Major artist vs Local Group (Full Version)

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hinsonfan -> Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 4:37:23 PM)

I seen on the singing news home page a question about do you mind setting through 2 or 3 local groups at a concert before seeing the major artist of the concert, I voted no I don't mind, because 90% of the time the local groups are just as good and sometimes even better than the major group.



DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 4:43:00 PM)

It depends, are they singing 15 minutes are 30? How much talking goes on in between? But my vote would be I don't want to in most cases.



wtsend -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 4:45:49 PM)

I vote for hearing the local groups. It's hard for them to get a crowd to sing to. Besides you never know when you'll hear a really good group. Just cuz they're local don't mean they ain't good..



jchaz -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 4:46:00 PM)

A lot of our local groups ARE major groups.... We're blessed like that, I guess...



hoppersfan -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 4:50:28 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: DeeAnnBailey

It depends, are they singing 15 minutes are 30? How much talking goes on in between? But my vote would be I don't want to in most cases.



Mine, too.



MsJudy -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 4:55:18 PM)

This sort of thing irritates me! Where in the world did the "major group" come from? Most all of them started out opening for some other group....................but IF some of you don't know the group by name, then "forget it", they're not good enough to sit and listen too, when most of the time they are better than the "major."



pamr40 -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 5:06:13 PM)

We are a local group, and we've had the honor of opening for some major groups. We appreciate that and we don't take advantage of it - we stay within the time restrictions given to us by the promoter and we don't ever cover the major artist song. I know some people don't want to hear the local group, and that's certainly your right, but I do appreciate the folks who at least give us a chance to win their hearts.



MsJudy -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 5:13:34 PM)

Pam, that is where most of the groups started. Someday, if God's wills it, maybe the "major" group will be opening for you!



TQ_Fan_4_Life -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 5:19:21 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: MsJudy

This sort of thing irritates me! Where in the world did the "major group" come from? Most all of them started out opening for some other group....................but IF some of you don't know the group by name, then "forget it", they're not good enough to sit and listen too, when most of the time they are better than the "major."



Preach it Sister. I mean thats my thoughts exactly. and besides as was stated earlier. the local groups are sometimes better. I mean heaven forbid they haven't been charted before. [8|]


but I see this thread getting possibly ugly again.


I will simply say as I have told Santa and Mrs. C, Sam, and a few others. the majority of the time I listen to lesser known artists cd's over the cd's by the name groups. in fact they are better.



Kerrlaw1 -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 5:24:58 PM)

Each of us probably has our own idea of what a "major" group is, even if we can't define it.

In my mind it means traveling a wide area singing Southern Gospel full time, recording albums of original songs, receiving widespread radio play, being well known and well liked enough to draw a paying crowd on their own merits, etc.

When I think of a "local" group, I picture three or four singers who normally sing in their local church, maybe occasionally outside the church, have no ambition to do otherwise, and who are on the program as the opening act. This is different from a "new" group, who is simply one that I have never heard of, or is just starting out full time, but may be a "major" group in the making.

This doesn't mean that a "local" group cannot be pleasant to listen to, or even great to listen to.

My preference for local groups is for them to sing four or five songs and turn the stage over to the people I paid to see.



LRBB -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 5:25:27 PM)

I've heard a few "local" groups in my area that I'd rather listen to then some "major" groups.



hoppersfan -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 5:31:04 PM)

Ms. Judy, I'm sorry if you took offense to my post. I certainly didn't intend it. However, I think your reaction might have been a bit strong. We were asked for our opinions, and I honestly do not like to sit through 2 or 3 groups before I get to hear the group I paid to listen to. I don't even like to sit through 2 or 3 "MAJOR" groups before I get to hear my favorite group. I don't have anything against "local" groups; but when I go to hear the Hoppers, I want to hear the Hoppers!![;)]



hoppersfan -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 5:42:48 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kerrlaw1

Each of us probably has our own idea of what a "major" group is, even if we can't define it.

In my mind it means traveling a wide area singing Southern Gospel full time, recording albums of original songs, receiving widespread radio play, being well known and well liked enough to draw a paying crowd on their own merits, etc.

When I think of a "local" group, I picture three or four singers who normally sing in their local church, maybe occasionally outside the church, have no ambition to do otherwise, and who are on the program as the opening act. This is different from a "new" group, who is simply one that I have never heard of, or is just starting out full time, but may be a "major" group in the making.

This doesn't mean that a "local" group cannot be pleasant to listen to, or even great to listen to.

My preference for local groups is for them to sing four or five songs and turn the stage over to the people I paid to see.


Very eloquently stated, O Wise One!! (But I wouldn't expect anything less from you!) [:D][:D][;)]



jchaz -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 5:53:10 PM)

I think we need to realize that most every (but not all) groups had humble, meager beginnings - usually as a group singing in their local church. Very few have had the luxury of starting out at the top of the proverbial ladder. Even then, the members of these 'million dollar' groups usually have worked their way up to the national attention they hold.

It should also be noted here that there is no shame WHATSOEVER in being a 'local group'. Like has been stated, there are some so-called 'local groups' that are better received than some so-called 'major' groups. Our own robertyork recently held a concert featuring several top 'local' groups. I'm sure it was as good a concert as you could've asked for.

We need to realize that EVERY group is a local group, to some degree. Like I tried to express in an earlier post, here in Atlanta, we have several groups within a hundred miles that are full-time, professional (or, 'major', if you will) SG groups.

That said, though, I really think, personally, that the term "major group" technically should be reserved for groups that are nationally known (ie: Greater Vision, McKameys, Perrys, and Inspirations, etc.)

Granted, there are times when a thoughless promoter brings in WAY too many local groups and it's several hours before the headliner group is brought on. I think that the promoter should be careful to fully advertise the local groups. It will help the fan decide whether or not they want to attend at all. For example, a concert promoted as "A Night With The Hoppers" shouldn't have but ONE other group at the most on the program, and they should be billed as 'featuring Special Guests...". If it's gonna be a multi-group program, It shouldn't push the headliner, and make little or no mention of the lesser-known groups at all. Now THAT would irritate me! (ght, MsJudy).



Jeff_from_Kentucky -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 5:58:36 PM)

I suppose I wouldn't mind sitting through one or two local groups at a concert but the truth is, I don't know of any local groups in this area. There may be some but I honestly have not heard of any so sitting through local groups has not been an issue here.



rkdavis -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 6:21:27 PM)

From a fan's stand point (is that one word or two?) I don't mind seeing a local group that has some talent. I've also seen some wannabes that thought they were climbing up the ladder so to speak and didn't belong on the stage with the major group/groups they were opening for. I think it would be best to leave them off the card and just go straight to the major group.

From an artist's standpoint (spell check said it was one word [:)]) we like to open for major groups. The first few years we were singing we would shy away from being the "opening act", "crowd warmers", or whatever you want to call them. We just didn't see a purpose in it. In the last couple of years a promoter friend of ours asked us to open for the Fla. Boys, Gold City, and, this year the Hoppers. Just two times opening for major groups resulted in at least 25 bookings and exposure to some totally different areas, people, and venues.



donnastrong -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 6:23:30 PM)

Having sung SG music for now 26 years, some would still consider us (HEARTS OF FAITH) a "local" group ... simply because we are not FULL TIME. I really don't take fault at that, per se, but I do suggest that not every artist out there is CALLED to be full time. I can tell you that we are not ... at least, not at this point in time. In fact, when talking with Ms. Judy, I've told her that "HEARTS OF FAITH is not vying to be the next full-time duet." At that's the honest truth. We travel approximately 65 dates yearly over several states and we believe that's what God wants us doing right now while our children are still living at home. After all, God expects us to be good wives and mothers too!!!

Just today, I was discussing with another "local", if you will, artist that there must be some artists called to sing in the local churches. Not every artist is meant to be on the concert stage, I don't think. Concerts are a bit of a different venue than a church service. We SING differently in each of those. And before anyone worries about the Spirit being taken out of the "concert" venues, that's not what I mean. Simply put, church services tend to be a bit more serious and intimate than is a concert where the crowds are larger and probably more interested in "enjoying" the songs rather than "experiencing" the songs.

We have had the opportunity to open for some national artists and we've always stayed within our time limit ... which ALL groups should do, not just the opening group! It does give an artist a chance to be heard by those who might not otherwise hear them. And as far as charting and radio airplay, that can take TONS AND TONS of money to release; promote; etc. I know because we have done that and we also ran a radio promotion company for 8 years. So I've been on both sides of the issue. So it isn't always that a group without radio success is not as good ... the funds just may not be there for them.

Well, didn't mean to preach a sermon ... that's not my calling either [:D]

Donna Strong
HEARTS OF FAITH
www.heartsoffaith.biz

P.S. If any concert promoter wants us to open for a national artist, we'd be honored!



pamr40 -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 6:26:52 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: MsJudy

Pam, that is where most of the groups started. Someday, if God's wills it, maybe the "major" group will be opening for you!


Ha! Thanks MsJudy...we like to jokingly say now that they are closing for us!

But I've learned something from this thread...I'm gonna start referring to us as a "new group" and not a "local group"!!!



Dinana -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 6:38:16 PM)

I really don't want more than one small/local group per concert and I'd like them to not sing more than 20 or 25 minutes tops. That gives enough of an introduction of the group for me so I can determine my interest level for them and I've really come to see the other group(s).



TQ_Fan_4_Life -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 9:49:59 PM)

till some actually want the "local" group back for more.

JChacz, you hit the nail on the head.



DeeAnnBailey -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 10:40:24 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: MsJudy

This sort of thing irritates me! Where in the world did the "major group" come from? Most all of them started out opening for some other group....................but IF some of you don't know the group by name, then "forget it", they're not good enough to sit and listen too, when most of the time they are better than the "major."


There are some really good local groups and there are some really BAD ones. There are many local groups I love to hear. The difference is if the major group is bad I just don't go - but the local groups many times aren't advertised so you have to sit through them without a choice. And even if they are advertised and just singing a few songs I can stand that but when they have as long as the group I PAID to hear I can't stand that.

If they had given an option to vote for 1-2 local groups, my answer might have been different but 2-3, nope, even when they are good unless the concert starts at 6:00, your feature group isn't going on until 8 or later with that many.

If they had given 2-3 and said 15 minutes each I probably would have voted yes but with the black and white options they had, I'll pass on the locals.

I've helped with booking, promoting and supporting several local groups over the years and my advice to them is to keep it short and sweet. That Jim Hamil's advice and leave them wanting more. If folks pay to hear a group and you open- nine times out of ten, if you keep it short and do a good job, you'll see some of those folks coming to see you. If you aren't good or sing too long, they will not be happy.

Some of the best singing I've heard at times has been by folks I didn't know BUT 2-3 local groups is still too many.



MsJudy -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 10:40:59 PM)

Charlie I do agree with you. When I was promoting, I only had ONE local or rather unknown group on the program. I wanted to help them be heard, get some dates, etc. I would either know them or go hear them before I did this also.

Mandy, you did not offend me. No one offended me, really. I just spoke my mind, as usual. LOL.........When I go to a concert, I want to hear the one I paid to hear, not sit through several unknown groups either, but some promoters haven't learned how that works yet. I guess I have an unknown trio on my roster. LOL. But they're so unknown they have been invited to sing at Inspiration Park June 30th! Also they've been invited to be the "major" artist at a Festival in Moulton, AL in April. So keep your ears open for FAITH 3, they're making waves on the gospel scene! And BTW, they DO write their own songs, they don't cover other artists songs. Yes, they're branching out, and going full-time also.

And TQ_Fan I just love your attitude! I have a CD I'd like to send you. PM me an address to where I can do so.



PaulPate -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 10:44:10 PM)

I think my feelings have been stated, at least in part by a couple of posters, but let me say it agein. I prefer no more than 2 groups in a "regular" concert, and if one of them is a "local" it is fine with me. I will occasionally go to an event where there are several groups and I'll listen to my favorites and go to the record tables or concessions in between.
So far as the "local" or "part time" group is concerned, I sang with my family group for 33 years, and we never considered going full time and did not consider ourselves professional. That is not by any means making light of those who do sing full time, or that are considered professional. I say thank God for them and I support them. There are many reasons for groups who sing part time, some of them having been stated in this thread. When I can feel the Spirit in a gospel song and get blessed, I don't care what the status of the group is.



hoppersfan -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 10:51:03 PM)

Thanks, Ms. Judy. [sm=hug.gif] I'm glad you weren't offended by my post. I absolutely have no problem sitting through one local group, either. But I have been to concerts where you had to listen to two or three local groups before you got to hear the group you came for. That's hard to do! I like the way you say you did it. I think that's how it should be done. [;)][:)]



TQ_Fan_4_Life -> RE: Major artist vs Local Group (2/7/2008 10:51:56 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: MsJudy

Charlie I do agree with you. When I was promoting, I only had ONE local or rather unknown group on the program. I wanted to help them be heard, get some dates, etc. I would either know them or go hear them before I did this also.

Mandy, you did not offend me. No one offended me, really. I just spoke my mind, as usual. LOL.........When I go to a concert, I want to hear the one I paid to hear, not sit through several unknown groups either, but some promoters haven't learned how that works yet. I guess I have an unknown trio on my roster. LOL. But they're so unknown they have been invited to sing at Inspiration Park June 30th! Also they've been invited to be the "major" artist at a Festival in Moulton, AL in April. So keep your ears open for FAITH 3, they're making waves on the gospel scene! And BTW, they DO write their own songs, they don't cover other artists songs. Yes, they're branching out, and going full-time also.

And TQ_Fan I just love your attitude! I have a CD I'd like to send you. PM me an address to where I can do so.



pm sent Ms Judy



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