Musician Relocating to Branson ..... Practical? (Lebanon, Reeds Spring: house, theater, living in)

[Carlonbass]

Hello. I'm a musician (bassist/vocalist) from and currently living in Beaumont, TX considering relocating to the Branson area to play music. Everyone I talk to 'in the know' recommends Branson as a great place to find consistent work. I do understand that March - December is the season and that I can't expect to work much during Jan./February.

I'd like to get some perspectives and suggestions from anyone with knowlege regarding shows in the area and means of landing work or any other opportunities for musicians. I also have a lot of experience teaching guitar and bass lessons and am interested in that as well as playing in church.

Let me also say that I'm an experienced professional whose livelihood is, always has been, and always will be music. I hold a B.A. in Music Composition, play all styles (jazz, country, rock, zydeco, etc.), am able to 'lift' and produce charts, arrange, lead bands and have experience in studio work and touring.

That last paragraph's purpose is in no way to 'toot my own horn'. I simply want to lend a bit of credence to myself so those responding understand they are indeed dealing with a pro and not an amateur.

Please visit my page and hear me play and sing at www.myspace.com/carlrichardson . Any help is appreciated. I must say that the majority of posts I've read here on City-Data about Branson have been written by what seems to be really good folks. I'm looking forward to making the move to Branson.

Thanks!

Carl
Jazzbass99 AT aol dotthing com
www.myspace.com/carlrichardson

[Lake Junkie]

Carl...as I said on the other thread, I don't know of anyone that regularly "hangs out" on this message board that IS a part of the Branson music scene...but I know that if you visit here and go to some of the shows you can chat with some of the locals and get an idea that way. I don't think it's any more sewed up than any other small resort town, it seems like new talent shows up with regular frequency!

I'd also strongly suggest that you take your email address out of that post (you'll need to contact a moderator to help you at this point) because if you read the "Terms of Service" they say that spammers use these boards to get email addresses. I'm sure you don't need any additional harrassment from the spam kings, eh?

[jgordon13]

Hi Carl,
I'm not a musician in Branson, but the ones I have been acquainted with have all been very welcoming and friendly. There is a good music scene both with the shows as well as bands "after hours" that a lot of performers take part in where they can play the music they don't get to in shows. I would do what Lake Junkie suggested and visit. If you go to some shows as well as to the landing or any bar with live music, I'm sure you'll be able to get to know the people who can help you out. :-) You sound like you have the background that would help you be successful in Branson.
Good luck!

[Carlonbass]

lake junkie and jgordon, thanks a million for the encouragin words. i have been wondering if there was a 'night-time' scene in branson, so it's good to hear that there is. i am planning a visit soon, and i would imagine doing it before march, which is when the show season kicks off from what i understand, would be a good idea. i'm only afraid that since the town will be shut down i might not be able to make contact with many people in the 'off' season. any advice as to when a visit might prove fruitful.

i'll take your advice and omit the email address. thanks.

carl

[Carlonbass]

i don't see an edit option for my initial post? how would i go about editing it? not too familiar with the mechanics of these boards.

[DOUBLE H]

Not sure how all that stuff works but the person who could help is Shadowcaver, the moderator for the Missouri forum. Send a personal message to him, he's helped me a time or two with technical stuff in the past. Shadowcaver is one of the good guys on the board.

I think it is cool what you are doing. In life, follow your passion.

[Carlonbass]

thanks Double H, very kinds words.

[Lake Junkie]

Carl...you might also want to get a few local newspapers, and watch the news on http://hometowndailynews.com/content...le=Page&ID=994.

Many of the local theaters start auditions in January and are pretty much booked by March...

Branson used to be completely shut down for the winter, it's getting to be more of a year round place as time goes by. I've worked with several people trying to get jobs & move here, and their biggest frustration is that the employers want to hire people who are here.

The very best of luck...

[GreenGeek]

Carl - I'm going out on a limb here but with a little experience (former bass player) and lots of overheard conversations from struggling musical friends I think your best bet is to start promoting yourself as if you were a touring musician, only your tour is limited to Branson. Send advance promo packets, recordings, flyers, anything you have or can afford to make that documents your success and/or experience as a musician and entertainer.

Your ability to draw and keep an audience entertained is what club owners care about most, (youtube videos that show your crowd appeal are great) your reliability is probably second most important (any references there in TX where you are now that will speak for you?) and your ability to get along with others in the business would be the third criteria. (again, letters or verbal references via phone)

You'll meet some really friendly people here on this forum and you might get lucky and make a good contact or two but for best results you have to follow Tony Robbin's advice (paraphrasing) "to get massive results, you need massive effort". A major marketing effort over the next two months directly to the audience you're after (club owners and entertainment booking agencies) either in person or by mail will get you the results you're looking for.

I'm sure the people in charge of hiring entertainment in Branson are inundated with this sort of thing throughout the year, from pros and amateurs alike, (not so different from Nashville or Hollywood) so anything you can do to polish your presentation and packaging so it stands above the crowd will be helpful. Ask a friend - does anything look like an amateur produced it? Throw it out! Better to have one or two great songs than three so-so songs. Also, toss any hand-made promo stuff, posters, t-shirts, etc. Branson is or is very close to "the big time" and you can't compete with these guys if it looks like you're on a shoe-string budget. Go online and look at the range of shows available there. People (locals and tourists alike) will expect a lot of pizazz and polish!

I checked out your myspace site and it seems you have enough talent to be competitive, though I'm no american idol judge ... :-) However, over the years I can't begin to recall all of the talented musicians I've met that didn't have the rest of the package, hence, no career success. Don't mean to be a spoil-sport ... in fact I wish you lots of success! Great (no, make that massive) marketing effort will give you an edge!

[Statesman]

I saw on TV here in Los Angeles a national news segment about a very well known punk band, sorry I forgot the name and wish I could remember it, that moved into the Lebanon area where they built a custom studio and basically live well.

Also, there is a bluegrass scene based at the Rock House in Reeds Springs.

The Rock House Venue on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

The couple who run this place know a lot about the music scene. You should get in touch with them.

Originally Posted by Carlonbass

thanks Double H, very kinds words.