Whitaker Unplugged is a contest for locals with original material. I tried to get in on it early by applying in December. The thing about Harrisburg is that there's a resistance to original artists. There were limited exposure opportunities for younger bands before COVID19. But if you're a solo artist who wants to book yourself and not split what little you can make on a gig, there seems to be limited opportunities. I've done many open mics which all but disappeared even before COVID19. I was told by a source who wished to remain anonymous that I was being back-stabbed. I was also told by a former host of one of the open mics that I should be "cleaning up" on the happy hour market. What happy hour market? I wouldn't be surprised if after COVID19 restrictions are lifted that the Whitaker Unplugged shall restart and all of the cover artists who work with the local booking agents shall get first crack at this exposure opportunity. I've seen so many original solo acts leave this area.There was even a radio station that had an Open Mic show - and they used to brag about how many years they'd been on the air. The thing was that the host only played a select few artists that were in his network of acts that could share gigs with his band. He also added a few young female artists here and there. Well surprise, surprise - the show lost it's spot because it lacked fresh and new material that would draw an audience. I must say though the last year's winner of the Whitaker Unplugged contest had a good song. After his win, he was working with one of the local booking agents and doing gigs at TGIF. Who goes to TGIF to hear music?

Summeoyo

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