Note: This is a long post with answers to a lot of common questions followed by the listing of shows to sign up for and then the process to sign up. If you want to participate in a showcase, please read all the info so you fully understand how they work and why we do them. We look forward to seeing you on the road!

October 18, 2002 We are heading out on our 5th annual North American Mid-South/Southwestern US Roadtrip.

Our Roadtrips include live performance showcases for any interested members in any genres which the venues can accommodate. Often, the events are intentionally more about networking and building community than being discovered by a music exec. We do occasionally have "industry" and media people come to showcases, but that isn't our real focus. The most important thing is to create a fun excuse to come out and play 1-2 songs along with 10-60 of your artist/band peers doing the same thing. Our shows have historically been free to attend and free to play. We do ask that you bring friends and fans out so that the venues who host us have a good night and want to work with us again in the future. Remember, networking with peers is the most important career building tool you have.. and it's free!

First, lets answers some Common Questions:

How do we fund these trips and still keep it all free?

Normally, we fund these Roadtrips primarily by selling our JPFolks T-Shirts and Hats and that allows us to keep the showcases and workshops and meetings free. (So please plan to buy something or make a small donation as our voluntary/unofficial member fee once a year.) If you don't have the money, you're still welcome to attend and participate and we'll catch you next year for a donation. We also may have a sponsor, though one isn't yet set for these particular trips.

How many shows can I sign up for?

You can sign up for as many shows as you like. But if you DO sign up, you are committing to attending and performing at that show, so only do it if you fully intend to show up. Previous folks have made the mistake of signing up for 10-20 events just to see if they could get in one, only to be surprised when we welcomed them at all the shows and they canceled most of them. Please don't do this. We go out of our way to make room for everyone, but false sign ups can cause us to have more staff added at a venue or sign ups prematurely cut off meaning someone else doesn't get to play. Play as many as you want, but follow through when you sign up.

Who gets to perform?

We've put on showcases that have featured over 6000 different artists in the past 3+ years. In all those shows, only a tiny number haven't been 100% open to any member who wants to perform. In each city we visit, we always have open shows in for anyone to sign up for. It's an important part of our community philosophy to give everyone, at every level, a chance to perform.

During a typical showcase, we may give an extra song/time to music awards winners and nominees (or Featured Artists on our Radio Free Virgin Channel) as recognition for that achievement as long as there is time to accommodate everyone who wants to perform. We also like to have 1 featured show during our Roadtrips for Music Award winners and nominees in large cities where we do multiple shows. We may do one of these in Los Angeles and one in San Francisco this year. Each Roadtrip has a sign up process that we will ask you to follow. This sometimes changes depending on how the trip is set up, but it's very important that you follow the guidelines given. Once we have enough artists to do the show, we email confirmations that will simply say you are confirmed. Often we won't send another notice out until just before the show itself. Since these shows are open, it is rare that we would run of out slots for people (in fact, to date, it's never happened, but it's possible with our continued growth), so as long as you sign up properly, you'll likely get confirmed for the shows you want as long as it was an open sign up in the first place. Please remember, if you sign up, you'll likely be included, so don't sign up for all the shows if you aren't planning on showing up to all of them.

Because interest is VERY high on this year's Roadtrip, most artists will only get 1 song per show. It's the only way to keep the shows from running 12 hours or having to filter many artists out of the process. If we have time remaining after a round of everyone doing 1 song, we'll usually start a second round for those who want to keep going. Again, these shows are designed to bring people together and the song is just a sort of musical performance business card you are giving all the other artists in the room. These AREN'T featured sets. They are usually 1 song, or 2 at MAX. This also applies to full bands. We recently had a 40 band showcase in New York City and got everyone on and off in 4.5 hours without a hitch. And yes, they were all cool with doing 1 song. You just need to "get it" and you'll have a great time!

What genres/talent levels?

We've had everything from Drag Queens to Gospel Choirs, from Traditional Folk to Death Metal and from Country to Pop... wait...that's the same thing these days... but you get the point. We welcome anything, no matter how bombastic or how minimalist. We ask all participants to remember this, and we hope you'll all embrace the diversity which we are all so proud of. The idea is to meet peers, celebrate the music of our fellow members, make contacts, stretch your networking connections and have fun. Playing music is just one more positive excuse to do it all.

As for talent levels, all we ask is that you are rehearsed and prepared to do the best you can. These shows are NOT the time to try to play a song you don't really know very well. They are NOT the time to perform your 16 minute ode to your cat. (In fact, we ask you to try and keep the song lengths reasonable, especially at big shows, because a 5-8 minute song might mean someone else doesn't get on stage at the end.) Bring your best 3-4 minute song as opposed to your best 7-8 minute song. Everyone has to learn and improve and get a start somewhere. We are happy to offer that opportunity. Just remember that you are there to entertain and put your best possible foot forward. You never know who might be listening, but you DO know that whoever IS is very important! If you treat every audience like they are a room full of A&R people waiting anxiously to sign you, one day it just might be true.

Another note: Always have guitars/basses etc.. tuned and ready to go the moment you walk on stage. NO ON STAGE TUNING!!! Nothing is more of a downer than someone spending 5 minutes tuning so they can play one 4 minute song. Be prepared!

Can I bring my band, will there be a PA, etc...

This is all dependent on each specific event. It changes with every show. Some are solo/duo only type shows, some can accommodate full bands. The only downside to full bands is set up time, and typically we'll ask bands to share backlines to keep change out times to a minimum. Normally we'll send out more detailed info on what each venue can accommodate. We are still adding venues on this trip, so you'll have to stay tuned. If you have questions, however, it is your responsibility to ask and find out, not ours. If you have special needs, you MUST make arrangements prior to the show.

Again: Any special needs beyond a place to plug in an instrument and a microphone for you to sing into is YOUR responsibility to arrange for the show. Don't ASSUME anything! (This includes singing to tracks!)

Performance times:

The idea of these events are to network and support your peers. If your intent is to come out, play a couple songs and leave, then these aren't the shows/events for you. Nothing leaves a more sour taste than someone who plays prima donna at one of these shows and is clearly only there for themselves. We do understand time needs (i.e., kids at home, jobs in the morning etc...) and will always work with folks within reason to accommodate. But if you truly only have a few minutes to attend an event, spend it networking and supporting the other artists instead of performing yourself and then leaving. If you do, that is likely the only thing people will remember you for.

We handle each show and the line up differently. In some cases we may spread bands out or place them all in a row. In some cases we may try to mix experienced performers in with inexperienced so we keep the show up and moving. We do try to honor general timing requests (like early or late...) but if we get a huge number of these requests, obviously not everyone's can be honored. If you have a special need, just send us a note and we'll do out best to help you out.

As for actual stage time, as noted above, please be ready to go when it is your turn. If the show is a small one (5-15 artists or so) we can be flexible. If we have 20+ artists, we normally have each performer do 1 song until the lineup is done and then for those still around, we'll use the remaining time for another round if possible. If we have 25-65 artists, it's likely going to be 1 song and out all night long.

Workshops and Non Performing Events:

We sometimes set up mentor workshops of various types as well as nonperformance meetings/gatherings during Roadtrips. To me, these are often the most fun simply because you can really talk and get to know each other. We'll generally give info on the nature of each of these meetings/workshops, but we've never had a bad one, so if you are available, you should try to attend. To date, all our workshops have been free. They are great networking opportunities!

Photos and Videotape:

We take digital photos and video of every showcase we put on. We've built quite an enormous archive library of North American, Grassroots artists already in the last 3 years. We will always post the pics of the performers and attendees on our site after the trip (though when we are traveling months at a time, it can take a while). (you can see a lot of the previous shows in our Roadtrip section of the website). The videos basically get filed for historical record keeping. If at some point we are going to do something with the video, we will let members know in the newsletter. In 3 years we've only had 1 request from 1 artist not to video tape her, but if you have some reason against it, just let us know before you perform and we'll happily stop the camera. At this time, we don't have the resources/ability to make copies of performances. You are welcome, however, to use the digital pics we take of your performance on your site etc.. if you wish. And you can bring your own video camera to get your performance as well. Just let us know.

At the end of each show we have a long standing tradition of taking a group photo, usually at the end of a showcase or event (though sometimes in the middle of really large and long shows) which is used to officially document the attendees. If you want to be part of the traditional photo, ya gotta stay for the group pic! It's a sort of badge of honor that you supported the entire community and hung out with all of us til the end! (We used a montage of last year's East Coast roadtrip for our Ad in the current Indie Bible.. check it out!) I am sure I left a zillion things out, but that's some of the common things we get asked. Never hesitate to ask a question by emailing justplainfolks@aol.com and I'll do my best to answer.

And Finally before we list the shows and the sign up process:

We are visiting a lot of cities for the very first time on this Roadtrip. That means it's our first chance to see many of you and vice versa. We use these shows to screen for our 2002 Just Plain Folks Live Artist of the Year which we give out at the music awards show in January. Because we haven't met most of you in person in these new cities, be sure to introduce yourself and say hi. Remember, we are interested in networking just as much with you as you are with us!

See you on the Road!
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Here's The Showdates and some comments!

Here is the most current event line up. All dates are subject to change or to be adjusted in some way. All shows, unless otherwise notated will run from 7PM-12Midnight. The first hour is for networking, set up and arrival. Shows generally run from 8 til Midnight. Final times and itineraries will be emailed to participants.

2002 Mid South-Southwest Roadtrip: (All dates tentative, but we have to start somewhere right?)
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Wednesday, November 06: North Hollywood, CA Kulaks Showcase

This show will be webcasted live around the world. This is a great change for family and friends and fans to see you live from anywhere that has a fast internet connection! This is a small venue and suited for acoustic acts primarily.

Thu-Sunday, November 7-10: TAXI Road Rally Los Angeles

This is for TAXI members ONLY! (They are opening it up to 200 Just Plain Folks Members, but you can ONLY sign up per the instructions that were emailed out Friday morning, October 18th.) You MUST contact TAXI directly to attend. visit www.taxi.com to join TAXI. Do NOT ask us to get you in, we can't.

Sunday, Nov 10: Santa Monica Pier Rusty's Surf Ranch Showcase

This is traditionally our LARGEST networking showcase opportunity of the year! Last year we had 61 artists perform! The venue is relatively small, but we can accommodate full bands if someone is willing to supply and share their backline (last year we had about 10-15 bands perform). The host band can have an extra song, everyone else, including bands, will get only 1 song at this show. This is our official After TAXI Road Rally Showcase/Party/Gathering and is our 5th annual showcase here on the famous Santa Monica Pier.

Tuesday, November 12: Berkley, CA Starry Plough Showcase

This is our first ever visit to Berkley. This show is Acoustic only.

Wednesday, November 13: San Francisco Voodoo Lounge Showcase

This is our first San Francisco Roadtrip stop. We CAN accommodate full bands at this show. We will use a shared backline. Time slots will likely be 1 or 2 songs MAX even for full bands.

Thursday, November 14th: I am attending and judging an NCSA event in San Francisco. I will get back to everyone with details when they become available.

Friday, November 15: San Jose Red Rock Showcase *****NEW******

This venue was just finalized AFTER I sent the bulletin out this morning. It is moved from Thursday to Friday.

Tuesday, November 19: Tempe, AZ The Muse Coffee House Showcase

This is a small singer songwriter/acoustic only show. This is our first visit to the Phoenix area and we look forward to meeting our Phoenix area members in person.

Thursday, November 21: San Diego Showcase

We are looking at two possibilities for this show. Either Claire de Lune OR a large House Concert/Networking Party. Last year San Diego was one of our most talent packed showcases of the year.

Friday, November 22: Tecate, Mexico Showcase

This is our first visit to Mexico. We are working with the local Cultural Office to make the event even more exciting. Details TBA when available. Because we may be working with the local government, there may be certain limitations on this show as we work out details.

Saturday, November 23: Orange County Ugly Mug Showcase

This is our third year at the Ugly Mug. This is a small coffee shop type venue best suited for smaller acts and solo artists.

Sunday, November 24: Altadena Coffee Gallery Backstage Showcase

This is one of the best listening rooms in the Los Angeles area and we are pleased to be back for our third visit. This is acoustic ONLY.

Monday, November 25: Los Angeles Showcase TBA

We are working on a venue for this date. It may be a band show or it might turn into a networking party. Our Los Angeles Shows are very limited this trip, so if you want to participate in a show on this night, please let us know and we will make a decision based on the interest level.

Saturday, November 30: Memphis TBA Showcase

Our Memphis Chapter is hosting our showcase, and though there is no venue locked in, we are committed to having a showcase in the Memphis area on this night. We're looking forward to involving several other local organizations. It should be a great networking opportunity!

Tuesday, December 03: New Orleans O'Flaherty's Showcase

JPFolks Member Danny O'Flaherty has a great venue in New Orleans and we are looking forward to doing a show there this year. I am not sure which room we are using, and will base it on the number of interested performers.

Thursday, December 05: Houston Stags Head Pub Showcase

Our first ever show in TEXAS!!!! I've been told this was voted Houston's #1 Pub!! Lets pack the place!

Saturday, December 07: San Antonio County Line BBQ Showcase

This is our first visit to San Antonio, and I have been told this is a great venue for live music.

Tuesday, December 10: Austin Showcase TBA

We are still working on a venue for Austin, but we need a head count on the number of interested artists and bands. Please sign up if you are interested in performing and we'll let you know ASAP on which venue and what the details are going to be.

Thursday, December 12: Dallas Poor David's Pub Showcase

Our last Roadtrip Showcase of 2002 will be at a great venue in Dallas. Let's end this tremendous year in style in the Lone Star State!
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All Events are subject to change. But if you want a slot, please sign up. It is our intent to do shows on all these dates in the areas listed, so even if a venue falls through, we'll be working on replacement. Also keep in mind that performing at one of these shows makes you eligible for the 2002 Live Artist of the Year awards which we will give out in Los Angeles at our Music Awards Program in January.

How to sign up?

You can request a performance slot at any show you'd like by sending an email to justplainfolks@aol.com (please use that email address ONLY. If you send it somewhere OTHER than justplainfolks@aol.com, you will likely NOT get added to the show you requested.

Please remember that last month I got over 8000 emails concerning the 27 showcases we did. If you don't follow these guidelines when signing up, it becomes VERY difficult to keep track of everyone. We WANT to include you, please make it easy to do so!

In the SUBJECT line of the email, please place the DATES of the shows you want to sign up for.

Inside the body of the email, please supply the following information:

Full Name
Band/Artist Name
Complete Address
Phone Number
Email Address
Website (if available)
Genre of Music
Band Size and Instrumentation
Can You perform Acoustic/Keyboard Only?
Any Comments you want to make we need to know about, or special time needs. (i.e., Early or Late only on a first come, first served basis.. no exact times can be offered).
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For example:

Email to: justplainfolks@aol.com
Subject: Nov 10, 13, 19 Dec 12

Brian Austin Whitney
Brian's All Star Jam Band
1315 N. Butler Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46219
317-555-5555
www.jpfolks.com
Pop Dance
5 Piece Band with 2 Guitars, 1 Keyboard, 1 Bass, 1 Drummer
Yes, I can perform solo on keyboard and vocal only
I would like to perform with my full band on Nov 10 and solo at all other shows. I have no special time requests.
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Once you sign up, we will automatically add you to the lineup for that show. If for some reason we CAN'T include you, we will let you know as soon as we know that. Otherwise, you won't hear from us until we have filled up each lineup. In some cases, we set prearranged performance orders, and in other cases, we set them at the show via a sign up list. We normally will send 1 confirmation to the entire list of performers letting you all know we got your request and including more details (such as venue addresses and exact start and stop times) for each show. Then, roughly 1-3 days before the actual show, we'll send you the latest artist lineup and the performance order if we are setting that in advance.

If you have questions about anything, please email justplainfolks@aol.com and place "Roadtrip Question" in the subject field. I will do my best to respond to all emails with that subject header as quickly as I can. But please be sure you have read this entire FAQ first, because it answers most of the questions we get. Don't send questions asking for directions. I have never visited most of these cities, so I can't help beyond the street address. Once the addresses are all set, we will have them posted on the Roadtrip page on the jpfolks.com website.

We are very casual and relaxed at and about these showcases. The point of doing them is to have fun and network. With this many artists in this many cities, mistakes and glitches will happen. Just be patient and understanding and we can fix most errors on either side. In general, we've have a great time and made important contacts at every show we've ever done and these shows will be no exception.

Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
www.jpfolks.com

[This message has been edited by Brian Austin Whitney (edited 10-18-2002).]

Do you ever come out this way?

Your thoughts?

We couldn't physically get over there during this trip due to time, not desire. We don't have a lot of NM members, but we do have a few active ones such as yourself, Daniel Boling etc. There isn't a lot of stuff between East Texas and Albuquerque so we'll likely have to fly out there to do a show.

Thanks for asking,

I assumed that by signing up for the forum, I became a member?

Please clarify, cuz I have signed up for that showcase and will be driving a long way.

thanks

Actually the message boards are public forums that anyone on the web can access, whether they are members or not. We only count members as those who sign up and get the newsletter and thus get 2 monthly (more often when I am not on the road like I am now) email bulletins and newsletters. We have no connection between the message boards and the member list. You can easily sign up by entering your email address on the home page.

Thanks,

Now, should I sign up for the road trip again, or will this complicate things?