Local Vibe

Ian recently mentioned to me the inordinate number of so called “benefit concerts” that are happening in our community that we are asked to promote. I was relatively unaware of the situation, as this usually Ian’s department while I focus on features, but I have paid more attention since he mentioned it, and I have to agree with him.

It seems that certain promoters have discovered that by claiming a concert is a “benefit” they can pack roster with 20 or 30 local acts, charge an excessive cover and play on the guilt of the fans. Whatever the cause of the day is they will jump on the “bandwagon” and put on a show for that cause, when in fact it’s the bar owners who really benefit. Packing the bar and selling beer is all they care about, they don’t give a rat’s ass for whatever the cause of the day is.

Don’t get me wrong. I am in complete support of local causes that have a specific goal. The recent Randy Wilson Benefit and the Frank Foreman Foundation are perfect examples of benefits for local causes I fully support.

Many of the acts who are booked for these so called benefits can be seen at other local venues, such as the Groove Kitchen or The Boathouse, for no cover. The owners of these venues have worked long and hard to establish themselves in the community as providers of first class entertainment, and suffer because of these so called benefits.

Before you shell out your hard earned bucks out of guilt for some esoteric charity, ask yourself who is really benefiting.

I’ll leave you with some words of wisdom from the P.T. Barnum, perhaps the greatest promoter of all time…”There’s a sucker born every minute.”

Don’t be one of them.