Originally, we had worked out a deal to record in a professional studio one month ahead of the event for the CD however 1) sponsorship interest had dropped when we went to war. 2) In order to have done the CD in the studio the artists had to have their songs ready to go by March 1, March 15 at the latest. Although most of the show was cast mid-Feb. Folks were just not working that far in advance. Mia worked very hard all of May to get these compositions to the point they were for the debut, chasing down artist after artist. She really is amazing.
FYI - Should the 80 CDs sell and there is interest for more, or from a theater to tighten and tweek the production for off-off-off theater, etc. I think it would be great to go into the studio and get it all right.
Additionally, Jade and I had discussed and planned for rehearsals which never came to pass. By May 1, I was still hoping to have the cast from each set in for individual group dress rehearsals so that transitions were interactive between characters to unify and tighten the storyline. But without funding, we had to work around everyone's work schedules. We did not have volunteer musicians, except Mia at our disposal, this hurt us. However, the biggest issue, was that we were replacing folks up until days before the event. I think I heard from Bobby something like 4 days before the opening.
I learned a lot on this one. Near the closing on June 20, I'd like to get the Arcadians together and discuss showing the art at another gallery down the road and/or find out who would and/or would not be committed to really turning the performances into a production. Something for folks to dwell on. In the meantime, I've CDs to burn, videos to make, press to drum up hopefully (please help get folks to the show before June 20!), performance pics to get from photographers, professional pics of the gallery installation to take, etc., etc. It's not over until the fat lady sings. (And perhaps after a couple more weeks of attending to these things that should get done) I'll gladly take a mic.
BTW - If there are a few of you veterans out there that have any advice that you can be persuaded to pass along on how we could get further sponsorship or promotion for this show, I'd love to get the other producers together if available and meet you out for coffee ...
But, if not for this one, I'm already thinking of another couple of concepts for the ArtMaker group show next year (although would love to get some ideas from interested co-curators) ... and hope to help Jade get his weekly salon going. Any leads on places with stages that would let us create, playact and stage, during "empty hours" once a week, let Jade know!