At The Clubs Live Entertainment G.T.A. Night Scene

With winter lasting longer and being more severe than in recent past years, it's been an opportunity for entertainers to try to lure people out into the cold, and along with that, into the clubs and restaurants that go along with them.

So many clubs / pubs these days seem to be trying to create that one night featuring live entertainment but they also seem over reliant on the bands or promoters to bring all the people. Whatever happened to old fashioned in-house promotion and hospitality to bring people back? What happened to having a bar of regular patrons who come anyway knowing you consistently have something, and the staff were friendly and welcoming and informative? Or do you actually alienate your "regulars' or potentials when you hold certain live events by not including them?

I'll tell you what happened it's called consistency and laziness.

One place recently that asked me to create something on an off night as an example. I agreed, however I told the owner that certain things would have to be in place for it to work, that it would not happen overnight and that they would have to be consistent and then it would work as it was not a new concept.

 "No problem", he said, "just tell me what you need - and oh, there's no budget by the way".

First off the staff were not behind it - strike one. Every time I dropped in to talk about it I got static from the manager and the staff laughed at me for suggesting a meeting to explain everything claiming they'd never had one, thus no pre promotions happened with their "regulars" to encourage mor attendance.

Secondly, they did not provide free anything food-wise as discussed, nor invite liquor reps to participate as  requested for tastings and demos, and thirdly, on the night of the event, the owner, who's idea it was, was not present, so staff were still questioning where it would be held and mentioning "regulars" won't approve etc. They were to also provide dance music sound with dance lights which they didn't when the time came. One waitress actually told me she'd never been to a dance bar so wasn't sure what atmosphere I meant for dancing. Yet told me she'd been in the business 30 years - and never been to a dance bar?  That's all I remember us having! Lol.

Yea. That won't happen twice.

Another place, which won't even guarantee a full band more than $200, and which cancelled our scheduled Hip Hop show because suddenly, " He's not sure...?" then expected me to find, in a few short weeks, a suitable replacement rock band act. On top of that, he'll expect them to bring a crowd etc and me to promote the hell out of it and provide posters again at my cost? For what? last time out he claimed sales( pays a percentage) amounting to a payout of less than $150! Ha. Thus adding the minimum $200 clause by moi for future endeavours with them should I CHOOSE.

Big Chris Promos Upcoming Bands in-house

One dining establishment I frequent has weekend entertainment and has a features board to show off pics and info on entertainers they feature. It always sits empty at the entrance to the place. I told them about it last time in, yet they'll blame you if you don't pack their place. Ha. Sorry, but everyone plays a role and not all acts can bring family and friends to every show!

We'll see...these owners need realize there is some ownership in attendance to them, as well that there needs be a guaranteed cost to the performers / entertainment / promoters, and only then will they attract a consistent base of performers and promoters willing to chance their time on them. Even then, to succeed, they will expect that in-house the events and attractions / entertainment are supported and advertised because only then will it work long term for them. It takes a team to win any game and the biggest team wins, so when staff, management, promoters, entertainment are all working together, there's little chance for tried and true event / theme nights not to work.

No Cutting Corners...just wings!

Chick n Deli, formerly on Mount Pleasant S of Eglinton in Toronto, had live entertainment for 30 years, consistently every weekend, and had pretty darn good chicken - affordable - and did not rely on tricks or promotions or others - they just put up, consistently and then people came, gradually building. Ladies danced their faces off and men flocked, and with that, upgraded the caliber of entertainment. And that my friends is how it is done. I think Big Chris BBQ might be heading down that path.Good on them!

At The Clubs APRIL UPCOMING ENTERTAINMENT

Newmarket's Stellar Hall the next stop!

Speaking of promotions and events, there are some upcoming that are very cool to say the least, including Big Chris BBQ's succulent weekend entertainment line up to match their food including returning fave of mine Crooked Zebras
...and as well as the touring Talent Search by Capture Films and Arthur Jr Music with endorsing Canadian Idol Farley Flex judging which is crossing Ontario with an upcoming April 18 stop in Newmarket at Stellar Hall & Event Centre showcasing bands, hip hop acts and comedy talent!

Speaking of comedy Big Daddy's Newmarket are also sporting Wed night Open Mic Comedy Nights something I've oft said is missing around here and - if they stick to it and maybe throw an ad in the paper for the guy and promote it should work! I know the host comedian Craig Mclachlan personally and has performed for me in shows in the past and is known as Canada's marijuana comic as well - "as seen on tv "!
Ha ..So go check it out!

TP Out!