So this is basically about the music scene here in Broward County, Florida. Why the music scene? I guess I wanted to write about the non-existence or the so called music scene here. I also believe that this is happening everywhere and just not here.I moved up here from Key West, aka Cayo Hueso, in 2005, thinking that things would be going good here. As a harmonica player it's hard to find a paying gig to begin with...even in Key West. Sure, I sat in plenty down there with different folks and always had a good time. When I finally moved up here I found some folks I could sit in with. First was the band led by Jimi Rucollo that plays on Hollywood Beach at O'Mally's. These guys are great! Jimi is a fantastic guitar player and I know his brother Marty well through my job. However, after a few times I was not invited back again. I think it's because I showed up one night (in my early stages of trying out effects) with a Behringer VAmp2 which went over like a fart in a closet (now I have some nice effects on a pedal board which kick butt!). Hey, if you read this Jimi...PLEASE give me a call back?
Then there was the stint with the guys at the Coconut Creek Tap House Thursday night Jam. I guess I was part of the host band (as I refuse to go to jams) but that was a non-paying gig as well...which there are plenty of those around town. However, that "great idea" went away as well and like I said, I don't go to the local jams because to set up your rig only to play for 3 songs is not something that I enjoy doing. I did it for years and got tired of showing up at 9:00, only to play 3 songs at 1:00 a.m. Hey, what's wrong with that picture?
A while back I met this guy (I'll just call him Space Hippie) who eventually met this other guy (Kevin) and after jamming with them (for no money) here and there, and then refusing to play for no money they eventually landed a paying gig and wanted to add "more" to their act. So now here we are, a very good 3 piece trio (sometimes a 4 piece)called The Po Boys.
We play mostly folk/rock and American roots with some southern rock and blues thrown in and like I said, we're good at it. We all sing and harmonize well together. Hey, something you'd want for your party or at your establishment! However, the problem is...no gigs! No one is hiring or willing to pay in this damn town and it really sucks. And the guys that are making it doing what we're doing have backing tracks. Sure they sound good but...
So after it's all done and said, we have one (1), yes 1 place to play. They love us, and we love it there. but we would still like to play more and I've called "all those places where we would do so well at" but I've heard nothing back. Go figure. So sure, there is a "music scene" here, there just aren't that many paying gigs. It's south Florida and blah blah, blah, blah blah! I could go on but you get the point.
Guess I need to make some phone calls...again!
Then there was the stint with the guys at the Coconut Creek Tap House Thursday night Jam. I guess I was part of the host band (as I refuse to go to jams) but that was a non-paying gig as well...which there are plenty of those around town. However, that "great idea" went away as well and like I said, I don't go to the local jams because to set up your rig only to play for 3 songs is not something that I enjoy doing. I did it for years and got tired of showing up at 9:00, only to play 3 songs at 1:00 a.m. Hey, what's wrong with that picture?
A while back I met this guy (I'll just call him Space Hippie) who eventually met this other guy (Kevin) and after jamming with them (for no money) here and there, and then refusing to play for no money they eventually landed a paying gig and wanted to add "more" to their act. So now here we are, a very good 3 piece trio (sometimes a 4 piece)called The Po Boys.
We play mostly folk/rock and American roots with some southern rock and blues thrown in and like I said, we're good at it. We all sing and harmonize well together. Hey, something you'd want for your party or at your establishment! However, the problem is...no gigs! No one is hiring or willing to pay in this damn town and it really sucks. And the guys that are making it doing what we're doing have backing tracks. Sure they sound good but...So after it's all done and said, we have one (1), yes 1 place to play. They love us, and we love it there. but we would still like to play more and I've called "all those places where we would do so well at" but I've heard nothing back. Go figure. So sure, there is a "music scene" here, there just aren't that many paying gigs. It's south Florida and blah blah, blah, blah blah! I could go on but you get the point.
Guess I need to make some phone calls...again!
2 comments:
Good Evening to you!
I was just reading through your blog and I was thoroughly connected to it. I really don't have an aspiration in the music industry, however. I do like to play guitar with a buddy of mine. Blues, classic rock, and folk is what we are all about!
Well, its good to see someone out there as real as someone could be! OH and Pikes Peak is a pretty good site, you should also try boarding down the dunes at Sand Dune National Monument, CO!
Peace man,
Drew
Thanks Drew! The sand dunes sound like a good time, but I think I'd fail horribly at something like that. But if I was there, I'd try it!
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