There was another band that looked at booking a twin cities show instead of playing the fest. After talking with them about what we’re all trying to accomplish, they dropped those plans.

One of the bands playing last year said they’d love to come back “and play across the street”. What the fuck? Is the competition for fans so cutthroat for some people? I’m trying to work under the premise that if these bands will help support one another, they’ll all build a bigger fanbase. Lots of these bands “get it”. They’re touring with one another or offering local shows to help traveling bands. They’re sharing contacts, club info, booking agents, recording studio and label information. I have to believe that as one or more of these bands “break out” they’ll help raise the status of all the others as well.

So what happened? In January, the booking agent said they’d be coming through the midwest in June and couldn’t come back again in July without big dollars to bring them in for a one time show. I said that’s not possible, and that’s the last I heard until I saw this show scheduled in St Paul.

It does happen to be right during our fest. I suppose they forgot about the festival. Maybe someone thought they’d make more money playing a club gig to all the fans in town as opposed to what they’d make from the fest.

I’m all about these bands making money. I want them all to succeed, get famous, spread this music around the world. I’m not knocking anyone’s business plan to make this happen. Lots of bands turned down playing Deep Blues because we aren’t offering the kind of money they need to make. There’s no hard feelings.

It’s unfortunate that SCAC is playing a competing show with the Deep Blues. I’d sure like to see them play again. I won’t. I’ll be at the fest.