Tipitina's Music Office Co-Op/ Shreveport

Why I Am Not At Tipitina's

2009-04-10T21:40:00.001-07:00

(Long Article Alert)

If you've read anything I've written, you're aware that I'm not much of a word smith...and I've been struggling to find a way to explain to people why I left Tipitina's after four years...usually right after they ask me why I left Tipitinas. Well, for one thing, it was time. It was four years...a good four years in which a good program for local musicians was implemented and successful to boot...Ronny Cates is now heading up that venture and I can't think of anyone more qualified.

I had never worked in the non-profit sector before and it was a great experience. The musicians and digital artists who became part and parcel of that experience taught me more than they thought I taught them and they were, in a way, responsible for my paradigm shift...

One purpose of the Co-Op is to provide musicians with the tools to make the next leap forward in their music business. I had first hand access to those tools and I began thinking, "Why am I not taking advantage of those resources and taking that next leap?"

Then two other things happened. I attended the International Folk Alliance in Memphis, thanks to the Shreveport/Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau
and met a lot of folks who are living as musicians AND I read the following blog by Lee Stranahan, a guy I have had long term respect for.

Here it is:

"Yesterday afternoon, I signed some papers, turned in my badge and walked out of the job that I’ve been working at for five years. I wasn’t fired or laid off. In the middle of a huge economic crisis and big unemployment numbers, I left of my own free will. I walked away from a steady paycheck, benefits and health insurance…and I walked away smiling.
People’s reactions generally fell into two methods of showing concern for my welfare. Some people showed a mixture of concern and an odd sort of pity at the horrible and possibly insane decision I was making. Others looked me in the eye and told me they weren’t worried and that they knew I’d do great things. Both of these reactions came from people who cared about me but they show the single biggest factor in deciding to make a living without a job.
Fear.
If you can overcome your fear by thinking through your options and coming up with a workable plan, you can overcome your fear and leave your job.
I wasn’t afraid today when I walked out of the the building but I sure have been afraid. I was in fear that I’d be laid off or worse, that my hours would be cut or that everyone in the company would be required to take a few extra weeks off without pay. I’d seen it happen and I was barely making it, living week to week and paycheck to paycheck. I was afraid of blogging the wrong thing and losing my job because of something I said. I was afraid to do much to try and get outside work to increase my income and I was afraid to make waves or ask for more money.
I walked out on fear today. I got tired of the illusion of security and of trying to tell myself that my job was somehow going to work out any better for me in the future. It wasn’t. Simple math and common sense told me that I wasn’t making enough to pay my bills or that the work wasn’t going to become satisfying. So, I quit.
I quit fear…that’s what I gave up."

This blog lead me to read his other postings:

"29 Dec, 2008
Shifting To A Make Money Mindset
Posted by: Lee In: Success
In the five years that I’ve had a full time 8-4 job, part of my brain has melted away. When I was freelance for the prior fifteen years or so, I constantly had MAKE SOME MONEY thoughts rolling around in the back of my head. I had to or I wouldn’t have eaten.
Now that I get a check every Thursday, those brain cells are dead. I know money is coming is in and even though it’s not enough to pay my bills, really, that false sense of security envelopes me in a nice warm cocoon of stupid so I don’t have to have income ideas percolating. Now I think about all sorts of stuff - art projects, things I can write, film ideas - but making money isn’t a constant.
If ever there was a reason to not have a job, this is it.
It really does lull you into the self sustaining myth that having a job solves some problems. In my case, it’s caused more problems than it solved if I stop to think about it. I’ve gotten further in debt because my false security said taking on more debt would work out okay since I have a job. It’s cost me income. It’s hurt my brain.
So I’m having to kickstart my brain and literally force myself to try and get the freelance attitude back, even though I’m still at my day job right now. I try to trick myself into thinking that no more paychecks are coming When I have an idea that could generate income, I jump on it and try to take some action on it right away to create a little momentum for myself.
What do you do to keep your brain generating income producing ideas for you?

04 Jan, 2009
Who Will Make The Fries?
Posted by: Lee In: For Artists| Success
Be ever vigilant..
Pretend you’re a guitar player but for your day job you work at a fast food joint. One night, the Biggest Band In The World sees you at a gig. Afterwards, they pull you aside…a one night contract in hand…
“Dude, we want you to open for us tomorrow night at Madison Square Garden!”
It’s the best news of your entire life. It’s your big break. You go back to work at the fast food place expecting high fives and congratulations. Instead, you get pulled into the manager’s office.
Dude, you’re on the schedule for tomorrow night. This is your job, cancel that guitar thing. Otherwise, who will make the fries?
This is why a job - especially the wrong job - is deadly to creative people. Your fellow employees often could care less that you have a big break. In fact, the idea pisses them off. They don’t want to see you on the cover ofThe Rolling Stone or featured on Pitchfork while they are still going home smelling like burger grease for minimum wage. They don’t want to hear about your good fortune because all your dreams mean to them is that they have to work the fry machine for a night.
Maybe it’s your job where people feel this way. Or maybe it’s your family. Or maybe your friends. It really sucks but you can’t let people hold you back. They will if you let them.
At the first signs of this attitude, do what Freddie Mercury says…
Spread your little wings and fly away."

finally...
Lee suggested a click on this link:

http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2008/12/how-to-make-lots-of-money-during-a-recession/

so...that's pretty much it.

I figure that within the next 6 months, I can make more money doing my music related activities than I can working my former day job...and in the long run, a whole lot more,...

In other words, proving the Co-Op program is viable.

I feel empowered.

I've got a woman who is supportive and has pointed me in a direction that I could not have imagined for myself.

I am a working singer/songwriter/musician...and yet when I meet someone at Brookshires and they ask me what I'm doing now... I can see that they think that they are staring at someone who may be mad.

To quote Leonard Cohen last Friday night:

"I'm just a crazy kid with a dream,"

We have a new Blog Site!!

2009-04-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

Please visit us at:

http://tipitinascoopshreveport.blogspot.com/

Many thanks.

LIGHTS, CAMERAS, ACTION!!

2009-02-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

Today the "Trans-Siberian Orchestra Media Room" became a full fledged studio for the making of a public service announcement. Producer, Karl Hasten and director, Dave Akin transformed the space in the making of "FREE INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE" for local non-profit, CENTERPOINT. Local television stations have adopted a policy of airing local PSAs, but not necessarily doing the actual production work. Co-Op member, Karl Hasten enlisted the veteran filmmaker, David Akin (also a Co-Op member) to do the actual shoot, but needed a location for shooting and a place to do post-production. In stepped Tipitina's Music Office Co-Op/Shreveport. Akin will be editing the spot here, as well, using Final Cut Pro.
On any given day Co-Op members are using this space for photo shoots, video blogging and at times screening premieres of their video work. Many thanks, once again, to Trans-Siberian Orchestra for their help in establishing this great technical resource.
(Below: Karl Hasten and Dave Akin work with talent, Luease Graham and Terri Brock)

Trans-Siberian Orchestra WOWS Us Again!!

2008-12-27T15:19:00.000-08:00

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has once again astounded local audiences and non-profits, alike, by presenting a check for $12,204 to be shared between Tipitinas Music Office Co-Op/Shreveport and Little Kids Rock. Last years donation not only helped us upgrade gear and put together "Podcast Cubicles" for Co-Op members to telecast over the internet, but in reality, also allowed us to keep our doors open. Many thanks once again to Jack Orbin, Stone City Attractions, Larry McGuffin and The Trans-Siberian Orchestra for their generous donation!!

The 2008 Tipitina's James Burton Guitar Showdown

2008-08-30T16:11:00.001-07:00

We Have Our Finalists!!

2008-08-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

Age 11-13: Reagan Woods, Seven Foley, Michael Manno

Age 14-17: Forest Whitehead, Kyle McDearmont, Zak Strezo, Dayton Corbett, Nick Tingle

Age 18-21: Michael Chreene, Jerry Lee, Eric Smith

Thanks to all the contestants and congratulations to all of the finalists!!

Shreveport Town Hall Meeting

2008-08-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

Paul Garner questions the 1971 "HOOTING ORDINANCE"

I think everyone was surprised with how many people showed up for this meeting. I'm just optimistic enough to think that maybe this could be the beginning of an open dialog between government, bureaucracy and creative artist.

NARAS representative, Reid Wick addresses assembled musicians at this first town hall meetings for Shreveport musicians.

Extended Tryouts For Ages 6 through 13!!

2008-08-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

Extended Auditions for The James Burton Guitar Showdown will be held for the following age groups:
6 through 10 years of age and 11 through 13

Date & Time Sunday August 17, 2008 - 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Place: Maggie's Hanger 616 Commerce Street, ON THE RIVERFRONT Downtown Shreveport (Formerly James Burton's Rock-N-Roll Cafe)

Finalists for all catagories will then be announced at this site on August 20th, 2008.

Due to the heat, Sunday July 27th Auditions to be held @ 516 Texas Street, Downtown Shreveport!!

2008-07-19T14:24:00.001-07:00

A Judged Audition for the James Burton International Guitar Festival
"Guitar Showdown" will be held at Soundstage, 516 Texas Street, Shreveport, LA, Sunday, July 27th
and Sunday August 3rd from 11am to 6:pm.
Participants will be chosen for audition on a first come, first serve basis.
Previous winners of the "Guitar Showdown" are ineligible to compete.

There are four age-groups (from 6 years to 21 years of age).
Categories are as follows:
1. 6 through 10 years of age,
2. 11 through 13 years of age,
3. 14 through 17 years of age,
4. 18 through 21 years of age.

Each audition performance will be 3 minutes to a maximum of 5 minutes
per performer. Tipitina's will provide a guitar amplifier for electric
guitars and a microphone set up for acoustic guitars.
Special equipment needs must be provided by each musician.
Sorry, no pre-recorded background tracks or other accompaniment will
be allowed. There will be a maximum of 5 finalists chosen for each
age-group to compete at The Convention Center on August 23rd, 2008.
Judges' decisions are final. Finalists names and performance schedule
will be posted at
http://tipitinasmusicofficecoopshreveport.blogspot.com/ and at
http://www.myspace.com/tipitinasmusiccoop no later than Wednesday
August 6th, 2008.
Participants agree tohold harmless and indemnify The Tipitina's Foundation and the James Burton International Guitar Festival for any liability, injury or claim that may occur as a result of participation in this event.

For more information call Dan Garner at Tipitina's
Music Office Co-Op/Shreveport @ (318) 934-0000 or email at
tipitina.dan@gmail.com

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2007

2007-12-21T20:18:00.000-08:00

Left to right: Stone City Attraction's Jack Orbin, KVKI's Robert J. Wright, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Al Pitrelli present Tipitina's Music Office Co-Op/Shreveport's Dan Garner with a check representing their donation to the Shreveport facility for over $10,000!!
This was a portion of the proceeds from their incredible concert at Century-Tel Arena on Friday, December 21st, 2007.
Thank you, Trans-Siberian Orchestra!! I am simply stunned...let the picture speak the 10,000 words:

(Photo by Susan Garner)

Rehearsal Space...NOW RESERVING!!

2007-12-12T13:12:00.000-08:00

This Just In!!!

2007-11-14T09:55:00.001-08:00

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Media Room Preview Continues!!

2007-11-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Media Room Becomes a Reality!!

2007-11-08T12:46:00.000-08:00

Left to right KVKI's Robert J. Wright, Stone City Attraction's Jack Orbin and Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Al Pitrelli present Tipitina's Music Office Co-Op/Shreveport's Dan Garner with a check representing their donation to the Shreveport facility for over $5000!!
This was a portion of the proceeds from their incredible concert at Century-Tel Arena last year on Monday, November 13th, 2006.
"We like to give to a local non-profit in the communities where the performance takes place and it's important that we know the contributions will be used locally," observed Larry McGuffin from Stone City Attractions of San Antonio, Texas.
The contribution has brought into creation the new "TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA MEDIA ROOM" here at Tipitina's Music Office Co-OP/Shreveport!!
The funds provided us a portable projection system to use in training, along with Final Cut Pro video and Pro-Tools audio editing software. Our larger middle room is an all-purpose space, used for everything from Art showings, video shoots, photographic shoots and meetings...now add all purpose video presentations and training to the list, thanks to the generous donation of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra!! A plaque will be in place, soon to designate the space.
I'd like to personally thank Larry McGuffin for tracking us down to make the donation, Jack Orbin for running herd over everything (and for spending a few moments giving pointers to my daughter, Susan, on the ins and outs of the promoter biz) as well as Al Pitrelli who is not only a jaw-dropping guitar player, but also one really nice guy, for putting on a stunning show last year and being there to present the check in front of the thousands of fans that showed up to one truly great concert!!

A Meeting of the Musical Minds!!

2007-10-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

IS Music a Business in Shreveport-Bossier?

WHAT’S happening in the Music Industry throughout Louisiana?

WHAT ABOUT those Music Tax Credits…can they really benefit US?

What’s the next great MUSIC opportunity for Shreveport-Bossier?

COULD the Shreveport-Bossier community host a successful Music Conference that grows into the next SXSW?

Shreveport City Councilman Michael Long hosted a “meeting of the musical minds” featuring Louisiana Music Commission Director, Lynn Ourso, Tuesday, October 2nd from 10:00 am – Noon, at ARTSPACE, 710 Texas Street. Among those in attendance were Pam Atchison of Shreveport Regional Arts Council, Julia and Rene Foley of Ren Ten Music, Louise Burton from The James Burton Foundation, Maggie and Alton Warwick of F.A.M.E., former SXSW volunteer co-ordinator Geoffrey Kallenberg, Dorsey Summerfield from The Southern University/Tipitina's Music Technology Program, Dan Garner of Tipitina's Music Office Co-Op/ Shreveport, Patti Trudell of C.E.R.T., consultant David Dodd and attorney Mark Davis.

Participants Continue To Flock To Program!!

2007-09-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

On the advent of the release of "Set Yourself Free, Volume 7 and 8" (done through the facilities of Tipitina's Music Office Co-Op/Shreveport) people are continuing to congregate 2:PM each Saturday at Tipitina's in Shreveport, Louisiana, to hear the important message of Dr. Charles T. Hennigan.

WE HAVE OUR WINNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-03-31T13:42:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE OUR WINNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Burton, John Goodman & Winners of 2007 Guitar Showdown

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Trumpet Player For Cirque du Soleil's Delirium, Drops In!!

2007-03-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

Jacques Seguin

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Finalists For The James Burton Guitar Showdown:

2007-03-21T11:14:00.001-07:00

JAMES BURTON INTERNATIONAL "GUITAR SHOWDOWN" AUDITIONS SET!!!

2007-03-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

A Judged Audition for the James Burton International Guitar Festival "Guitar Showdown" will be held at Tipitina's Music Office Co-Op/Shreveport, 700 Texas Street, Shreveport, LA, Saturday March 17th, 10:am to 4:pm and Sunday March 18th from noon to 4:pm. Participants will be chosen for audition on a first first serve basis. There are four age-groups (from 6 years to 21 years of age) catagories as follows: 1. Elementary School (grades 1-6) 2. Middle School (grades 7-9) 3. High School (grades 10-12) 4. Post High School (through 21 years of age) Each Performance will be 3 minutes to a maximum of 5 minutes per performer. Tipitina's will provide a microphone set up for acoustic guitars. Special equipment needs must be provided by each musician. Sorry, no pre-recorded background tracks or other accompanyment will be allowed. There will be a maximum of 5 finalists chosen for each age-group chosen to compete at Festival Plaza on March 31st. Judges' decisions are final. Finalists names and performance schedule will be posted at http://tipitinasmusicofficecoopshreveport.blogspot.com/ and at http://www.myspace.com/tipitinasmusiccoop no later than Wednesday March 21st, 2007. For more information call Dan Garner at Tipitina's Music Office Co-Op/Shreveport @ (318) 934-0000 or email at tipitina.dan@gmail.com

Dexter Johnson Conducts Seminar!!

2007-02-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

Odyssey Sound Lab (and ProTools certified) engineer, Dexter Johnson conducted a ProTools Seminar for the Co-Op Saturday, January 27th for an enthusiastic gathering of experienced, as well as newbie Co-Op members. This was the first in what we hope will be many seminars to come. Up next will be Mr. Chris (Chris Alexander) and a seminar this Saturday February 3rd, 1:PM on Self Promotion, Self Production and Self Development...until then, behave your self!!

Stone's Throw Songwriter Sunday

2006-12-10T22:56:00.000-08:00

This wasn't actually a Co-Op event, but there were quite a few Members on-hand at "Stone's Throw Songwriter Sunday" held each Sunday afternoon from 4:PM until 7:PM at "Stone's Throw Cafe" at the corner of Jordan and Line Avenue. Owner, operator, cook and chief bottle washer, Rachel Stone is a songwriter as well, so the combination is perfect: Good Food, Good Coffee, good Music!! It's ALL AGES and NO COVER!!
Songwriters on hand at this evenings event were (in order of appearance) Dan Garner, Forest Whitehead, Rolanda Peacock, Doug (forgot your last name...sorry), Mike Matthews, Dustin Freeman, Boss Cotton, Elizabeth Murray, Chris Alexander, W. Macaulay Johnson and Rachal Stone!!
By the way...you really need to try the apple dumplings!!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Donates Over $5000 to Tips!!

2006-11-17T11:14:00.000-08:00

THIS JUST IN!! I've been wanting to post this since it happened last Monday night!!

Left to right KVKI's Robert J. Wright, Stone City Attraction's Jack Orbin and Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Al Pitrelli present Tipitina's Music Office Co-Op/Shreveport's Dan Garner with a check representing their donation to the Shreveport facility for over $5000!!

This was a portion of the proceeds from their incredible concert at Century-Tel Arena on Monday, November 13th, 2006. Last year they contributed to the Northwest Louisiana Foodbank.
"We like to give to a local non-profit in the communities where the performance takes place and it's important that we know the contributions will be used locally," observes Larry McGuffin from Stone City Attractions of San Antonio, Texas.
The concert doubled the attendance from that of last year's, and given the general drift of conversations overheard, it'll be packed again on their return voyage.

I'd like to personally thank Larry McGuffin for tracking us down to make the donation, Jack Orbin for running herd over everything (and for spending a few moments giving pointers to my daughter, Susan, on the ins and outs of the promoter biz) as well as Al Pitrelli who is not only a jaw-dropping guitar player, but also one really nice guy, for putting on a stunning show and being there to present the check in front of the thousands of fans that showed up to one truly great concert!!

Songwriters Critique

2006-11-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 14th Russ Brabham brought in his Music Business class from Bossier Parish Community College for the purpose of listening to local songwriters. The thinking was, "The nuts and bolts of music law, publishing and copyright can easily be defined, but to critically analyze a song is another matter."
Local songwriters were asked to perform two of their songs to be critiqued by the class for later discussion. After the songs are discussed, the critiques would be available to the songwriters, if they wanted access to them.
Songwriters on hand to be a part of this experiment in music education included:
A.J. Lowring, Bobby Black, Chris Alexander, Kern Courtney, Jimmy Cousins, Ted Lindsey and Dan Garner. Thanks to all participants.

2nd Saturday Music Flea Market...Underwhelming.

2006-11-11T11:54:00.000-08:00

Special thanks to Phil Messinger for manning the exhibit area from 10:am to 4:pm...Maybe December 9th will be better.