Yesterday some more pieces fell into place!
The Valentine's Day show is set with CITY LIMIT making a return engagement to headline the show!
Jon Curtis will be snapping romantic "couple" pictures for $10 a piece.
Karen Mills, local graphic artist has officially joined the "team" and will be providing not only her input regarding artwork, but will be the supplier for the Ledger size show posters done on recyclable cardboard. The ones that tell the world "we mean business and are for real". Every little piece helps.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
February is Cooking!
Well after one our more dismal Open Mic Nights this past Saturday (no one came) we're very excited about our next two Open Mic's. Sometime today I will get a confirmation on our scheduled band for the Valentine's Day show and then our promotion will go into full swing. Other pieces have already been put into place, for instance...
Jon Curtis Photography will be on hand to do "couple portraits" for $10. Guys, if you want to score some extra points with your favorite gal, this IS the ticket. Usually this service is only offerred at Proms and Homecomings---but this will be Valentines Day so come PREPARED! You'll get a great night of entertainment AND walk away with treasured piece to remember the night by. Our thanks again to Jon for being such a great supporter of what we're doing here at Insights!
Also, the 28th when we do our first full scale variety show is fast approaching. We hope to promote a lineup by sometime this week, so stay tuned.
Going back to address what happened on Saturday night, it's the nature of the beast. NOT being open when you advertise an Open Mic Night is the "kiss of death". Granted it's tempting to leave early when no one comes to the door but I personally have heard too many horror stories of where a comdedian or musician has traveled miles to pracice their craft only to see the doors closed. If you were one of those performers, chances are good you would go away with a bad taste in your mouth about that venue---possibly never to return and never speak kindly about it.
Fortunately we didn't have any patrons at the door wishing to see our "non" performers, but that will be remedied when our House Band is put into place later this year. But there is no other place my crew and I would rather have been Saturday night. For as the saying goes...
"All Open Mic Nights are good, some are just great!"
As a follow up to our meeting with Flannel Nation Records last week, more of our "team" is coming into place. The old saying if "you build it, they will come" is becoming a reality. Because in addition to Jon Curtis, who I can't say enough about, we have been contacted by computer specialist and a graphic artist in the last few days inquiring about collaboration with us. As their interest becomes solidified, we will promote them here just like we do Jon and Insights. All of this is an attempt to give our young artists the tools they need to succeed. There is so much excitement right now, I didn't get to my milk and cookies until almost ten last night!
More later...
Jon Curtis Photography will be on hand to do "couple portraits" for $10. Guys, if you want to score some extra points with your favorite gal, this IS the ticket. Usually this service is only offerred at Proms and Homecomings---but this will be Valentines Day so come PREPARED! You'll get a great night of entertainment AND walk away with treasured piece to remember the night by. Our thanks again to Jon for being such a great supporter of what we're doing here at Insights!
Also, the 28th when we do our first full scale variety show is fast approaching. We hope to promote a lineup by sometime this week, so stay tuned.
Going back to address what happened on Saturday night, it's the nature of the beast. NOT being open when you advertise an Open Mic Night is the "kiss of death". Granted it's tempting to leave early when no one comes to the door but I personally have heard too many horror stories of where a comdedian or musician has traveled miles to pracice their craft only to see the doors closed. If you were one of those performers, chances are good you would go away with a bad taste in your mouth about that venue---possibly never to return and never speak kindly about it.
Fortunately we didn't have any patrons at the door wishing to see our "non" performers, but that will be remedied when our House Band is put into place later this year. But there is no other place my crew and I would rather have been Saturday night. For as the saying goes...
"All Open Mic Nights are good, some are just great!"
As a follow up to our meeting with Flannel Nation Records last week, more of our "team" is coming into place. The old saying if "you build it, they will come" is becoming a reality. Because in addition to Jon Curtis, who I can't say enough about, we have been contacted by computer specialist and a graphic artist in the last few days inquiring about collaboration with us. As their interest becomes solidified, we will promote them here just like we do Jon and Insights. All of this is an attempt to give our young artists the tools they need to succeed. There is so much excitement right now, I didn't get to my milk and cookies until almost ten last night!
More later...
Friday, January 23, 2009
A new beginning
Today we are in conference with Flannel Nation records. This will be a historical day for us! The TEAM is finally coming together, more on this monumental day later today, stay posted!
On another note we are currently putting together a Valentine's Day concert for the Feb. 14th and as we get that lineup fixed we will be posting it. Also, on the 28th will have our first full scale variety show. It is our hope that this will be the beginning of our local version of Praire Home Companion, another dream of ours. Again, as the lineup becomes finalizes we will be passing that information along. So stayed posted on these developments and if you're getting bored by the lack of change on this blog---and I don't blame you; it's because we've been in meetings a lot more these days.
Actually, in the Social Networking World these days there actually people making money writing blogs and doing the social networking for people and businesses. I've actually been in meetings where there were people "twittering" during the discussion or presentation. We're not there yet, but trust me we will be because we certainly see the value in it. Speaking of which, here I am typing to you during this meeting right now...so I better go now. More later, thanks for reading along.
On another note we are currently putting together a Valentine's Day concert for the Feb. 14th and as we get that lineup fixed we will be posting it. Also, on the 28th will have our first full scale variety show. It is our hope that this will be the beginning of our local version of Praire Home Companion, another dream of ours. Again, as the lineup becomes finalizes we will be passing that information along. So stayed posted on these developments and if you're getting bored by the lack of change on this blog---and I don't blame you; it's because we've been in meetings a lot more these days.
Actually, in the Social Networking World these days there actually people making money writing blogs and doing the social networking for people and businesses. I've actually been in meetings where there were people "twittering" during the discussion or presentation. We're not there yet, but trust me we will be because we certainly see the value in it. Speaking of which, here I am typing to you during this meeting right now...so I better go now. More later, thanks for reading along.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Today
Had a great meeting with Sandi and Al today, Mike Eaton was there and we discussed the blogging class later at 1.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Catching up!
Whew! What a hectic two weeks it's been. I'm not going to try and cover everything in this one installment, that would be insane. Not being totally technically proficient I had been putting off writing to you all until I figured out this one new feature and then suddenly I realized, wow, it's been over two weeks! So, that said I will start pecking away with all the news that has come across my desk.
For those of you wondering, Trevor Smith's video was shot at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle on the 7th and should be enroute to California and Comedy Central. Lauren Alm finished the jingle for the Insights Group and she was featured playing it for the Insights Group television commercial done for Hub TV here in Livingston county.
The January installment of Ladies' Night at the Insights Group was a huge success! Of course if you have been to any of the previouse events this probably doesn't surprise you!!!!
In the last two weeks I have had the pleasure to meet Stephanie Shannon from Stepeze, an organization specializing in developing youth out of Auburn Hills, MI and Cheryl Patterson, the Director of Program Outreach for the Exchange City & Earthworks out of Taylor, MI and we're looking at doing some very exciting things in 2009! More on that later as things develop.
And when I figure out the new technology (LOL) you'll see some great video from our last Open Mic night which featured THREE young artists. A solid 2 hours of the best entertainment around. Had one of our biggest crowds too despite a snow storm that night. There's much more excitement coming in our next installment. Thanks for your patience and loyalty.
I'll leave you with one question to ponder and comment on...if you had a choice of one act, one performer, one show that you could see before you die...what or who would it be? Until next time, enjoy life to the fullest!
For those of you wondering, Trevor Smith's video was shot at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle on the 7th and should be enroute to California and Comedy Central. Lauren Alm finished the jingle for the Insights Group and she was featured playing it for the Insights Group television commercial done for Hub TV here in Livingston county.
The January installment of Ladies' Night at the Insights Group was a huge success! Of course if you have been to any of the previouse events this probably doesn't surprise you!!!!
In the last two weeks I have had the pleasure to meet Stephanie Shannon from Stepeze, an organization specializing in developing youth out of Auburn Hills, MI and Cheryl Patterson, the Director of Program Outreach for the Exchange City & Earthworks out of Taylor, MI and we're looking at doing some very exciting things in 2009! More on that later as things develop.
And when I figure out the new technology (LOL) you'll see some great video from our last Open Mic night which featured THREE young artists. A solid 2 hours of the best entertainment around. Had one of our biggest crowds too despite a snow storm that night. There's much more excitement coming in our next installment. Thanks for your patience and loyalty.
I'll leave you with one question to ponder and comment on...if you had a choice of one act, one performer, one show that you could see before you die...what or who would it be? Until next time, enjoy life to the fullest!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
This Week
LOCAL TALENT TAKE NEXT STEP!This Wednesday at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle, it's official...they will be taping Trevor Smith's performance for submission to Comedy Central! Trevor has no idea what time he will be going on so doesn't expect his fan base to show up in force, but those that can attend will be appreciated. And who knows, maybe soon on a Friday evening we will all be able to view Trevor's debut on national television. As details develope we will keep informed. Knock them dead Trevor!
Also this week at Insights, Thursday evening Hub TV will be recording a commercial for The Insights Group and Lauren Alm will be in the commercial recording the jingle she wrote especially for The Insights Group. Then on Saturday, Lauren will kick off the 2009 Open Mic season with her third time gracing our stage. This may be the last time you will be able to see Lauren at such affordable prices, $10 for adults, $5 for students, because after this commercial airs, Lauren and Insights will be in high demand. See you there!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Last one, promise.
Happy New Year!
Due to technical difficulties, didn't finish finishing my thank you list yesterday. Sorry to bore you with all this but really, wouldn't be where we are today without the great people we have met in 2008.
Laurie MacKimmie, a friend and colleague in the "speaking world" and a very talented artist in her own right. Opened for Boherald twice, once at Open Mic and again at the Ecumenical show in November. But really, Laura is due a show of her own and we're here to help her get there. Many thanks Laura.
David Haslem, FINALLY somebody I can share Python with around here. David like Laura is gifted in soooo many things I really don't have time or the space to list them all here. Again, a colleague in the "speaking world"---and that covers a lot of ground. Performed twice at Open Mic and became my friend, turned me on to Twitter and Automation Alley.
City Limit. THIS is an up and coming youth band, no doubt in my mind about it. Had stage experience before they came to our Open Mic and brought a huge following to their show. We want to do whatever to assist these guys. They won me over when they showed with their drummer---he played football for me at Pinckney this past year. Turned out he was as good if not better as a drummer than he was as a lineman (and he's pretty good at that) but Zach, you still make me shake my head at times. LOL
Alyson Muir. Speak of up and coming talent...Alyson came to Open Mic with a LIST of accomplishments in hand! Now I can rant and rave about every performer, but Alyson, like the trio in City Limit---are Sophomores in high school! Alyson is an incredible talent about to burst on the scene, some of the finalists on last years American Idol weren't much older. Alyson graced us with singing the National Anthem at our football golf outing this past August and blew the crowd away. Alyson, like Laura Alm (who is only a few years older) has over a half an hour of original material already in the can! Impressive, catch her when you can.
Scott Mills and Bill Walsh. Friends and musicians, two thirds of Mr. Hyde, who came and performed at a moments notice when our entertainment cancelled for a Ladies Night at Insights. Only true musicians who love to perform do stuff like this. Scotty and Bill, I can't thank you enough, 2009 is going to be great for all of us.
Scott Richardson of Schafer's House of Music and Michael Grass of The Music Man. Maybe competitors in the business world but allies in the realm of helping young people. Both Scott and Mike saw the need for what we do here, supported and encouraged us with developing the Open Mic night.
Chuck Thompson of Brighton Tropi Tan. Friend and all around good guy, has a great staff and the cleanest tanning salon in the county! Brighton Tropi Tan was the first location that agreed to sell tickets to Lamocu events and we are indebted. And for those of you who are worried about skin cancer, did you know that the human body NEEDS a "certain", "controlled" amount of vitamin D each day. If you check it out, vitamin D helps a lot of things that contribute to a longer and healthier life---and you can't control the sun, so think about it. Did you get your daily amount of vitamin D today? (There, that should take care of that tab) LOL
Isreal Retana of Good As New, he introduced me to Sandi and Al of Insights. He didn't know why, but had a feeling I should meet those two. A man who knows good beer and good cigars...oh yeah he fixes old furniture pretty good too.
DJ Joe of Mobile Rhythm. From portable sound systems to a disco ball, Joe has assisted us in so many ways in the last year I can't imagine doing what we do without him. Many thanks Joe.
Rick at Brighton Tux. Again, like Joe above Rick has been a great source of resources and support. All my emcee's wear tuxes from Brighton Tux or they wear nothing at all!
Mary Pope, graphic artist. A very talented lady who held my hand through the football golf outing, made posters, flyer's and even tickets for us this past year. Would have been up the creek so many times without her. Mary you're the best.
Dan Gibbons, my oldest friend in the world. He was the first to give a "comment" on our blog. Basically he thought the pictures of two of the blog's followers David Gibbons and Mike Clark (mentioned in the first "thank you" list) detracted from the blog itself.
Alex Smith, son and friend. Alex has shown up at almost all of our events and done everything from sell concessions to operating a 50/50 drawing. Most of all he's always there to ask "Dad you alright?" LOL
There I think that about does it. Whew! If we have missed someone along the way I'll take responsibility for it and offer our most sincere apologies. It's been a great roller coaster ride in 2008 and we at Lamocu and our associates are prepared to succeed in 2009! Enjoy the games today!
Due to technical difficulties, didn't finish finishing my thank you list yesterday. Sorry to bore you with all this but really, wouldn't be where we are today without the great people we have met in 2008.
Laurie MacKimmie, a friend and colleague in the "speaking world" and a very talented artist in her own right. Opened for Boherald twice, once at Open Mic and again at the Ecumenical show in November. But really, Laura is due a show of her own and we're here to help her get there. Many thanks Laura.
David Haslem, FINALLY somebody I can share Python with around here. David like Laura is gifted in soooo many things I really don't have time or the space to list them all here. Again, a colleague in the "speaking world"---and that covers a lot of ground. Performed twice at Open Mic and became my friend, turned me on to Twitter and Automation Alley.
City Limit. THIS is an up and coming youth band, no doubt in my mind about it. Had stage experience before they came to our Open Mic and brought a huge following to their show. We want to do whatever to assist these guys. They won me over when they showed with their drummer---he played football for me at Pinckney this past year. Turned out he was as good if not better as a drummer than he was as a lineman (and he's pretty good at that) but Zach, you still make me shake my head at times. LOL
Alyson Muir. Speak of up and coming talent...Alyson came to Open Mic with a LIST of accomplishments in hand! Now I can rant and rave about every performer, but Alyson, like the trio in City Limit---are Sophomores in high school! Alyson is an incredible talent about to burst on the scene, some of the finalists on last years American Idol weren't much older. Alyson graced us with singing the National Anthem at our football golf outing this past August and blew the crowd away. Alyson, like Laura Alm (who is only a few years older) has over a half an hour of original material already in the can! Impressive, catch her when you can.
Scott Mills and Bill Walsh. Friends and musicians, two thirds of Mr. Hyde, who came and performed at a moments notice when our entertainment cancelled for a Ladies Night at Insights. Only true musicians who love to perform do stuff like this. Scotty and Bill, I can't thank you enough, 2009 is going to be great for all of us.
Scott Richardson of Schafer's House of Music and Michael Grass of The Music Man. Maybe competitors in the business world but allies in the realm of helping young people. Both Scott and Mike saw the need for what we do here, supported and encouraged us with developing the Open Mic night.
Chuck Thompson of Brighton Tropi Tan. Friend and all around good guy, has a great staff and the cleanest tanning salon in the county! Brighton Tropi Tan was the first location that agreed to sell tickets to Lamocu events and we are indebted. And for those of you who are worried about skin cancer, did you know that the human body NEEDS a "certain", "controlled" amount of vitamin D each day. If you check it out, vitamin D helps a lot of things that contribute to a longer and healthier life---and you can't control the sun, so think about it. Did you get your daily amount of vitamin D today? (There, that should take care of that tab) LOL
Isreal Retana of Good As New, he introduced me to Sandi and Al of Insights. He didn't know why, but had a feeling I should meet those two. A man who knows good beer and good cigars...oh yeah he fixes old furniture pretty good too.
DJ Joe of Mobile Rhythm. From portable sound systems to a disco ball, Joe has assisted us in so many ways in the last year I can't imagine doing what we do without him. Many thanks Joe.
Rick at Brighton Tux. Again, like Joe above Rick has been a great source of resources and support. All my emcee's wear tuxes from Brighton Tux or they wear nothing at all!
Mary Pope, graphic artist. A very talented lady who held my hand through the football golf outing, made posters, flyer's and even tickets for us this past year. Would have been up the creek so many times without her. Mary you're the best.
Dan Gibbons, my oldest friend in the world. He was the first to give a "comment" on our blog. Basically he thought the pictures of two of the blog's followers David Gibbons and Mike Clark (mentioned in the first "thank you" list) detracted from the blog itself.
Alex Smith, son and friend. Alex has shown up at almost all of our events and done everything from sell concessions to operating a 50/50 drawing. Most of all he's always there to ask "Dad you alright?" LOL
There I think that about does it. Whew! If we have missed someone along the way I'll take responsibility for it and offer our most sincere apologies. It's been a great roller coaster ride in 2008 and we at Lamocu and our associates are prepared to succeed in 2009! Enjoy the games today!
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