMS?) Bounty, which is docked in Portsmouth. (I think it starts at 8, but I'm getting there early.) If you feel like driving that far, c'mon over and get your hug in person! |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Matthew B visiting in Florida Date: 18 Jul 99 - 09:47 AM Looks like Jeri has out-bid me! |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Jeri Date: 18 Jul 99 - 09:55 AM Nah, Matthew - there are never enough invitations! It may be easier to drive in NYC than in Portsmouth during tourist season. You aren't allowed to hit them with cars, and traffic out of the city at the weekend end is nuts. |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Animaterra Date: 18 Jul 99 - 11:47 AM This is just unbelieveable!!! Thank you, thank you all! I feel out of breath from all the hugs and squeezes, and full of tears of joy from all of your wonderful words of encouragement. Bbc, of course women-hugs count- I'm enjoying them all! ((((((((((((((((((((((BACK ATCHA))))))))))))))))))))))))) And thanks again!! Allison |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Jeri Date: 18 Jul 99 - 12:25 PM Oops - in case anyone in the area is interested in the Jeff Warner concert, it starts at 6PM, not 8. You won't get home too late! (And there's a nice breeze coming in from the ocean.) |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Animaterra Date: 18 Jul 99 - 12:29 PM Hmmmmmmm, tempting, but it's a bit too far for me tonight. I may be in the area next weekend tho- keep me posted! |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: MAG (inactive) Date: 18 Jul 99 - 02:19 PM (((((Allison))))) from Walla Walla. Allison, this just has to be the worldbeat thing, and they are supposed to be a professional outfit; cancelling on an oral contract is not kosher. I'll bet Baez, for one, would give them a piece of her mind. and anybody on list who is/was planning to go. --MA |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: bseed(charleskratz) Date: 18 Jul 99 - 03:32 PM Earthspirit--a great big hug (if you'll hug back--I need them too). I hate to agree with Gargoyle, but there is a parallel between your situation and that of the marching bands--who had been promised a world-wide audience (but it is not the fault of the Australian people, Garg). Dashed expectations can be devastating. Good luck on making something wonderful out of your efforts. --seed |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: alison Date: 18 Jul 99 - 10:12 PM Another big hug for (((((Allison))))) from Oz. slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Steve Parkes Date: 19 Jul 99 - 07:52 AM This is what happens when I go away for a few days! Please accept this back-dated cracked rib from me. Steve |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: hank Date: 19 Jul 99 - 08:37 AM *Hug* I've learned at times like this to keep my mouth shut and let my presence do the support. |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Fadac Date: 19 Jul 99 - 10:25 AM ((((( big ole bear hug )))))) That was real rotton of them. It would be real hard for me to work for them next year. (boo hiss)
But I think that WW has a good idea. Can you get some sample music to a local radio staion? Tell your tail, Perhaps a free concert in the Park, (with a big hat.
Let us know how things work out. I think you have a mudcat army at your back.
Go get 'em.
-Fadac |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Susan A-R Date: 19 Jul 99 - 10:07 PM I'm so sorry to hear about this. I hope that you can find a way to put all of that good work out there. I'd be glad to bring some Village Harmony folks down to hear whatever developes. Hmmm, I was going to approach these folks re. a piano concert for my husband next year. Is this a bad idea?? HUG! Susan |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Night Owl Date: 20 Jul 99 - 12:42 AM I remember reading some VERY informative postings a few months ago, about contracts in which Mudcatters shared their experiences and samples of the contracts they had developed to protect themselves. I just did a forum search under "contracts" with no results. I don't remember if this was "thread creep" or its own thread. Anyone else remember it enough to locate it? It had, I felt, really useful, easily done suggestions. |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Roger in Baltimore Date: 20 Jul 99 - 01:40 PM So sorry to be so late, but I was away for a few days. I cannot add to the suggestions already made. You can make lemonade out of this lemon with just a little more work. BIG HUG (((((Allison))))) from Big RiB |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: Animaterra Date: 20 Jul 99 - 01:45 PM I never knew lemonade could taste so sweet! I really love you all! Allison |
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Subject: RE: Allison needs a hug (wuzzums warning!!!) From: bet Date: 21 Jul 99 - 10:51 AM CHOCOLATE and (((((hugs))))) from Colorado. Hope you can find somewhere to perform the already prepared music. That's a real bummer. bet |
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