RTP-area local music and culture

["Glenn Boothe / Local 506" <gboothe2 AT earthlink.net>]

I knew this was going to happen, especially on AMCH, someone who is an
exception to the rule, in this case Ross, is going to take offense at
my (clubowner) perspective.

But I didn't write that because I'm "frustrated" or "feeling a pinch"
(as you claim) - I wrote it because I think its true.  In fact. I'd
say, Local 506 has had it's best four week period (going back to
mid-December) since I've owned the place.  A good part of that is
because we're doing less shows and thus keeping our expenses down.
Another part of that is because I'm finding other genres
(punk/rockabilly/hip-hop) to fill out my schedule.  With that said, the
combination of the two leads to less opportunities for local rock
musicians, which ties into the point I'm making.

And I agree with you on many points.  I, too, think it would benefit
all involved (clubs, bands, fans) if bigger local bands opened for more
touring acts.  One problem is that many touring acts bring their own
support.  A bigger problem in the development of local acts is that the
bigger local acts prefer to play with their friends, not the out of
towners (and thus make more money.)  I would agree that that is a
short-term return instead of a career investment; but, because there is
so many bands and not as much support via radio, those opening slots
don't automatically convert newbies so I see both sides.

Also, I never said anything about popular local bands that actually
suck...and believe me, I'm as big a proponet of the greatness of local
music as you are, Ross; with that said, there are some really good
bands that haven't developed that much of a following (for whatever
reasons.)   So my point is that not all the greats bands have a
following, not that there are any big bands with undeserved followings.

And on the band member tip, I'm not demonizing every band member.  Yes,
there are plenty that I see out a shows - i'm not trying to stereotype
every musician.  But then, there are those I never see.  Never.  And
the 'nevers' exceed the ones I do' when it comes to local music.
Again, this is an observation - not intended to pick on anyone (as you
seem to think I'm trying to do.)

Last, but not least, I agree, there are too many clubs for the amount
of music the triangle can support (as a result, I've already balked at
one opportunity to extend my lease.)  And that ultimately is my point,
the supply of music exceeds the demand to see it.

So, maybe I am part of the problem; based on your reactions, it sounds
like it.  But anyone who knows me, knows that my heart is with the
local music scene.  Heck, my Top 10 for '05 had at least five local
releases in it.  At the same time, I'm running a business so I have to
make the best business decisions I can.  Not unlike OCSC showing UNC
hoops games.  Yes, the staff is big fans - but it's because it brings
more people in. I bet some people on that staff are big Carolina
Hurricanes fans, but you don't see them rearranging their bar schedule
around hockey games.

Why do these threads always turn into "right vs wrong" as opposed to
some type of constructive conversation that ultimately could improve
things...in this case, for the very bands that we're arguing
about...glenn