The Blues of the Local Blues

Subject: The Blues of the Local Blues
From: Melody Lee Joyce
Date: 04 Aug 99 - 02:51 AM

I was just surfing along, and stumbled into this message thing. Actually, I was looking for ANYTHING that had to do with "Blues." Imagine your surprise when you find that I've ended up here! (That was for my benefit, not yours.)
To continue...though I've always had a fondness for Blues, I find myself, now, in a situation where Blues has become my life. All in all, it's cool. However, I am residing in OKC, OK.
For those of you who believe that good music conquers all, let me fill you in on the basics of life. To the "ear," Blues is great. To the club owner in OKC, OK, Blues is not commercial enough. (Please, don't ask who, or what, determines commercialism. I cannot answer that.)
In this burg, getting $100 for a 4 man gig is like pulling teeth. (Y'all who are musicians can relate, I think.) Well, perhaps, I paint too dour a picture. The truth is, $50 a member is asking for the world on a string. (And, that string is tight, at least here in OKC.)
I am trying to manage, what is to me, the best Blues bad in OKC. You know what I get? ..."Hey, we can pay you with tips and beer." ..."Hey, we can pay you with the door."... (and the best:) "It's a benefit."
Now, I may be wrong. Perhaps, some others may have the money to promote themselves. I do not. Nor does my band.
However, seems to me, if you, as a bar owner, promote yourself as a Blues club, then you should have Blues music. Serious Blues. Blues that makes you FEEL.
Again...to continue...I was just surfing. Found this place. Seemed like a good place to vent.
In case anyone is interested...this really is a good band. Hope you can check it out:
Schedule
Magic Mike
and his band
The Wild Blues Yonder

For bookings call: 405-715-3097
Also see our schedule at: www.liveblues.com/band/magic




Sun. Afternoon Aug. 1, 2:00 till 5:00
Homes America, 3 mi. S. of Norman on I-35 Exit #104, 405-288-6842

Thurs. Evening Aug. 5, 9:00 till Close
Danny's Blues Saloon, 2525 NW 10th, OKC, 405-390-9951

Sat. Evening Aug. 7, 9:00 till Close
Galileo's, 3009 Paseo, OKC, 405-415-STAR

Sun. Afternoon Aug. 8, Begins at 3:00
International Blues Contest, (Come Show Your Support For Us!)
Stroker's, 303 NW 62nd, OKC, 405-858-8484

Sat. Evening Aug. 14, 9:00 till Close
The Blue Note, 2408 N. Robinson, OKC, 405-557-1705

Thurs. Evening Aug. 19, 9:00 till Close
Danny's Blues Saloon, 2525 NW 10th, OKC, 405-521-1290

Fri. Evening Aug. 20, 9:00 till Close
Stroker's. 303 NW 62nd, OKC, 405-858-8484

Also Appearing At All OU Football Home Games:
Sept. 11, 6:30 pm; Sept. 18, 11:30 am; Oct. 23, 2:00 pm;
Nov. 6, 2:00 pm; Nov. 27, 2:00 pm (In front of Sooner
Superette at Jenkins & Lindsey in Norman)
See Ya There!


P.S. I'm not too good at this comp thing...hope all turns out well. If not, contact me at:
[e-mail]
I may be crazy, but at least I try.

Subject: RE: The Blues of the Local Blues
From: ddw in windsor
Date: 04 Aug 99 - 11:37 PM

Hi MLJ --

Just read your post and was saddened -- not only by your plight and that of countless others struggling to make a go of the music business, but to hear such a damning report on OKC. I have some great memories of that town back in the early and mid 1960s when I was stationed at Tinker and spent a lot of time at the now-defunct Buddhi and Sword and Stone. Heard great blues acts in both, with the highlight being a whole weekend of listening to Mance Lipscombe at the S&S. I even have about three hours of live recording I did there.

From the name of the band, I wondered if the members are also at Tinker -- mostly because of the play on "wild blue yonder," which is always associated with air force.

Sorry I can't offer you any real support -- like turning out to hear the group -- but tho't I'd jump in and say hi and encourage you and yours to keep at it. I've been a blues fan since the 1950s and I know how few we are, but even if most don't know it, just the music makes it worthwhile.

cheers,

ddw