GORILLA'S IN OUR MIDST
Gorilla Productions' methodical rip-off scheme of exploiting youngsters trying to make a name out there is what's making it nearly impossible for the rest of us to get paid gigs these days ["Monkey Business," July 28, 2010]. It almost doesn't matter where a band tries to book a show; nearly every music venue — whether tied to Gorilla or not — wants to know what kind of a draw they have, whether they'll sell tickets, and how much promoting the band is willing to do. That's not the band's job — that's the promoter's job.
All the current scene creates is a very bitter taste in the mouths of anyone victimized by it — bands and customers alike. The future of live music depends on those willing to just say no to this insidious "promotion."
Jo Robinson
Columbia Station
OUR MUSICIANS DESERVE BETTER
However you look at these guys, the fact is they are not upfront with the bands. When you are offered to open up for a national act at Peabody's, then you get to the show and find out you're playing in a side room, and they cut you off after three songs, you start to wonder. And when you get a call to play at the Cleveland Music Fest at the House of Blues, then five days before the show you find out you're playing at some Mexican restaurant, you feel misled.
Why would a company do business this way and then wonder why people have bad things to say about them? I get that the band should sell tickets and promote its show, but shouldn't a "promoter" do more than print a flier and give the band some tickets to sell? Cleveland needs something better — much better — than this.
Mitch Jenkins
Parma
AN ARTIST'S OBLIGATION
Thank you for a very balanced article. Gorilla is selling dreams to groups and individuals who dream of a successful future in the music business. It allows exposure for local acts that have no other means of getting their music out there. A young band needs to sell itself to become successful; it is a real commitment of time and energy. Some bands can't commit or just don't have what it takes to make it. Just like pro sports, only the very best make it to the top.
Jim Barrett
Euclid
YOU'VE GOTTA HAVE HUSTLE
I'm not pro- or anti-Gorilla Productions. I'm anti-lazy band. No one will do for you what you won't do for yourself.
Jared Lane
Cleveland
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