The Plight Of A Performing Independent Artist

I think I've gotten to the age (whatever that age is) where it's more important to me to speak the truth than to impress folks. So here goes... (hope I don't offend anyone, in the process.)
I'm sure that, if folks really knew how much was in store for them and how important it was to local performing artists, they would arrive at more of their local "live shows". The fact is that I have seen more phenomenal artists and more incredible shows at my local coffee house, nightclub, or house concert venue, than I have ever seen on T.V. Actually, I don't think there has been good HONEST entertainment on the boob tube since the days of Ed Sullivan!!! so there's really no contest. But, seriously, there's A LOT of talent out there that should not go ignored. In addition to this, the fact is that many hours of hard work in preparation, promoting, etc., goes into putting together and delivering a good show. Here's where it is necessary for an artist to wear several "hats", (unless, he or she can afford to hire other people to wear them---and, unless you come from a rich family, this is usually not the case.) Unfortunately, the talent of the particular artist seems to be the very least of it! (If they had told me that when I first started this musical adventure, over two decades ago, I don't know if I would have had the courage or desire to continue but, then again, if I didn't continue, I would have probably had no other choice then but to crawl into a hole and die---so whatd'ya gonna do?)
First, there's the actual booking of the gig---"look Ma, I'm a...BOOKING AGENT/MANAGER"--- (making sure that all band members have the date available first, for band shows.) Then, there's the actual rehearsing of the band---MUSIC DIRECTOR/ARRANGER---(making sure that all band members have all the same rehearsal dates available), and then, making sure that all band members know their parts well enough so that the performance will go smoothly. And I don't know what guys go through but, for women, there's the extra job of clothes, hair, and make-up the day of the show---so now, you're a WARDROBE/HAIR-STYLIST/MAKE-UP ARTIST. Then, of course, there's the publicity department---now you're the PUBLICIST/PROMOTER---there's the composing of the promotional e-mails, photos, etc., on the computer, that could take several hours, sometimes even days, to put all together and send out. And, for those of us who go through the trouble of putting together a showcase for other artists to come and perform at because we want to give them the opportunity, multiply those above jobs I just mentioned by three or four and you get the idea.
Well, you may ask, why do you do it then, if it's so much trouble? The answer is simple: Survival. It's what I do. Also...I want to. And because I love music and people in general. I have, also, been on a journey and a quest to find ways to gain exposure for myself and for other artists who rightfully should have it, as well. So it's all part of that, I guess. (I'll take any suggestions, too, if anyone out there would like to share.)
So that's what an independent artist like myself does, at the very least, to present a good "live show".
On top of all of this, I actually make it my business to go out, rather often I might add, to see other performers and support my other artist friends, whenever I can. I figure that's what I would love, as a performer, so I do it for others. Not just free shows either! (And it may not seem like much to pay for some, but for a musician who has not quite "hit the big-time" yet, $5, $10, or $15 cover charges can add up and seem pretty steep sometimes.)
Okay, so right about now you're probably saying to yourself, "this just sounds like a lot of bitching to me." Well, maybe it is but that, I can assure you, was not my objective in writing this. Basically, my intention here was to enlighten (not to frighten!) :) It occurred to me that, when there is low attendance at a "live show", there could be many reasons for it. I won't go into all of them here but I wonder if part of it could be that people think that all independent artists have huge amounts of followers and don't need their support. (Oh, to think that would be such a mistake, in that a performer never has any way of knowing if 100 people will show up or if 5 will show up.) Or worse, maybe people don't think "live shows" are very valuable anymore, with all of their hi-tech gadgets, dvds, and American Idol that you don't need to leave the house for. It's sad to think that because, I'll tell ya, I consider that my life has been so enriched due to all of the "live shows" I have attended, where I saw some of the most awesome local singer/songwriters. I feel nothing less than blessed that I have spent so many totally "magical" evenings witnessing some incredible and heart-warming performances that I would have never ever experienced on the couch of my living room watching Simon or Paula. (Sorry you guys but the "real" talent is out there in the coffee houses and other listening venues of your local community. Not to put down anyone on that show that really does have talent but just to let the world know that, if they haven't experienced any nearby concerts with local talent, I'm hear to tell you that you're really missing a lot!)
It's just like when Dorothy said, "If I can't find happiness in my own backyard, then, I won't bother looking any further, because, if it isn't there, then I never really lost it in the first place." I'm not quite sure if I paraphrased that quite right but you get the idea, I hope. We're out there... sometimes, in the oddest places, closer than you think, practically in your own backyard! (In fact, I did a House Concert once, in someone's backyard! It was one of the best concerts I ever gave!) And, I can't speak for all of us, but some, like myself, work real hard at it and are definitely worth a listen and worth support. So I hope the next time you're debating whether or not it would be a good use of your time to go and see a musician friend or a local artist perform at a nearby venue, you'll do yourself (and them!) a big favor and treat yourself to a "live show".
Peace and Blessings,
Jeannie Willets