Event sponsorship (my ambitions grow)

I’ve been thinking a lot about sponsorship. Most music festival and event production checklists would include securing sponsors as atop priority otherwise how  else do you cover all the expenses. I didn’t think it would be necessary for the show at the Great Hill since it would be small.  But,  I guess either my ambitions or the natural course of time is unveiling this line item as an important point. I would love to pay all the artists who are performing. And, if not this time, then I should prepare for the next.

In New York, there are free events everywhere, especially in the summer- and sponsorship is clearly in sight (though I feel sometimes we may not even be aware). Tonight, I’m coming from CELEBRATE BROOKLN! at Prospect Park an annual free concert series presented by BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn.  I saw Bitches Brew Revisted, who bring back to life one of Miles Davis landmark albums. (I wouldn’t have known this without reading there program but Miles Davis basically revolutionized jazz by incorporating electronic instruments and replacing the rhythm section with a rock influenced style.) The CELEBRATE BROOKLYN! is sponsored by Jetblue, Bud Light AMEX, Village Voice  and though its free to the public the bands most definitely get paid. I can only dream in my wildest dreams that I could put on a series like this. (Please do not miss Buena Vista Social Club or Ozomatli!)

DJ Logic, a turntablist renown for introducing jazz to hip hop and viceversa,  is one of the members of Bitches Brew Revisited and co-founded  Global Noize (with grammy award winning keyboardist Jason Miles) which I saw at New York’s  Winter Jazz Festival  in January. I went out to the festival because Suzanne Koga, Global Noize’s manager among others (um, like legendary Robert Flack) was a guest speaker at my Saturday Music Class with Ann Ruckert and I was in awe of her (she had interned for Roberta Flack and now managed her and other successful groups!). I was on a mission that night not only to be exposed to great music but to greet her and hopefully have her remember me if somewhere down the road our world’s would cross again. Little did I know that I would meet another women who would leave me in awe, Falu.

Falu (aka Falguni Shah) sang improvisational vocals in Hindi with electronic, jazz and rock styles (I love the sound she emanates with her semi tonal vocals). Annie Calder, a classmate in my Saturday class (and who will be performing at the Great Hill on July 18, more to come on that later) had mentioned that Fula and her had done a showcase together. I didn’t hestiate at the chance to speak to Falu her after the show ended. She was very kind and delighted i had mentioned knowing Annie . Today In my saturday Class Ann Mentioned that she had seen a singer she liked very much and she was considering joining the class. She was speaking of Falu! I had been thinking of asking Falu to perform at the Great Hill for about a week.  I;m thinking that maybe these invisible threads that weave people to each other (artist to artist) may mean something. My desires to attract her to perform at the Great Hill has made it even more obvious why sponsorship (in other words money). Falu has performed at the New Orlean’s jazz Fest, the White House and just this Month her song  “Without You” made it into The Best Of The Songwriters HALL OF FAME.  Talent should never be undervalued.

I have a few places I have in mind to approach for sponsorship. I think some local spots may be the best way to go. I’d offer them some space on the flyer and give them thanks the day of the event (and announce them on this blog, of course!) If they a cannot give money directly then perhaps they can donate  products/service like  bars can offer 2 free drinks,  restaurants lunch for 2 and  stores a gift card.  Then on the day of the event for a suggested donation the public can enter a raffle for a chance to win the prizes! If you have any suggestions on places I should approach please, let me know. I will keep you posted on my reaching out to Falu to see if she will accept the invitation to appear at ART ON THE GREAT HILL on July 18..

“Oh, what’s in a name?” (art breaks the cell event needs a name)

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”

Ah,  so true Shakespeare but still a very important in order to “Market”  a new product or service. Where would the Clapper or “Chi Chi Chia” be without their names!  In the end, even for poor Romeo his name cost him his life (ok, a bit dramatic, but you get  the point). I’m not going to hide that my imagination has crafted big hopes for ART BREAKS THE CELL,  not solely as a blog but as an organization promoting self-realization through music, art and expression. So, with that spirit in mind  ART BREAKS THE CELL’s (ABTC) first event at Central Park’s Great Hill on July 18 should have its own name. (Doesn’t seem that most festivals, fairs and shows are always presented by ‘so and so’, makes it sound so official!). No doubt I’m still figuring out some branding issues but, for all you artists in need of some marketing tips the National Arts Marketing Project (artsmarketing.org) is a good start.

Choosing to name the blog ART BREAKS THE CELL was an easier choice than naming the event. Almost 8 years ago I went to an art therapist, Ruth Gutfreund in El Salvador who helped me out of a very troubled period in my life ( I was fortunate that my family could pay for it but still the fees weren’t as expensive as they would have been in the states!). I laugh it off now saying  “college was just too much fun.” But, really that Mardi Gras was a wake up call that I had drifted off a self-destructive path. With a month left in the semester I left New Orleans and took 6 months to (to sound cliche) find myself. It was turning to art that helped me find my grounding as a person. I began my sessions with Ruth, and started baroque singing classes with Madame (as she liked to be called, aka Claudia Duarte). I also started writing my own songs and performing at venues locally. I had never felt so free, not to be myself but in being myself.

So,  help me choose a name for the event so I can stop referring to it as ‘the event’. I’ve jotted down some ideas below. Please vote or give me some other options!

A little promotion never hurt nobody…

Happy news…my best friend, Isabel Hermann, has agreed to design the flyers for the event! She was away vacationing in El Salvador (where we are both from) over Memorial Day weekend but got in touch with me yesterday to confirm she could do it. I’m so excited. She just graduated from Columbia University’s Teachers College in Art Education and has blossomed in the past 2 years as she dedicated her life to art.

Isabel broke free from her cell, a corporate job as a graphic designer in a reputable fashion magazine, to find freedom in etching, lithography, silkscreen, ceramics, painting among other mediums.  Check out her work at http://isabelvillafuertehermann.blogspot.com.  Unfortunately (and fortunately in her eyes) she is moving to Barcelona at the beginning of July with her German husband who is starting his master’s program there. Her work wont be available at the event but her flyer design will keep her a part of this.

There’s a lot to consider when producing a flyer (besides the design, that is) like what size should it be, should it be glossy, how many should I print, what will the front say, what will the back say, colored vs black & white? For me (and I’m sure for many) my decision will be based on ‘more bang for the buck’ finding an affordable printing service. I did a quick search and lucked out on a shop that promises next day delivery and minimum orders of 100. I’m in no rush but being able to order just 100 is great. NextDayFlyers.com lets me order 100,  1/4 page flyers, non glossy, full color front, B&W back, 14 pt card stock for $25 and NO tax or shipping costs. For $10 more I could get 250. (Check out Next Day Flyers blog for design tips and cool artwork.)

You may be wondering if  in the age of social media – Facebook , twitter , blogs – whether printed flyers are necessary. I, myself, am an interactive Producer for an adverting agency so I know first hand that companies are investing more and more of their marketing money into digital. I  hope to use these flyers to physically reach out in the community, to approach locals restaurants and stores to support the event. But, I will definitley look into other digital emans of getting the word out especailly sites that post ‘free’ events. Here are a few that should be a good start;  nycgo.com, newyork.going.com, and FreeNYC.net . I can also post my event in the event section on Central Park’s website.

There’ still much to do and I’m glad that I still have 7 weeks. I mean I don’t even have all my partcipcants locked down so though I’ve got a start on my marketing mix – product, price , place promotion- I still have  a ways to go!

The Great Hill is Great!

We are on people! Today at work I received a surprising – somewhat frantic- call from a lady at the NYC Parks and Recreation office. It took  me a second to realize who it was because 1) I had forgotten that I gave my work number on my application and 2) I never expected such a quick response! When it all clicked in my brain I was so excited until she said “I’m sorry but we don’t allow events at the entrance of w106. “Then I said, “Oh I’m sorry i didn’t mean at the entrance but on top of the Great Hill.” “Yes, yes” she said, “It’s very popular there but…”

I had to take a deep breath. “…and how are you exhibiting the artwork you can stick picks in the ground,” she went on, “and  you can’t really bring tables in only if you’re having a picnic…” I thought to myself how would I talk to a friend who was giving me bad news? Well, sympathetically of course! So with my most consoling voice I told her it was “okay” and that really it was just a small musical event. She slowly came around and said she could look for another weekend in July.

So, Sunday, July 18 it is ladies and gents!

Now, it gets pretty specific up there on the Great Hill. I really wanted the wood-chip area right by the bathrooms which has picnic benches and is just so cozy. I went out on my bike last night (around 8PM) on a scouting mission – you can see my pics below. But, Claudia (my new BFF), said it was mostly for storytelling sessions and didn’t give me much time to make an argument otherwise. She also, of course, went on to say that we needed to be done by 8PM. In a conversational tone I mentioned  that park staff came to close bathrooms at 8:30PM the night before  so I was considering moving the end time anyway. “Yes, well we are under staff,” she said. I guess that affirms the frantic energy I sensed since receiving her call!

But, thank you Claudia from NYC Parks and Recreation, you gave us the OVAL!

w106 & Central Park West

w106th entrance if you walk

w106th entrance if you are on a bike

Coming up the Great Hill

Wood-chip area and bathrooms

View from running track

View of OVAL center from wood-chip area

The Great Hill

“Location, Location, Location”

“Location Location, Location!” This famous, 3-word phrase (first used in a Chicago real estate ad in 1926- more on that here at the New York Times) seems the most appropriate for this blog entry. Location is definitely one of the most important things I will need to lock down. The phrase evokes the essence behind 1 of the 4 crucial elements in the Marketing Mix (thank you, Loyola University!); Product, Place, Price, Promotion. I think if I keep these 4 words as my mantra I should be able to get this thang off the ground!.

So, in my first blog entry I was convinced that I would be doing this event in Central Park (after all the New York Classical Theater’s Richard III in the park inspired me). I was so excited about the idea that it didn’t really even dawn on me that I would I need to apply for a permit/license and pay a fee. I also thought the turn out would be smallish (about 30-35 people ?) so I considered the possibility that I could go under the radar (I mean I’ve seen birthday parties at the park with that many people!). But my husband well advised me to go through the proper channels. And, come to discover any party with more than 20 people needs to have a permit (for more on park event permits go to  NYC government parks).

My event is considered a Special Event (though the process for a permit to have a picnic is pretty much the same). You have to register as a member of Central Park (free of charge) in order to apply online, though you can send the application via mail if you prefer. After activating my account, I went to Central Park’s special event planning section and began the 4-step process to apply for a permit. There is a  $25 non-refundable administrative fee which you can pay for online with a credit card and a receipt is sent to your email.

All in all the process was pretty fast (I actually did it on my Iphone). Some important questions were; how many people were expected to come, where in the park, what date and times (including setting up and break down), additional materials that you’d bring like tables and chairs, will the event be advertised , will there be an admission fee, will there be amplified sound  and will there be vendors.

And to answer the above questions….

I’d like the event to be Sunday, July 11 from 6:30pm – 9pm. It will definitely not have an admission fee. Does blogging constitute as advertisement?  (I’m not sure but I checked the “yes” box). I wasn’t planning on having amplified sound thinking that acoustic would be more intimate and relaxing. But the park can be noisy and I’d hate for this be an issue so I may reconsider (what do you think?). If I do want amplified sound I would need a sound permit from the NYPD ( NYPD Sound Permit Application) and another $45.

I also would like participating artists and musicians to be able to sell their artwork and/or CDs but for this I would need a temporary vendor permit (Temporary Use Authorization (TUA) Guidelines). I’d need to disclose all vendor names, addresses, telephone numbers and price list of what would be sold. There isn’t a service fee from what I can tell but the information needs to be sent 2 weeks prior to the event so I need confirmed participants now! (oh, and  also I’d need to submit  the Special Event permit/contract which states I’m allowed to have the event in the first place!)

This event could come to a screaching hault 21-30  days from now which is when I should know if it has been approved by the park. Everyone cross your fingers. Thanks for reading- more will come!

For all the “chronic potentials” (to quote my music teacher)

I am going to organize a music and art event at central park this summer. I’m writing this blog hoping that If I say it out loud (blog it out loud) then I will be accountable to make it happen. Maybe this way I will cease to be a “chronic potential” (as my music theory/intervalic studies/sight reading teacher, Ann Ruckert, would say). Maybe this will help heal me and help others along the way. Maybe this time I’ll trust in art to help break free from the cell I’ve created in my mind (the imaginary prison cells, that is!). The false barrier, blocks, short comings that I construct and which impede me from truly feeling fulfilled and free. I hope that if you are reading this and see me struggling along the way (like no new entries in a week) that you will kick my ass (cyber style).

It took a crappy day to get me on this move, to spark the drive to want to really do this. I had a fight with my husband (which really was a fight with myself). I got the hell out of the apartment on my bike. I cycled and sobbed down central park. I was so alterada (sorry but this spanish word is  fitting, it means something like my state of being was ‘altered’ or “changed’- I am half salvadoran) that I thought I’d better make my way into the park before I got run over!

I biked the entire 6 miles. This physical demands finally had me focusing more on pedaling than my tears- it had months since i got on the thing. I still don’t see how I made it up some stretches of the path that were uphill (especially on the eastside after 90th, good lord! Even had a biker congratulate me as reach the top, ha!). When I finally did make it full circle, coming up on 103rd, there was a play going on. I noticed it was dark as some crew members sat in front of the “stage”to shine flash lights to illuminate the actors ( it was most likey around 9-9:30pm. I love how summers days are so long especially since I’m a big sleeper and I tend to miss half of the sunlight) . I parked my bike, sat down, and marveled at New York City- the New York Classical Theatre was putting on Richard III. I was catching the end of it but I was in time for the last scene change as the audience was asked to move to another are of the park (a few feet away) to witness the battle scene. It was while watching the production (And I mean not just the actors but the way the company was pulling it off! Like, the stage manager who whispered to the director that one of the flash lights was out or the 20+ actors who were ‘backstage’ hidden behind trees and bushes. I thought I can do this.

When I first thought of it, I was just including music and acting (as these are the art forms I feel most connected to).  But, after the park I headed to the movies to see Sex and the City II ( I wasn’t ready yet to go home and face the mess I had escaped. Though the movie didn’t let me stray too far away as it was primarily based on  marriage, life after the grand wedding and maintaining, to quote Carrie, “the sparkle”) and on my way I met Clement, a Painter Naif (or Naive artist). His “Taxi”, a simple, large yellow cab on white paper that read “I [heart] New york” with an American Flag waving on the hood, caught my eye and I purchased it.  His bio though, typed up and pasted on the back, propelled me to include visual artists in my event. He was not only a painter but an actor. And he had been an original member of A.R.T.I.S.T (Artists’ Response To Illegal State Tactics), a group who supported the rights of artist’s to sell paintings on the street. Thanks to the organization in 1997 the federal court granted artists the right to sell their artwork on the city streets without a license.

So here I go. I’m putting my fears of ridicule aside. I’ll work to have the event at CPW via the west 106th street entrance because there are bathrooms close by- and the view from on top of the rock is beautiful.  I will be posting more ideas as I develop them . Please let me know if you are interested in participating. As i gather collaborators, I’ll fill you in.  Thanks for reading and please accept my invitation to follow my chronicles in this life-saving journey.

Be well!