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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
 Posted - 01/22/2010 : 1:47:41 PM
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I debated posting this, but if I can save one traveling musician some grief, it would be a good thing. If you are planning a tour to the Northwest, I'd advise you not to do business with Ariella St Clair and St Clair Events.
I was scheduled to do a solo concert in Ashland, Oregon, for St Clair Events on Saturday, March 6. The concert, as well as two workshops, has been promoted for the past six months or so on the St Clair Events website, advertising and via their mailing lists.
Although I live not too far from Ashland, and have played there numerous times in the past, I have not done a solo show there in a few years.
I saw Ariella St Clair, the producer, last weekend, when my band performed gratis at her Rogue Valley Blues Festival. At the time she complained bitterly and loudly about how she was not making any money. This was not the first time I've heard these complaints; Ariella is well aware of my past experience producing concerts in the Rogue Valley and often asks me for advice.
A couple of days ago Ariella called me up and screamed at me that she was going to cancel my show if I did not lower my fee. I told her that a) her loss at the Blues Festival had nothing to do with me, and b) that our contract was already so favorable to St Clair Productions that it would be impossible to lose money on the show.
Turns out she did cancel it, in spite of working with her for several months to insure that the show would do well. In fact, the deal I had made with her was so generous that it could be construed as a benefit for St Clair Productions.
In all of my years in this business, I have never been treated in such an unprofessional manner. Were I the only musician who has suffered Ariella's abusive manner and questionable business practices, perhaps I could just chock it up to something I said.
So--- as of right now I do not have a local show in March-- though maybe I can rustle something up.
I intend to pursue legal action action against her and the Board of Directors of St Clair Events for breach of contract. I have successfully sued one promoter in my life, but as you know it is a difficult proposition.
I urge my friends in the music business to avoid Ariella St Clair and St Clair Events like the plague.
Thanks for reading this.
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Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
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lynn
Lokahi
289 Posts |
Posted - 01/22/2010 : 3:46:35 PM
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| Wow - I really hate hearing stories like this... but MAHALO NUI for sharing! I'll pass the info along on Twitter, Facebook, etc., try to help spread the word... |
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maggie
Aloha
USA
40 Posts |
Posted - 01/22/2010 : 5:41:29 PM
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| What a loss for Southern Oregon - I was really looking forward to your concert and the workshops. |
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slipry1
Ha`aha`a
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - 01/22/2010 : 5:55:54 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by maggie
What a loss for Southern Oregon - I was really looking forward to your concert and the workshops.
Eh, Maggie - have you left Eugene? I'm in HI now, but I plan on coming to visit y'all soon. In my experience, when nice people become concert promoters or club managers, they turn into total a**holes. I've seen it happen again and again. I believe that it happens because they have to deal with a**hole managers and mediocre talent acts. n'uff said. |
keaka |
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ricdoug
`Olu`olu
USA
513 Posts |
Posted - 01/22/2010 : 9:02:52 PM
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| Thanks for da' headzup, Mark. Does anyone really think http://stclairevents.com/calendar.htm Swami Beyondananda could ever be a bigger draw than Mark?! Bill Evans and Megan Lynch were also cancelled. I'm guessing the remaining acts are working for stale peanut skins. Have you thought about hosting an opposing event at the same time for free? It's a fun way to shut down the greedy. Ric |
It's easier to ask for forgiveness, than permission! |
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Auntie Maria
Ha`aha`a
USA
1918 Posts |
Posted - 01/23/2010 : 07:44:45 AM
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Great idea, Ric...hope Mark can find a free venue and do this!
Curses on event promoters and venues who do this to musicians... |
Auntie Maria
===================
My "Aloha Kaua`i" radio show streams FREE online every Thu & Fri 7-9am (HST)
www.kkcr.org - Kaua`i Community Radio
"Like" Aloha Kauai on Facebook, for playlists and news/info about island music and musicians!
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mpi_50
Lokahi
USA
133 Posts |
Posted - 01/28/2010 : 06:09:35 AM
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| Hey Bradda come Iraq! |
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - 01/28/2010 : 09:26:28 AM
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quote:
Hey Bradda come Iraq!
I would be honored to do that. Don't know if I can foot the bill, though. Or fill it, for that matter. 
Thanks, all, for the support on this.
quote:
Have you thought about hosting an opposing event at the same time for free?
Although it is an interesting suggestion, I won't put on a free show against one of the St Clair concerts as that would only hurt another musician. Most concert artists are paid a minimal guarantee plus a percentage of the sales.
I'll let the legal system take care of this one. My attorney sez it's a slam dunk.
More as it develops.
Yours for truth and beauty. |
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Warning to Touring Musicians-St Clair Productions
