MR Fest II , Location Location Location

[Andrew]

There had been some comments thrown around during the last MR.com fest....that had it been held in NYC or LA, it would have been more successful. I'm inclined to concur with such sentiment...

Just sayin.

Interesting Frank. I love LA and know it well, but transportation issues there would be a nightmare, not to mention the intimidating feel the city has to some...and the fast many residents there just don't care what's happening in their own backyard (as they see it all almost every other day anyway).

Chicago has a strong musical heritage and a good reputation for attendences. The last show wasn't in Chicago, so from what I heard/saw, there wasn't many that travelled from that city to South Bend. 90% of those in house all travelled (and I love you all for it - thanks!).

Mix that and a better local turn out for a Chicago city gig and things should go fine.

[Andrew]

I just thought South Bend was a fucking awful location regardless....if you were going to do an event in a suburb of a major city, a 1 hour train ride out....NYC or LA was a far better choice, IMHO.

perhaps, but you cannot under value the help that venue gave to me in getting the show done. AMAZING! And what a venue!!

[bluejeangirl76]

There had been some comments thrown around during the last MR.com fest....that had it been held in NYC or LA, it would have been more successful. I'm inclined to concur with such sentiment...

Just sayin.

Interesting Frank. I love LA and know it well, but transportation issues there would be a nightmare, not to mention the intimidating feel the city has to some...and the fast many residents there just don't care what's happening in their own backyard (as they see it all almost every other day anyway).

Chicago has a strong musical heritage and a good reputation for attendences. The last show wasn't in Chicago, so from what I heard/saw, there wasn't many that travelled from that city to South Bend. 90% of those in house all travelled (and I love you all for it - thanks!).

Mix that and a better local turn out for a Chicago city gig and things should go fine.

Esp. if 7th Heaven plays again... they pack John Barleycorn to the tune of about 1000 people just on their own. MRFest would be epic with 7th plus the rest of the lineup. In fact, last winter at Barleycorn at a 7th show, I saw people in MR tshirts!

[Saint John]

There had been some comments thrown around during the last MR.com fest....that had it been held in NYC or LA, it would have been more successful. I'm inclined to concur with such sentiment...

Just sayin.

Interesting Frank. I love LA and know it well, but transportation issues there would be a nightmare, not to mention the intimidating feel the city has to some...and the fast many residents there just don't care what's happening in their own backyard (as they see it all almost every other day anyway).

Chicago has a strong musical heritage and a good reputation for attendences. The last show wasn't in Chicago, so from what I heard/saw, there wasn't many that travelled from that city to South Bend. 90% of those in house all travelled (and I love you all for it - thanks!).

Mix that and a better local turn out for a Chicago city gig and things should go fine.

Esp. if 7th Heaven plays again... they pack John Barleycorn to the tune of about 1000 people just on their own. MRFest would be epic with 7th plus the rest of the lineup. In fact, last winter at Barleycorn at a 7th show, I saw people in MR tshirts!

7th Heaven has an incredibly faithful following. If they play MR Fest II in Chicago that would be pretty cool. They'll have more fans than anyone and with the proper promotion Andrew should be able to draw 2,000 people without any problem.

[kgdjpubs]

I still shake my head when people think that because chicago is sorta in the middle of the country, that it's convenient for everyone. The fact of the matter is that with the exception of chicago residents, it was convenient for no one.


Alot of this should be centered around what artists can show up.....ease of transportation, accomodations, venue...etc...


I still think suberbs of NY is a PRIME location...as is the LA area. they are transportation hubs, even more so than Chcago is. You can get a plane to NYC alot cheaper, at all times of the year/day to NYC than you can to Chicago...that's a fact. Consider that in the calculations of where to fucking hold this fucking thing, fuckers!

There had been some comments thrown around during the last MR.com fest....that had it been held in NYC or LA, it would have been more successful. I'm inclined to concur with such sentiment...

Just sayin.

I think Atlanta would be about the same, with cheaper hotels and less traffic. Not sure about the venues, but it's a MAJOR transportation hub. You get the population base, nightlife, and the benefits of NY or LA without as many of the negatives.

[Andrew]

I still shake my head when people think that because chicago is sorta in the middle of the country, that it's convenient for everyone. The fact of the matter is that with the exception of chicago residents, it was convenient for no one.


Alot of this should be centered around what artists can show up.....ease of transportation, accomodations, venue...etc...


I still think suberbs of NY is a PRIME location...as is the LA area. they are transportation hubs, even more so than Chcago is. You can get a plane to NYC alot cheaper, at all times of the year/day to NYC than you can to Chicago...that's a fact. Consider that in the calculations of where to fucking hold this fucking thing, fuckers!

There had been some comments thrown around during the last MR.com fest....that had it been held in NYC or LA, it would have been more successful. I'm inclined to concur with such sentiment...

Just sayin.

I think Atlanta would be about the same, with cheaper hotels and less traffic. Not sure about the venues, but it's a MAJOR transportation hub. You get the population base, nightlife, and the benefits of NY or LA without as many of the negatives.

It will be Chicago area 95%. Maybe NY (3%), maybe LA (2%)....nowhere else.

[Lula]

It will be Chicago area 95%. Maybe NY (3%), maybe LA (2%)....nowhere else.

so chicago then?

[Jana]

I still shake my head when people think that because chicago is sorta in the middle of the country, that it's convenient for everyone. The fact of the matter is that with the exception of chicago residents, it was convenient for no one.


Alot of this should be centered around what artists can show up.....ease of transportation, accomodations, venue...etc...


I still think suberbs of NY is a PRIME location...as is the LA area. they are transportation hubs, even more so than Chcago is. You can get a plane to NYC alot cheaper, at all times of the year/day to NYC than you can to Chicago...that's a fact. Consider that in the calculations of where to fucking hold this fucking thing, fuckers!

There had been some comments thrown around during the last MR.com fest....that had it been held in NYC or LA, it would have been more successful. I'm inclined to concur with such sentiment...

Just sayin.

I think Atlanta would be about the same, with cheaper hotels and less traffic. Not sure about the venues, but it's a MAJOR transportation hub. You get the population base, nightlife, and the benefits of NY or LA without as many of the negatives.

Atlanta would be a fantastic place for it.

[Moon Beam]

It will be Chicago area 95%

If this will be where it is Wombat let me know if I can contribute in any way.

[cyndy!]

It will be Chicago area 95%. Maybe NY (3%), maybe LA (2%)....nowhere else.

face down in chicago. one too many syllables, but still has a nice ring to it.

[bluejeangirl76]

It will be Chicago area 95%. Maybe NY (3%), maybe LA (2%)....nowhere else.

face down in chicago. one too many syllables, but still has a nice ring to it.

There's no better place to be face down. my kind of town.

[strangegrey]

Cant wait to down all the Beck's with ya

I corrected your statement for you!

[strangegrey]

I just thought South Bend was a fucking awful location regardless....if you were going to do an event in a suburb of a major city, a 1 hour train ride out....NYC or LA was a far better choice, IMHO.

perhaps, but you cannot under value the help that venue gave to me in getting the show done. AMAZING! And what a venue!!

Oh, Of COURSE not...And please don't think that i'm second guessing your decission to go to SB. I can't rightly comment on the logisitcal benefits of SB as a location as I didn't see MR fest play out.


And I do realize that most of the artists that you had at SB, were chicago natives or had ties to chicago, so it makes sense.

Honestly, in my opinion, the best option is a town outside of a major city with the ability to handle major car traffic into the city...PLUS the ability for people to get to it from public transportation fed from an airport. That rules out Long Island (from the NYC angle, almost immediately)...and forces this to go into Jersey or Wastechester....if you were picking NYC.

Perhaps, considering what i said....Chicago/South Bend is the way to go.


The one thing to consider, strongly, is the idea of building up momentum. The guys that do Nearfest started out in the Trenton area with a small venue...and built up not only the show itself, but the 'going to trenton' thing.

Perhaps South Bend *is* the right place for this sorta thing...and should be built up into it, for reoccuring shows...


WTF do I know. Im an expert on beer consumption, being a douchebucket, and some forms of accounting. beyond that, I talk alot a shit....

[Behshad]

Cant wait to down all the Beck's with ya

I corrected your statement for you!

We gotta have some Carlsberg too !!!!

[Andrew]

Perhaps South Bend *is* the right place for this sorta thing...and should be built up into it, for reoccuring shows.....

Definitely need momentum, but a shift to Chicago keeps it within the region, but still connected. Won't do another in South Bend as the logistics of flying bands into Chicago and getting them to SB cost me an extra $2k.

[hoagiepete]

In all due respect Mr. Wombat, your selection process could have used a little help.

In my humble opinion, a slightly more formal process could have been administered where you would have allowed cities to submit proposals, outlining the venues, hotels, bars, restaurants, air service, union work rules, history (attendance), rates, comps and any other benefits that could be had from using their location.

You could then narrow it down to a select number of finalists, conduct interviews, and then have a big announcement. I know this sounds like the International Olympics Committee, which would mean Chicago would be screwed, with or without Pres. Obama, but seriously, we do it all the time for conventions and trade shows we put on.

The proposals and presentations could be made by your faithful readers. It would be an informative and entertaining process, that is for sure. Your legion of followers have proven to be creative and I am sure they could put together some awesome presentations (Powerpoints could be easily viewed by all).

While being entertaining, you'd essentially have garnered a staff of event planners helping you plan your event. You never know...you might find a deal you can't refuse!

The build up leading to the final selection would be huge, which in the end would be promoting your show, albeit much of this is being accomplished with this thread.

Just a thought.

[bluejeangirl76]

In all due respect Mr. Wombat, your selection process could have used a little help.

In my humble opinion, a slightly more formal process could have been administered where you would have allowed cities to submit proposals, outlining the venues, hotels, bars, restaurants, air service, union work rules, history (attendance), rates, comps and any other benefits that could be had from using their location.

You could then narrow it down to a select number of finalists, conduct interviews, and then have a big announcement. I know this sounds like the International Olympics Committee, which would mean Chicago would be screwed, with or without Pres. Obama, but seriously, we do it all the time for conventions and trade shows we put on.

The proposals and presentations could be made by your faithful readers.

Um. This is completely tongue-in-cheek, right?

[Don Wishon]

There had been some comments thrown around during the last MR.com fest....that had it been held in NYC or LA, it would have been more successful. I'm inclined to concur with such sentiment...

Just sayin.

Interesting Frank. I love LA and know it well, but transportation issues there would be a nightmare, not to mention the intimidating feel the city has to some...and the fast many residents there just don't care what's happening in their own backyard (as they see it all almost every other day anyway).

Chicago has a strong musical heritage and a good reputation for attendences. The last show wasn't in Chicago, so from what I heard/saw, there wasn't many that travelled from that city to South Bend. 90% of those in house all travelled (and I love you all for it - thanks!).

Mix that and a better local turn out for a Chicago city gig and things should go fine.

Esp. if 7th Heaven plays again... they pack John Barleycorn to the tune of about 1000 people just on their own. MRFest would be epic with 7th plus the rest of the lineup. In fact, last winter at Barleycorn at a 7th show, I saw people in MR tshirts!

7th Heaven has an incredibly faithful following. If they play MR Fest II in Chicago that would be pretty cool. They'll have more fans than anyone and with the proper promotion Andrew should be able to draw 2,000 people without any problem.

...and Shooting Star has a nice strong following in Chicago. SS Maniacs from St. Louis, Cincy, Indy, Detroit would make the trip as well.

[Behshad]

In all due respect Mr. Wombat, your selection process could have used a little help.

In my humble opinion, a slightly more formal process could have been administered where you would have allowed cities to submit proposals, outlining the venues, hotels, bars, restaurants, air service, union work rules, history (attendance), rates, comps and any other benefits that could be had from using their location.

You could then narrow it down to a select number of finalists, conduct interviews, and then have a big announcement. I know this sounds like the International Olympics Committee, which would mean Chicago would be screwed, with or without Pres. Obama, but seriously, we do it all the time for conventions and trade shows we put on.

The proposals and presentations could be made by your faithful readers. It would be an informative and entertaining process, that is for sure. Your legion of followers have proven to be creative and I am sure they could put together some awesome presentations (Powerpoints could be easily viewed by all).

While being entertaining, you'd essentially have garnered a staff of event planners helping you plan your event. You never know...you might find a deal you can't refuse!

The build up leading to the final selection would be huge, which in the end would be promoting your show, albeit much of this is being accomplished with this thread.

Just a thought.

With all due respect
I am sure the Wombat wouldve taken all your fine suggestions above, if he was planning for the 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES But face it,,, this is MR..... He couldve held it in either of the Big three cities (Chi,La,NY) and the outcome wouldve come pretty close, with the exception of LA being a bit more expensive for everyone involved.


Drew has done his research and has learned a lot from MR Fest I . Thats why I think Chicago will be a great and successfull event, opening the road for more experiences learned for many more MR FESTS to come

[Ehwmatt]

Not to mention Chicago is the birthplace of many of the most popular bands of the genre... it's just "right."

[Arkansas]

What about Memphis? It's just as 'central' as Chicago. Great party town too, Beale Street, etc., with an awesome musical heritage. Try the Minglewood. https://www.minglewoodhall.com/



later~

[bluejeangirl76]

With all due respect
I am sure the Wombat wouldve taken all your fine suggestions above, if he was planning for the 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES But face it,,, this is MR..... He couldve held it in either of the Big three cities (Chi,La,NY) and the outcome wouldve come pretty close, with the exception of LA being a bit more expensive for everyone involved.

Right. Thus my prior reply. Proposals?

No. In this case, that's backwards. Andrew is capable of selecting a location that will work in terms of band logistics, venue, etc. The rest of it, the bars, restaurants and accomodations (an area in which I have offered assistance, being in the business and all) can all be worked out during and after the fact.

Air service? I think the 'Bat already has that handled by choosing potential locations that are major hubs, no? You can't get much more accomodating in terms of travel than LA, NY or Chi. In all three cases, you can pretty much get there without too much chaos.

As far as readers doubling as event planners - that's just too many irons in the fire. Those that honestly have something to offer to the process can (and some already have) send a PM to Andrew and he can decide if it's something he's interested in discussing. He knows what he's doing in terms of all the hard stuff - the talent, venue, marketing, etc... if he's got things that need looking into locally or advice on something from the natives (assuming Chicago goes from 95% to 100%) - lord knows there are a ton of us on the board who live in or near this city and can work with him on whatever needs doing that can't be done via phone or email. Plus, as Andrew has said before, he's very familiar with the area. While not an easy process to put together, it isn't rocket science either.

[S2M]

With all due respect
I am sure the Wombat wouldve taken all your fine suggestions above, if he was planning for the 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES But face it,,, this is MR..... He couldve held it in either of the Big three cities (Chi,La,NY) and the outcome wouldve come pretty close, with the exception of LA being a bit more expensive for everyone involved.

Right. Thus my prior reply. Proposals?

No. In this case, that's backwards. Andrew is capable of selecting a location that will work in terms of band logistics, venue, etc. The rest of it, the bars, restaurants and accomodations (an area in which I have offered assistance, being in the business and all) can all be worked out during and after the fact.

Air service? I think the 'Bat already has that handled by choosing potential locations that are major hubs, no? You can't get much more accomodating in terms of travel than LA, NY or Chi. In all three cases, you can pretty much get there without too much chaos.

As far as readers doubling as event planners - that's just too many irons in the fire. Those that honestly have something to offer to the process can (and some already have) send a PM to Andrew and he can decide if it's something he's interested in discussing. He knows what he's doing in terms of all the hard stuff - the talent, venue, marketing, etc... if he's got things that need looking into locally or advice on something from the natives (assuming Chicago goes from 95% to 100%) - lord knows there are a ton of us on the board who live in or near this city and can work with him on whatever needs doing that can't be done via phone or email. Plus, as Andrew has said before, he's very familiar with the area. While not an easy process to put together, it isn't rocket science either.

Blah, blah, blah....it all comes down to its in your city. Face it, you dodged a big one....

[bluejeangirl76]

With all due respect
I am sure the Wombat wouldve taken all your fine suggestions above, if he was planning for the 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES But face it,,, this is MR..... He couldve held it in either of the Big three cities (Chi,La,NY) and the outcome wouldve come pretty close, with the exception of LA being a bit more expensive for everyone involved.

Right. Thus my prior reply. Proposals?

No. In this case, that's backwards. Andrew is capable of selecting a location that will work in terms of band logistics, venue, etc. The rest of it, the bars, restaurants and accomodations (an area in which I have offered assistance, being in the business and all) can all be worked out during and after the fact.

Air service? I think the 'Bat already has that handled by choosing potential locations that are major hubs, no? You can't get much more accomodating in terms of travel than LA, NY or Chi. In all three cases, you can pretty much get there without too much chaos.

As far as readers doubling as event planners - that's just too many irons in the fire. Those that honestly have something to offer to the process can (and some already have) send a PM to Andrew and he can decide if it's something he's interested in discussing. He knows what he's doing in terms of all the hard stuff - the talent, venue, marketing, etc... if he's got things that need looking into locally or advice on something from the natives (assuming Chicago goes from 95% to 100%) - lord knows there are a ton of us on the board who live in or near this city and can work with him on whatever needs doing that can't be done via phone or email. Plus, as Andrew has said before, he's very familiar with the area. While not an easy process to put together, it isn't rocket science either.

Blah, blah, blah....it all comes down to its in your city. Face it, you dodged a big one....

And good morning to you too, you huge friggin' grouch. I didn't "dodge" anything.

And wrong. As long as it is somewhere that is reasonable to get to and not ridiculously expensive to stay for two days between hotel and food and airfare, I'm fine. That is why I frowned at the idea of NYC.

Although, I'm planning on hitting up Cali in a few months anyway, so I'd rather not have to make two trips.

[hoagiepete]

In all due respect Mr. Wombat, your selection process could have used a little help.

In my humble opinion, a slightly more formal process could have been administered where you would have allowed cities to submit proposals, outlining the venues, hotels, bars, restaurants, air service, union work rules, history (attendance), rates, comps and any other benefits that could be had from using their location.

You could then narrow it down to a select number of finalists, conduct interviews, and then have a big announcement. I know this sounds like the International Olympics Committee, which would mean Chicago would be screwed, with or without Pres. Obama, but seriously, we do it all the time for conventions and trade shows we put on.

The proposals and presentations could be made by your faithful readers.

Um. This is completely tongue-in-cheek, right?

Guess I should have checked back sooner ...it was just me living in my out-of-the-box world. I just started thinking about the types of proposals that would be submitted by the creative minds on this board that could morph into hilarity.

I wasn't being critical, but while just brainstorming (with tongue firmly planted in cheek on occasion) ...I did have to wonder somewhat after South Bend was used last time.

[bluejeangirl76]

I just started thinking about the types of proposals that would be submitted by the creative minds on this board that could morph into hilarity.

Well, you're right about that. if it's hilarity you want, I'll go ahead and drum up a proposal.

[S2M]

And one for Miss Firecracker...

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/5502881

[Behshad]

I just started thinking about the types of proposals that would be submitted by the creative minds on this board that could morph into hilarity.

Well, you're right about that. if it's hillary you want, I'll go ahead and drum up a proposal.

[Behshad]

And one for Miss Firecracker...

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/5502881

Wrong thread dude

[bluejeangirl76]

And one for Miss Firecracker...

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/5502881

Go ahead. Keep it up.