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Although a lot of great venues got shut down Tom Price, Editor if the DLM Magazine, manages to put on all age shows held once a month at the Multicultural Arts Center downtown. He also used to host shows at the Black Box Theatre, Red Sky Comics, in the back room of Gottschalk’s music store and some house shows. He would usually book touring bands that were passing through the central valley on their way to their next destination and pair them with local young up-and-coming bands.
[pullquote_left]The sustainability of shows will either make for a more attractive Merced or a duller one for young people. “Promoters can’t always predict a good turnout and when it’s low it’s a bit embarrassing, but when there’s a full crowd it shows that Merced has the potential to bring in the big names,” says Tom,[/pullquote_left]
Advertising and promoting an event are a big deal when it comes to throwing a show or concert, this could either make it or break it. Montse has put on a few shows in her high school years with a school club named DECA. What Montse says about throwing shows is, “It’s a process: you have to set a date; compile a list of possible cheap venues; bands; and advertise.” This process wasn’t as easy as it sounds though, Montse adds. “Sometimes places weren’t so nice and accommodating so you really have to ask around, you also want to find more bands than you need because bands aren’t always reliable.” Also, interestingly enough, money didn’t seem to be huge deal. It was more of a trade. If a band couldn’t be paid, it could be made up for by providing something else, but never leaving a musician empty handed. Tom says, “I want to create a cycle…I just want people to know that if they do a show with me they’ll get paid, fed, a place to crash and promote themselves as well as a really good show. I’d rather lose a little money and keep a band happy.”
The sustainability of shows will either make for a more attractive Merced or a duller one for young people. “Promoters can’t always predict a good turnout and when it’s low it’s a bit embarrassing, but when there’s a full crowd it shows that Merced has the potential to bring in the big names,” says Tom, who has even talked with his colleagues about bringing Modest Mouse to Merced.
We should also encourage local, up-and-coming bands to come and play. Tom knows that there are lots of hidden talents playing in their garage or throwing shows in their house but he’d really like to help spread their music out there. “If we can get people invested in local musicians and people care then they’ll know about when the bigger artists come and it’ll be a huge hit because people are already excited and the support is already there.” The more support that is there, the more it shows that our community is capable of having shows on a regular basis. Facebook and the Internet really help when finding musicians. Price also encourages artists to go to TheDLM.com and show him what they can do.
