ARTIST ORIENTATION 1

---Welcome New Artists!---



[Related Link: History Page]

The MultiFestival Showcase Series aspires to help enhance Ohio music scenes and the experiences of Ohio's greatly talented, yet under-exposed artists by continually producing 7 to 10 act events featuring a "rainbow genre" or vast variety of styles. These events, ultimately, are comprised of known local artists intermingled with lesser-known local artists and musicians from other showcase cities, a.k.a. "Performing Ambassadors". MultiFestival also brings touring regional artists into Ohio showcases adding another element to our showcase offerings. In the MultiFestival Showcase Series there are 2 main types of events or showcases. SoloFest or SuperSoloFest features soloists. MultiFest features soloists through bands or all bands. The event title has an "identifier" followed by the type of event. For example, Upper Arlington SuperSoloFest, North Campus SoloFest, Buckeye Music MultiFest, or Metal Punk MultiFest.

Though MultiFestival occasionally produces genre-themed events, variety and diversity are constant banners of the series. It is a norm to have several artists of opposite or vastly different genres and modes of performance on the same bill. MultiFestival believes that exposure to variety and diversity is extremely important. Bias and intolerance festers wherever senses and thought are devoid of alternative opportunities. So please be open-minded to genres, personal style, writing and performance that may be different or opposite of your own.

How well an artist or band works under the MultiFestival umbrella is a key factor in determining how often, if at all, an artist or band will be offered other opportunities. Things like showing up at the previously set time, being set up and completely ready to start your set as scheduled, looking for and abiding by the "one more" or "5 minutes" sign, and more, are common courtesies every artist is expected to perform.

As of this post (3-4-05) MultiFestival has produced 80 events with well over 1000 musicians taking the stage since August, 2003. These events are only possible with the concerted effort of the artists. It is purely dependent on artists cooperation and that artists be aware of your load-in, set-up, performance start and cut-off times. In order to assure all artists their scheduled time slots, these items are essential. On most events, you will receive an email directing you to www.eventlogistics.multifestival.com where you'll find in-depth, event-specific logistics, including schedules, load-in, set-up, detailed equipment movement information and more. Although it may seem somewhat wordy, you should read these "Logistics" thoroughly and contact Myke Rock at 1-614-291-1513, mykerock@multifestival.com any time, or other specified event coordinator.

The MultiFestival Showcase Series books door and guarantee events. The series takes expenses and usually $100 off the top (and occasionally additional funds to help produce upcoming events). At times, whenever possible and practical, the series will make a small payment to artists or Performing Ambassadors who traveled for the event. However, rarely, will artists receive guarantees. The series is very simply about music proliferation, comradery, networking, positive experiences, do-it-yourself development and being able to continue to produce these events. Participating artists should indeed have these very same aspirations.

Please do what you can to help promote the event with friends, family and fans. Occasionally, MultiFestival is able to arrange print articles, radio interviews, spins and performances in connection with a series event. Club listings in print and on radio, flyers and site posts are par for the course. But artist-generated publicity can help make a good gig a great gig.

The coveted MultiFestival artists are prime assets. You should always prepare yourself to perform your best. Whether it is a light crowd or a completely packed house, you just don't know who is in attendance and what person's contact might help lead you to your ultimate goals. All artists are encouraged to exchange contact info, website links, gigs, information and conversation with other artists. This is for YOU! Get the most out of it. But most of all, have fun! Artists enjoying themselves can be quite infectious!

Thank you for your participation and/or consideration of the MultiFestival Showcase Series! And please do not hesitate to contact mykerock@multifestival.com for more information, questions or comments.

~MultiFestival Orientation

Click here for Related Link, HISTORY Page

OSU Lantern Article 9-23-05

Multifest begins tonight
By Ishmael Ali Elias
Published: Friday, September 23, 2005
The Ohio State University LANTERN Student Newspaper
www.thelantern.com

The Multifestival Showcase Series presents the 2nd annual Buckeye Music MultiFest tonight at Tommy Keegan's, 456 S. Front St., in the heart of Columbus' Brewery District.

The showcase series, founded in August 2003 by Columbus musician and promoter Myke Rock, was started to help under-exposed musicians network and display their talents to a wider audience.

According to the MultiFestival Web site, the series was originally scheduled to take place only in Central Ohio and fade away after a few events, but instead has evolved into what Rock calls the only series in the world which showcases over 1,000 bands at 30 venues annually.

This years featured artists include: Peter Conrad, Myke Rock, Erin Mihoci, RiaSoul, Head Room, The Common Drive, Anthony Booth featuring David Leibfruend (Soulution), Jake Iannarino & Larry Ramey (The Boss Players), and Mandy Cook.

Rock said that although some MultiFests have certain themes, such as metal and punk rock, this showcase is about musical diversity.

"I try to plan out how the evening should go in terms of different styles of music," Rock said. "(The idea) is to expose people to things they may not normally listen to. You'll hear anything from reggae to blues to indie rock, and so forth."

Rock, who plans, organizes, hosts and even plays in festival, said each event seems to do better than the last and is only going to improve. In the near future, he hopes to add sponsors to the series in order to help artists gain even more exposure.

"It's all about spreading out the MultiFest / SoloFest (showcase for soloists) system," Rock said. "It's as far reaching as possible in many different clubs throughout Ohio and certainly here in Columbus, where we're based."

The Manager of Tommy Keegan's, Ray Miller, said that his pub was great for an event like the Buckeye Music MultiFest because it's big enough to host a number of bands, but cozy enough to provide an intimate atmosphere.

The event draws between 50 to 150 people, Miller said, so it's a good place for bands to reach smaller crowds before they move onto larger venues.

"Friday should be a great night," Miller said. "There will be around eight or nine bands and a good variety of music."

Rock said that Tommy Keegan's is generally for patrons 21 and up, but this Friday's event will be for anyone over 18.

"We're trying to get as many students out as possible," he said. "It's a good way to get in your last big party before you hit the books."