the dotmatrix project

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

So far I’ve received nothing but great feedback from the other night (I had a great time, but I’m more than a bit biased).

There’s no way it could’ve happened without the effort of a bunch of people. A big shout of thanks goes out to:

• Simonne McClinton, Matt Bennett, Mikey Tourek and the entire staff over at The Green Burro: Thanks so much for hosting us. If you’re up for doing this again next year, I promise there will be no BBQ overlap to screw with head count. Thanks again for your hospitality and understanding
• The Wigg Report (Ben Riseling, Christine Fantini and Stephen Mullaney): You guys represent Durham like champs. Thanks again for trekking out. I’ll definitely take you up on the offer to hit up your neck of the woods the next time I’m in town.
• Little Mascara (Jessie Derusha, Chris Micca, Melissa Micca, Toaster and Max Diablo): Killer, rockin’ set; you guys brought it, put it on the table, unwrapped it and whipped our asses with it! Thanks again for putting your hiatus on hold for the show.
• Thacker Dairy Road (Molly McGinn, Chris Lord, Rebecca Stevens, Jonathan McMillan, James Harris and Jeff Yetter): What can I say? It’s been a fun time this summer watching you grow into such a dynamic sounding band. Thanks for holding down the late night segment. From what I’ve heard since Friday, you have a bunch of new fans out there.
• Sue Polinsky: Thank you for the trust you showed in me to do this right and for providing the budget for the bands. There’s no way I could’ve raised the money myself this year with my schedule. I’m still pissed about the BBQ scheduling overlap which cost us at least 40 people turning out, but I can file that experience under “Shit Not To Do Again” if you can.
• Mike Dunn (Mikey aka DaSkinnyBlackMan) and Stephen Charles (CharlesMedia): Man, you guys are seriously talented. Seriously. Fer real. Thanks again for making it last minute and producing such amazing shots!
• Andy Coon: My brother from the same mother. I’m really looking forward to collaborating on editing these music videos together. Thanks so much for all your work and support (and filming pointers).
• Desmond Sharpe via Carey Sound: Great job with the setup, on-the-fly sound checks and mixing. I’m looking forward to hearing the audio tracks!
• Jeri Rowe: I know for a fact that your timely article on Andy, myself and ConvergeSouth influenced at least than a handful of people to come out to the conference to learn how to publish their voice online. Thanks again for the well written story and your shared passion for a more creative Greensboro.
• Jordan Green: Thanks for pushing the music details over to Dave and the be there! section at Yes! Weekly. I’m sure we got at least a few folk to attend just because of that little promo. I’ll catch you at a nearby show soon, I’m sure.
• Bob Lefsetz: I got turned onto Bob’s rants a few months back and he’s greatly influenced my approach to promoting independent talent. He had nothing tangible to do with the event, but everything to do with unfurling my creativity. Thanks, Bob!

I’ve got a bunch of plans for local music promotion in the works, but still have a few conversations ahead prior to committing running a bigger and better event (read: a real music festival) next year.

To the folks who made it out this year — particularly those of you who plan to upload media of the event to the web per our fliers — thank you! (If I missed linking to you, let me know who you are in the comments)

While we put on this event primarily for these reasons…:

1. Provide talented, local, independent acts a platform to shine
2. Involve the local film and photography communities in making media (music videos to come; the stills look great)
3. Expose less known musicians and artists to the residents of Greensboro (and ConvergeSouth participants)
4. Give local venues a top-notch event to hang their hats on while developing return customers

… giving the gift of music to people sits squarely at the top of the list.

Thanks again for showing up.