“Not worth my time!” How many times in the past I have uttered these words pertaining to gigs, where I will consent to
play, and under what circumstance. A problem that I still encounter, along with many of my peers, are venues that expect
you to play for free. “Photo Op”, “Free Publicity”…etc. Under only rare circumstances would I suggest you consent to do
these gigs. I will not. Examine your talent. How many years have you refined your art and how cheaply would you be
willing to give it away? High-end clubs who pay the dishwasher and busboy for their labor, think nothing of asking people
to play for nothing. One thing I will say, however, is give yourself a brutal assessment of your talents, act, and box office
potential and plan from there. Nothing worth anything is given away for free, but no one is going to offer you appreciable
money for a crappy act either. Behave like a pro at all times. I have seen ignominious humiliation at shows as a result of
intolerable behavior. Once you know what you want out of your career, do not cheapen it associating with fools. If you
are using illegal narcotics, get off of them now. Lose anyone who hinders your ascent to the top. You never know who is
sitting in the audience, even at the seemingly most insignificant gig. Play every show like you are at Madison Square
Garden, and your attitude and drive will influence the people you encounter. Leave your boyfriend/girlfriend who instigate
trouble publically far away from your show. People get into this game for many reasons. If you strictly are looking for sex
and drugs, you will find them easily—but you will “flame out” fast and never amount to anything. If you don’t care, keep
it up. Focus, network, build community, give 200% onstage and off, and you will make forward-moving progress. There
is no way you cannot. It is all, ultimately, up to you.
***
Saturday, June 7th, 2014, the patrons and staff of THE BARBERTON GALLERY OF FINE ARTS had a special guest
speaker. ION Indie Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief KIKI PLESHA addressed the enthusiastic crowd, sharing the benefit of
her knowledge about music journalism. The occasion also happened to be Kiki’s birthday—and all in attendance
serenaded her with a chorus of “Happy Birthday”! Patrons were able to view ION Indie Magazine’s Inaugural Issue layout
at a newly-designed kiosk that will be on display at the gallery for every show--with artwork and content from each new
issue on hand for patrons to enjoy. As Executive Director, I am honored to have Kiki Plesha on our Advisory Board and
appreciate her wise counsel. Other noteworthy and valued Board Members include: NYU Poet Laureate YUYUTSU
SHARMA, R&P MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Managing Director FELIX HUANG, DEBORD ANNUAL HALLOWEEN
FESTIVAL CEO CLAUD DEBORD, Artist-in-Residence JEN PEZZO and “Tales Unlimited” author MARCUS CALVERT.