For a die-hard live music junkie, the past year of COVID isolation has felt a little bit empty; devoid of that sweaty dance-energy, new music performance spaces, the quirky people and experiencing a new band for the first time. Obviously, there are larger tragedies and we definitely found sight-seeing opportunities to repurpose those funds. But, my birthday was coming up and I had the shakes… I needed a good live music performance.
I discovered Joe McGuinness by browsing the independent artists bin on CD Baby in 2008. I loved the CD: From Seeds. When we were planning our wedding, we chose Trashcan Full of Butterflies for our Wedding Wedsite (not a spelling mistake) and played it at the wedding after the live bands finished.
Just before we left Tennessee, I discovered Joe lives and performs in the Atlanta-area. When we returned to the US, I decided to visit my brother, Tucker, and nieces in Atlanta for my birthday. I hit up Joe and asked if he would consider a small private gig and he agreed!
Terms: 1 hour for 4 people outdoors, must have electricity.
My birthday was on March 8th, a Monday.
Option 1: I started by asking if my brother could host: no private space and couldn’t get information about available electricity.
Option 2: Searched online for a rental park gazebo and found some options: I thought we might have unwanted onlookers and would have to be cautious with alcohol.
Option 3: My brother’s girlfriend, Corinne, offered to host us: She preferred to do it on a weekend so as not to disturb neighbors on a weekday.
Option 4: Private performance/rehearsal studios: pay by hour, uncertain quality, tight pack in and pack out times.
We decided to go with Corinne’s back patio. No cost, electricity, easy-to-access beers, amazing scenery.
This was Joe’s first gig in almost a year, and it was my first real concert in almost that long. Great show, great day, totally worth it.
Tips: Review your options. If you try hard enough, you can probably make something happen.