Friday, Dec. 23
Saturday, Dec. 24

I am considering a songwriter's concert (me) / party in my small hometown. Do you have any opnion which night would you think would be better?

I was thinking of Christmas Eve. It's a Saturday night, so, it's a bit unusual. But also just because within the past several years, I have noticed more people gathering OUSTIDE of their own home. Maybe this is a trend? Plus, there are just lots of people who do not have little ones to care for and are itching for something to do on Christmas Eve. It could be a great date... or a flop.

If you choose Christmas Eve, Saturday, what hours would you do it? Format would be...

45 min. set
30 break (mix/mingle)
45 min. set
party on

This is a bit different in that I am showcasing many songs I have written about this town and characters here. I did one a month ago and drew a good crowd. I was thinking there may be some old friends visiting at Christmas and Saturday night presents an unusual opportunity. There aren't any other songwriters here.

(Thanks to DonM for the p.a.)

Until the gig a month ago, very few people here had ever heard my songs but I have had some people ask when the next one is. I'd do this one solo.

I also would promote this as to where they can buy my CD, so, hopefully, I'd pick up quite a few sales. Which would be nice, cuz I'd like to at least break even. Although, I might charge $5 cover. I'd rather not but I'm tight on money right now, for sure.

Any thoughts... Friday or Saturday? Yea/Nea? And... kickoff time?

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Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

Bill the 24th will be a tough night..What age bracket are you trying to reach?
You will lose people with young children..Of the two dates I would think the 23rd is better..

Bill,

I must agree with Fran--You'll have a difficult time attracting much of a crowd on Christmas Eve.

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

I just don't know. Up until about ten years ago, I would have said no way do it on Christmas Eve. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, maybe there's a trend, I dunno... but I have noticed people going outside their homes to party. This never happened in years before... people were HOME, period.

And it falls on Saturday, adding more potential.

But, maybe you're right, Friday is by far the better date. Although, last minute people will be scrambling. Christmas Eve... it's over... time to unwind. Beats me. But I have to make a decision quickly... if anyone else has an opinion.

As far as age... 30s through 50s mainly. I know a bunch of people my age (50s) who don't have ties at home. Maybe it would be something very good for them?

Decisions, decisions.

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Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

That is a tough call ... Friday could be 'last minute catch up night' ... What time are you thinking of starting? ...
My first thought was "Christmas Eve... NO WAY!!!" ... but after thinking about it, that might be the better night ...
Either way, I wish you the best...
t.

Bill,
I'm working the 23rd, but I feel most people won't go out the 24th. I do think you'll do better by yourself. Mix some Christmas songs in though.
If you need anything, let me know.
Don

Yep, I have some Christmas songs picked out. I slept on it and still am not sure about which night. Thanks.

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Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

Bill ... As you have not yet decided on a date, do you think you have enough time to get advance notice out to enough people in order to guarantee attendance?
t.

People with children tend to stay home on christmas eve.
Older people in my age bracket tend to open their gifts on christmas eve and play with the toys that night and on Christmas day.
House guests are often in the home on Christmas day, and sometimes on Christmas eve also if they are children and grandchildren visiting from afar.
I would like to have a place where people are still shopping, have some other person there to promote my work and sell my CD's to the shoppers while I was playing the songs on the CD to be sold. This would then be during the day. Music CD's are a great gift for last minute shoppers.
BEBOP

For around 20 years, I have played Christmas Eve until around 9:00 P.M. in the lounge at a local hotel. Most of the people who show up are in the hotel-restaurant-lounge business. It's the gathering place for a few hours of people who all know each other. Most have worked with the others at one time or another. There are also some regulars (usually single people with no local family) who show up. We end it about 9:00 P.M. to go home to our families.

It's a really special time to exchange gifts
and relax after the greuling previous few weeks. Most of us are like family, and being with family and friends is part of what Christmas is all about.

The best to all of you!

Russ