Are there any trad CMC's who like bands?

[jonshack]

My band has been going a couple of years now, we've done over 100 gigs in pubs, bars, restaurants, outdoor festivals, you name it. But we've never once had ANY response from the Country Music Clubs we apply to. We were offered a last minute spot at the country music taster at Lakeside once but couldn't make it. This year we've been turned down with the explanation that all the traditional CMC's are closing and it's all about line dancing and solo/duo acts.

So my question is: does anyone know a CMC (or any sympathetic music venue) that would be glad to have a five piece band that's plays yer Merles, yer Willies, yer Waylons and yer Hanks, along with some lesser known 50's-70's classics, all done pretty much straight up, with a gen-u-wine american singer, pedal steel, tele, bass, acoustic and kick drum? A booker that gets back to emails would be nice. Somewhere in the South East would be great but anything considered.

We get the same lack of interest from country and americana festivals. It's not that anyone owes us a gig, and no, it's not really line dancing material or top 40, but we're not doing anything oddball. It's just oldies and a genuine passion for the songs. It's possible we don't have the right look - or something else is putting them off, feel free to let me know. Not 'cabaret' enough? I understand that clubs want to stick with their tried and tested acts and they're often booked a whole year or more ahead. We're just a bit mystified that we can't even get a look in. Any ideas or contacts welcome.



Jonathan
http://www.eastlonesomedrifters.com

[bobhcot]

We had a similar sort of experience in recent times. There were only 3 of us, with backing tracks for bass and drum,s but like yourselves we failed to get any interest. We did a few pubs but they too are in dire straits down here in the deepest South-West.

Then after about 3 years the singer went walk-about! That was the end of that.

I'd happily take a dep job if offered, but likewise the bands like to use the tried and tested players.

Good luck if you manage to crack it. Time is beginning to run out as far as I'm concerned. Just leaves playing at home to backing tracks and getting to Siston wnehever I can.

Sad but true - hey, there could be a country song in that.