If You Book Them, They Will Play

Good Morning! I am _________, and I got your number form _________. I'm in the process of organizing a concert for the relief and rehabilitation of lives in Marawi. Currently, I'm working with a couple of NGOs who are actively providing assistance to evacuees; including 200 families who are living in woeful conditions in Quiapo. I would like to explore the possibility of getting your artists to participate in this project. The target date is 12 August 2017. I'm really hoping we could include you in the roster. Oh, let me just add, I'm extremely poor and won't be able to pay any talent fees. Thank you!

Hi There! Will You Play For Free?

Early Thursday morning, 06 July 2017, Andy forwarded tons of numbers to my phone. The contact numbers of artists' managers. I started texting the message above to the new contacts on my mobile. I had to abbreviate or delete some words because my China-made mobile only allowed a certain number of characters. At 8 am, I didn't really expect anyone to answer. Surprise, surprise! Ten people actually responded within a few minutes.

First two were negative. One band will be on tour in North America for the entire month of August. The other already had the date booked. But, both managers promised to donate goods to make up for their unfortunate absence. The next few needed to finalize their schedules. Better than nothing. Although, a commitment to perform would have really made my day. I guess it's more of a wait-and-see situation. I'm sure these artists would pour their souls out on stage for the sake of all who are suffering in Marawi. But, they have their priorities too.

You see, writing and playing music are their main sources of living. These people are as talented as their counterparts in other parts of the world. Yet, they don't get paid as much like Adele or Coldplay. Therefore, they need to get paying gigs in order to make ends meet. So, don't bear any animosity towards the bands that declined the invitation. Deep in their hearts, I know they would prefer to do their parts as Filipinos.

I'm still waiting for the response of a handful. I don't want to assume that maybe they're not interested at all.

It's Full-Sail Ahead, Mates!

OK. If you're feeling like this project won't move any further, think again. We've already got the commitment of three bands. These are premiere performers who are on top of their respective games. This project is moving forward, and is on schedule. The team is fully committed to deliver, not for our own personal riches and glory. But for our brothers and sisters who are living in anguish and grief.

Now I'm starting to feel what Wayne Campbell went through as he was trying to put up Waynestock. Maybe Jim Morrison has some words of wisdom for me too. And, where the hell is that half-naked Indian?

Comments

  1. Unknown23 August 2017 at 08:50

    I will be there regardless of who will be playing. I wanna do my part.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown3 September 2017 at 10:32

    So, who's playing? I'm gonna be there on September 30, nonetheless.

    ReplyDelete

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