My Next Big Bloggy Idea

We were due, right, for another bloggy idea?  My blog ideas seem to always come around in the spring, just as sure as animals copulate and flowers bloom.  And this one is fantastic…

…an online performance series called Concert on the Blog.

The idea came to me from three directions.  One, I am considerably blessed in the blog traffic department.  I get a lot of opportunities due to this space, and I often feel the need to pay it forward and let others use it too.  Two, Josh and I have been starting to cement which concerts we’ll attend this summer, and it struck me that I often prefer to watch concert DVDs than go to the live show.  Something about the ability to hit pause, not have to travel, and no lines for the bathroom makes them incredibly appealing at times.  Three, it is very hard to do fine art publicity and being an online pollinator is one thing I do semi-well.  It all comes down to using my blogging powers for good instead of evil.  So… the Concert on the Blog series was born.

Every Thursday morning, a new post will go up that will showcase a particular musician, film, theater performance, comedy routine, etc.  Towards the bottom of the post is the “virtual lobby” where visual artists and photographers can have their work showcased.  All viewers/listeners will be able to leave messages for the featured artists in the comment section.  Hopefully, if the music, film, or art strikes you, you will pay it forward by supporting the artist or telling other people about their work via your own Twitter feed or Facebook status.

Music and movies will not play unless you click them (just in case you were semi-horrified at the idea of being accosted by music every Thursday if you click over).

If you would like to be included (and artists will range from those who are trying to make a living via their art to those who are just starting out) or you know someone who could benefit from this, please read on or pass word along. I’ve compiled the instructions in a permanent post that will also contain the archives for older performances.  But basically,

• Anyone can submit their work.  You do not need to be a regular reader of this blog.  In fact, please pass along word of this concert series to any friends or family members that you know could benefit from the publicity.  Each performance will potentially initially reach 25,000 people (though, of course, not all will watch, listen, or click over to learn more about the artist.  Though I hope YOU do).

• There are no limits on the type of performance: any type of music, any type of film, any type of theater, any type of comedy routine… the options are endless (The answer to all possible questions is yes).

• Musicians/actors/directors should send an email with COTB in the subject line containing the following information:

1. Title of the band or piece.  In other words, how you wish your name to appear and have the piece labeled.
2. Background information viewers might want to know.
3. Links that you’d like included such as a band website, Facebook page or iTunes store.
4. Any message you want to communicate with the viewer.
5. The url for the video uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo or another embeddable service — OR — an MP3 sound file (please do not send video files).

• Visual artists/photographers should send an email with COTB in the subject line containing the following information:

1. Title of the piece as well as how you want your name to appear.
2. Any background information about your work.
3. Links that you’d like included such as to your website or a place to purchase your work.
4. Any message you want to communicate with the viewer.
5. A JPG or PNG file of the image.  If it is already hosted elsewhere on the Web, please give me the full url for the piece.

• Everyone will receive an email back within the week.  If  you are chosen for the series, you will also receive a date for when your performance is set to air.  Everyone is eligible to submit again in the future — both people who aren’t accepted as well as those who have already performed.

• You do not need to do anything after you submit your materials.  I will be doing the layout and publicity via my blog, Twitter, and Facebook for your online performance.  After your performance date, return to read the comments left for you by viewers.  Feel free to add your own or answer questions that are left for you.

• Still have a question that isn’t answered here?  Email me with COTB in the subject line.

So, that’s basically it.  Any weeks that I don’t have a performance scheduled will be filled by a music video Josh or I curate from YouTube.  The ChickieNob and Wolvog have been put in charge of curating art if we have a week without photography or visual art scheduled.  So there will be something every Thursday starting April 7th.  It’s just up to you (“you” being the collective mix of artists, musicians, actors, directors, performers out there) whether blog readers are entertained by a performance they’ve never experienced before (and therefore learn about new music, films, or theater) or whether they are subjected to watching a YouTube video of a middle school performance of Les Miserables.

I already have the first few performances lined up, so go put April 7th on your calendar for the kick-off to the series.  I originally conceptualized this as a summer series, but I realized that the desire to find new music or see a good video isn’t limited to the summer.  And unlike outdoor venues, an online performance series doesn’t require good weather.

So yank out your classical music, your rock and roll, your jug band.  Send in your digital short or that cartoon you made.  Go film yourself performing your one-woman storytelling show in your living room.  In other words, get your art on.  Or simply come here to listen and view every Thursday morning.