If you follow me here on LKN Connect, you know I don’t just write The Gentlemen’s Corner. I’m fortunate enough to be able to share my love of local, live music every week with my Top 3 Picks on LKN Connect every Thursday. I’ve been a fan of music since I was old enough to buy my first 45. Yep, I’m that old. Then came the cassette and finally the CD. Music has changed in more ways that I can keep up with but one thing that hasn’t changed, the way it makes us feel. This week, I’d like to share my thoughts on how we all can support music, especially local music here at the Lake.
Excellent question. There are dozens of venues in the Lake Norman area and another few dozen across the Charlotte region. Whether you prefer the big venues or the more intimate acoustic shows, there is certainly something for everyone. Understanding what your options are and how I believe we should do our part as fans, is what we will touch on today. Full disclosure, I’ve been managing local bands for over 10 years and have gotten to see this from the inside.
3. Don’t just focus on full bands, acoustic shows are great too. Some of our local favorites, i.e. John ‘Sulli’ Sullivan (The Voice), Dani Kerr (AGT) became famous on national TV but started as solo artists here in NC. Getting out to see these new, up and coming acts could be your first look at the next National Superstar!
4. Tickets or no tickets? This is a bit of a muddy topic amongst bands nowadays. I will share this. If you go see bands where there is NO COVER, please be sure to throw $20 in the tip bucket. If you are a fan that has no issue paying for a ticket, know that in many cases, the band gets a piece of that, if not all. As much as they all play for the love of their craft, something needs to pay the bills
5. Follow them on Social Media. Many bands do all their own posts, events, graphics and all the rest. Getting the word out to fans is hard. Knowing which platform to focus on is a full-time job. Everyone generally uses either Facebook or Instagram. Please LIKE them or FOLLOW them! This makes sure you are always in the know about where they will be next. It also helps show a new venue they have a following. This is something many bar owners look at to make sure they will bring a crowd. If you are going to a show, SHARE it on your page and take some pics or video and TAG them! You all can help by doing any or all of these, every time you go out.
Well, I think we have covered most of what I hoped to cover but I’ll leave you with one last little nugget. Many local artists have been playing for years. It’s rough to be on stage week after week, show after show, sometimes for not a lot of money. If you do nothing else that I suggested earlier, do this one thing. Thank them. Tell them you enjoyed their music. Tell them you are going to follow them. Let them know how they impacted you. I promise, no matter how tired and worn out they are, you will give them a tremendous boost that could last for days. Musicians play for the love of their craft. Knowing fans are engaged and enjoying them is all they really need. But please, don’t forget to tip!
Colin has been a long time Lake Norman resident and has been very active in the community. From Commissioner to founding the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade to now a featured Author, small business owner and live music promoter! His desire is to bring men together and encourage them to reach out. He has always said, ‘look out for yourselves and each other.’ All men need a Brotherhood. www.brobeardproducts.shop
