MarcRocs Gig Blog

Text Request Madness

2009-05-30T02:49:00.003-04:00

Last week I built a mobile version of MarcDobson.com. I thought in addition to a mobile website I would take "Text Requests". Turns out "Text Requesting" is way more popular.

Last night at Bogard's I took in 15 text requests. I'm not sure how this compares in tip jar results to shouting out requests yet, but it feels good.

The list of things I do on a gig is just getting geekier.

Also, I've been updating MarcDobson.com this past week changing it from an html site to a Drupal/PHP site. As is the mobile and desktop sites are separate. With Drupal I should be able to spit out a mobile friendly and desktop site with the same content, allow things like guest book entries from both mobile and desktop and more.

Mobile MarcDobson.com

2009-05-21T16:42:00.003-04:00

I just finished the 1st build on a mobile friendly version of MarcDobson.com

It's at http://m.marcdobson.com

I've placed a link at the top of most pages on www.MarcDobson.com as well.

Main purpose or gimmick is to request songs. I already hand out song request lists on paper at my gigs. Now persons at the gig can view my song list and "text request" songs from there mobile phone. There's even a link on every song list page to (hopefully) open the text message application on a mobile phone.

"Text request" is additional geekiness to running my live webcast with chat where persons at the club can make a dedication request for someone at home who they send to the live webcast.

I can even record the dedication request for viewing later.

Cheers,

Marc

50/50 tickets on a 1950 Panhead Chopper

2009-04-29T17:14:00.002-04:00

I got tickets to sell for a Classic 1950 Panhead Chopper.

Tickets are $100, only 300 tickets will be sold and the bike is worth $15K.

Proceeds go to the Joe Realino Memorial Fund, more info at JoeRealino.com

Drawing will be at 9PM on Saturday November 7th 2009 at Patrick's Pub in Port St. John Fl.

This is a registered charity so you can use this as a tax deduction.

Secretary of the Arts Petition

2009-01-09T23:31:00.003-05:00

Please take a moment to sign this important petition and or pass it on to everyone on your e-mail list.

Quincy Jones has started a petition to try and influence President Elect Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts. Please take a moment to go to the sight and sign at www.petitiononline.com/esnyc/petition.html

This is very important. Many other countries have had Ministers of Art or Culture for centuries. The United States has never appointed a person to represent the Arts. We in the Arts need this, and the country needs the Arts--now more than ever.

MarcDobson.com

Feb 19 Digital TV and Wireless Audio

2009-01-08T03:07:00.003-05:00

I'm sure all of us are aware on Feb 19, 2009 TV broadcast is transitioning from analog to digital. If not have a look here http://www.dtv.gov

This transition IS going to affect many operators of wireless audio devices. If you own a wireless audio device that operates in the RF spectrum between 698 to 806 MHz ( the 700 MHz spectrum) in the near future you may need to replace your device.

You should check your wireless audio device manufactures website. AKG, Shure, Sennhesier and other manufacturers are offering limited rebates for upgrading/exchanging 700MHz wireless audio products.

After Feb 19:

- public safety agencies will begin to use 764 - 776 MHz and 794 - 806 MHz for two-way radio communications.

- 746 - 764 MHz and 776 - 794 MHz will be opened up for use by new commercial wireless services. Licenses for these new services by competitive bidding. Some auctions have already occurred, but the winners will not be able to use this spectrum until it has been vacated by the television broadcasts.

* Wireless audio devices that operate on frequencies above 698 MHz should not be used after February 19, 2009. How ever...

If you own a device operating in the public safety agency range 764 - 776 MHz and 794 - 806 MHz, I would be really concerned and consider a back up plan straight away.

If you own a device in frequency of the 700MHz spectrum not in the public safety range you may have a grace period. As of my research today, it appears none of the new devices licensed to use these frequencies will be available for public sale till late 2009 or early 2010. They all have to got through development and pass FCC.

* ALSO NOTE if you end up buying a new wireless audio device you still may not be future proofed :(

The issue(s) are complicated but boil down to:

- Digital TV is freeing up "white space" in the 150 - 700 MHz bands
- Manufactures and wireless carriers for new breeds of cordless telephones, wireless multimedia systems, PDA devices, and similar equipment want those bands to provide us with faster wireless data transmission.
- Over the past 35 years, wireless audio devices used by the performing arts have operated on radio frequencies between the television broadcast channels, on the so-called "white spaces" (from 150MHz - 175MHz and 470MHz - 806MHz) and these operators have not has to carry a license.

Personally I have $1,000's in wireless audio, most of which is in the 700 MHz spectrum and to old to qualify for manufacture rebates. This gear has worked for years flawlessly.

On the other hand I love my PDA, a WM6 HTC Tilt 3G speed (fastest available) mini computer cell phone. This is at least my 25th cell phone. I've spent $1,000's on cell phones. My kids have a older $200 cell phones as toys. Here we are gearing up for another round of faster wireless networks and new devices. If history repeats I will go out and buy a faster PDA Cell before the "price drop" with the desire to be geek cool. That new PDA will be just like the previous 25, it will not work flawlessly.

MarcDobson.com

Reference's for this article:

What’s the FCC Doing to My Wireless Microphones?

Other Issues that Impact the Performing Arts from American Arts Alliance

What Digital TV Means to Wireless Microphone Users from Shure

FCC Rules for NEW TV BAND DEVICES: What This Means For Wireless Microphone Users from Sennheiser

Mah Nà Mah Nà - for the record

2008-09-26T02:43:00.003-04:00

I've been using a "Pointless Thought of the Day" trivia question at gigs lately:

Where did the song "Mah Nà Mah Nà" originally come from?

The obvious guess's of Sesame Street and The Muppet Show are wrong. I got to correct myself, it was not Swedish Porno film it was an Italian Porno film with a Swedish title.

The definitive answer:

"Mah Nà Mah Nà" debuted as part of Umiliani's soundtrack for the Italian softcore pornography movie Svezia, inferno e paradiso (Sweden: Heaven and Hell) (1968), a pseudo-documentary film about wild sexual activity and other behavior in Sweden ("Mah Nà Mah Nà" accompanied a scene set in a sauna). A soundtrack album, "Svezia, Inferno e Paradiso" was released in 1968. The movie was also released under the English title Sweden Heaven and Hell.
SOURCE

Lady In Red for Neil

2008-09-25T22:03:00.005-04:00

Video Shout Out requested by Neil and wife. Maybe they'll watch when they go home to the UK or maybe even there hotel room tonight. You guys can comment below if you wish.

* If viewing this from a feed such as in facebook or widget you'll have to click through to original post to view video.

Cats In The Cradle for Paul

2008-09-25T21:16:00.003-04:00

Shout out request for Paul from his Mom Linda while she enjoyed beverage with friends at Bogard's, Orlando. If viewing this from a feed you will have to click through (view original post) to play the video.

Musicians Swap Meet in Cocoa Beach Sep 27th, 08

2008-09-24T20:26:00.004-04:00

Jon & Rhonda have been working hard on this and asked for help sending the word out...

MUSICIANS SWAP MEET
For musicians, by musicians and all about the music!!
Kid Friendly and encouraged.
Sat, Sept 27th, 2008
Free to Public – starting at Noon
Cocoa Beach Country Club Pavilion located at 4800 Tom Warriner Blvd, Cocoa Beach.(The public pool is available for $2 per person)
All musicians and music lovers are invited to network, sell, buy or barter and to exhibit your music related arts, crafts and memorabilia. Music instructors bring your contact info cards!
Seller’s tables are $25 – pay at the door. Set up starts at 9:00 AM.
We’ll have tuning stations set up for testing equipment and amps set up for jam sessions.
We’re looking for original bands or soloists to perform. Call or email Rhonda for a time slot but remember – original music only, no covers.
No coolers permitted but food and beverages will be available.
Need volunteers to help! Free meal and beverages! Call me asap and let me know when you would be available. :)

Contact:
promoter_rhonda@yahoo.com or 321-223-4531
jkparrot@bellsouth.net or 321-403-2002

***Marc Dobson has nothing to do with this event nor is Marc attending do to gigs***

Video Shout Outs Recorded

2008-09-23T01:33:00.003-04:00

I'm going to try again recording Video Shout Outs via Stickam. I'll take a request from someone at a venue and record the performance dedicating a shout out to another person anywhere in the world to view later on there computer.

Sound geeky enough? I've tried this before and it messed up to many times with the wireless broadband but this past week it ran good. I recorded and deleted a bunch of videos via Stickam. Only 1 out of 10 messed up but with the wireless broadband I have no way of telling when it's going to mess up. I could record straight to hard drive and end up with higher quality media BUT that would also be much more work.

Framing the shot from "corner of the room" stages is always fun too. Watching restaurant staff walk by is always great in a video. I'm working on a new webcam stand which may help. I can't bring a light show and back drop to every gig I do. Some do not warrant that at all.

If you read my blog feel free to post a comment requesting a video shout out and song from my songlist.

Brown Eyed Girl for Madison

2008-09-23T01:17:00.005-04:00

Madison requested Brown Eyed Girl on September 21, 2008 while I performed at a restaurant in Orlando. I hit record on Stickam and here it is (You may have to click through to actual blog to view):

Celebrity Impersonator Showcase Webcast & Chat

2008-09-10T13:22:00.008-04:00

On September 16 & 17, 2008 (for the 2nd year) I will be webcasting LIVE the Sunburst Convention of Celebrity Impersonators and Look-A-Likes.

The Line Up is impressive with over 100 Celebrity Impersonators and Look-A-Likes to showcase with over 60 Agents/Talent Buyers attending. This is the largest event of it's kind in the world with media coverage from CNN, all the way to yours truly.

You are invited to watch and chat @ MarcRocs Sunburst.

Schedule (Subject To Change)

September 16, 2008

12pm - Pre-Show TBD
1 pm - Showcase
3 pm - 15 minute Break show with interviews TBD
5 pm - Post Show with interviews

September 17, 2008

12pm - Pre-Show TBD
1 pm - Showcase
3 pm - 15 minute Break show with interviews TBD
5 pm - Post Show with interviews
8 pm - Awards Banquet TBD

* If you're a moderator on my regular shows I may un-mod until you confirm you've read the F.A.Q. Chat Rules and Moderate Notes for this webcast. TY

Pic Of My Stick

2008-07-31T21:29:00.005-04:00

What a beast of an instrument. I've only had it one day and love it. It's made from Iron Wood, was built in the 80's and is Chapman Stick #619. For being so old it's in great shape. Original owner sold it to me and did not play it a lot.

I can complain a little though.

This stick has 10 strings in two groups of 5 with separate pickups and outputs. The melody side is tuned in 4th's kind of like a guitar and I am grasping that. The bass side is tuned in 5th's but descends in pitch rather then ascends. For a guitar player or bass player (I still play both) the bass side is upside down. However the magic in this tuning is that chord shapes remain the same on both melody and bass sides of the strings. Huh? 4th's tuned ascending have the same chord shapes (but inverted) as 5th's do descending. It's magic yes indeed BUT for playing one note bass lines is mind altering to say the least.
I spent over 3 years in 2 completely different bands playing bass guitar and keyboards holding down a keyboard bass line and sing on top of that. But the last time I did that was 7 years ago. I have to work on my dexterity coming back, the stick has me thinking to much about where notes are.
After one day I already want a 12 string model with midi pickups for keyboard sounds on both sides BUT...
I got a lot of wood shedding to do before I can take this instrument out on a gig and judge the entertainment value in it. Then I can decide if I should invest more time and money.

ROTFLMAO - Would You Like To Play The Guitar?

2008-07-24T03:06:00.003-04:00

Was surfing YouTube. Not sure how I got to this but my wife and I busted out laughing on the 3rd verse of this song:

Would You Like To Play The Guitar?

Nothing is more funny then the truth.

Sorry, could not embed into blog. The guitar player is great.

Thinking about a Chapman Stick

2008-07-17T01:02:00.007-04:00

I am thinking about purchasing a Chapman Stick. See below video for explanation and demo. It's a musical instrument, a cross between a guitar, bass and a piano... which are 3 instruments I already play and have held positions in bands on.

If you wish to give me your opinion on whether I should get one of these bad boys, please email or make your way the blog and hit "comments".

Update - If you can't see video, click the link.

Current.TV Mini-Documentary

Currently, I'm undecided whether to put the time and money into the Stick :(

I've been interested in the instrument since my teen age years. Tony Levin played a stick for two of my favorite artists:

Larry Gowan (Canadian Recording Artist, now lead singer for Styx) and
Peter Gabriel (most of the "So" album featured the Stick)

There was also a guy in my hometown (Halifax NS Canada) wood shedding a Stick at open mics around the same time I was hanging around the open mics learning all I could. The thing blew me away back then and still does today.

For a long time now I've made decisions in my music business based on my perception of "Will this time or money spent make me a return?" Another instrument like the Steel Drums may be a safer bet as a new instrument for me but I do not find it as desirable, challenging or as unique as I can imagine the Stick to be. Plus the Steel Drums would be pretty dang loud while learning.

This month of July really feels like recession to me (read my last post). I've been taking my extra time to fine tune my show, prospect new venues, refine some promo and have re thought my angle.

In prospecting new venues and looking at my competition I've found a large amount of solo acts are playing live with no back trax. I've even found a few solo acts who are barely playing guitar over Karaoke Trax. After 20 years of making and producing my own custom back trax I am disappointed that "we" have reached a point where that is exceptable.

I'm thinking the presentation of my show should change a bit or rather diversify.

Now that I have a vocal harmonizer (which takes 1 to 3 hours to program via midi into every song) I am going as full blown "like the record" as possible. Even though most people who have heard me before can not tell me what I've added new to my show, I am positive I am turning more heads, get more applause and am receiving more kind words (and tips)... I believe cause of the harmonies.
I am consciously deciding to play more straight up acoustic, live with no tracks.
IF I were playing a Stick with it's big, live, distinctive sound I think I would gain more status as a true specialty act. I hope the Stick is something that would turn heads besides my current ego feeding talents :)

Unfortunately a large part of me is weighing in the cost of money and time into the decision. If I don't think there will be a decent return I won't get one.

The price may turn your head at a minimum of $2,100 to get into a new instrument. I've spoke with the Stick people 3 times in the past few days. For a new one it's a $200 deposit and a 9 to 11 month wait. Sometimes Emmet Chapman (the maker) has a used one or a canceled order. Only other option is used off eBay.

What a commitment to make to a musical instrument... but it would not be the 1st time for me. IF I get one I hope my guitars (especially my 95 Strat) do not get jealous :)

Recession Reflection

2008-07-09T14:24:00.004-04:00

I don't complain much, don’t take this as whining but WOW this summer is showing signs of a slowdown in entertainment bookings in Central Florida. I cannot remember months of July and August where I have so many open dates.

This time last year I was working 2 to 4 resort pool side gigs per week. I have none this month.
I came to Florida in 1999 to work with a band called Panama at the Rock ’n’ Roll Beach Club located on Pleasure Island which is in Downtown Disney. The club closed February 2, 2008.
With Panama I also worked the West End Stage on Pleasure Island. It was a concert size stage with house band and National acts frequently played there. In 2006 Disney tore down the West End Stage (and the Hub Stage), opening up the walkway off the island more, creating more of an inviting area for daytime.
In 1999 there was also a Jazz club and a Country Club on Pleasure Island who had house bands. They’re gone.
By September 28, 2008, all of the nightclubs on Pleasure Island will close. Source
I also worked in one of 2 House Bands at the Hard Rock Café, Universal. Currently there is no house band at the Hard Rock.
I don’t have as much experience working at Old-Town (Kissimmee), Church Street Station (Downtown Orlando Area) or Universals City Walk BUT all have seen a decline over the years in live music entertainment. I just spoke with a musician friend and a current house band gig at a Universal venue has been given 30 days notice.
The latest blow to the live music market in Central Florida happened this past Monday to a venue I stopped working for last year:

Sterling Casino to Port: we fold

Sterling Casino Lines has ceased operations and will remove its Ambassador II gambling ship from Port Canaveral next week, costing more than 500 people their jobs. SOURCE

To the musicians of Central Florida, Sterling folding that means another 10 to 12 tribute acts, 5 to 6 guitar players, 5 to 6 drummers and 6 to 8 steel drummers are at a loss of 14 gigs per week which employed a total a 5 musicians per gig. That isn’t good news for me.

Now I am not complaining. I’m just stating this market is becoming challenging and I’m out to revamp my live music service as a result. The show is getting better with my new vocal harmonizer. My approach to new venues and gigs is changing too.

I wonder what’s going to happen in 2011 when the Space Shuttle Program ceases to fly?

CJ King on America's Got Talent

2008-06-25T01:54:00.003-04:00

July 2, 9PM est on NBC, good friend of mine and band mate CJ King will be appearing on America's Got Talent as her tribute to Cyndi Lauper. I think she'll needing some help with votes.

Also just made her a YouTube channel, if you are a YouTuber please friend up, comments are welcome: youtube.com/user/cjkingfl

Harmony Vocals machine story...

2008-06-22T02:42:00.002-04:00

Just got back from a gig at a VFW. There was an older lady of retirement age playing the piano in the hall as I loaded in. She sounded great and I had a brief conversation with her. I ended up talking about my new toy, the Vocal Harmonizer thinking she would not really know what I'm talking about. Her response was "Oh I have one in my Organ at home, I love the choir setting". On one hand I thought wow cool some Organs today not only come with a mic input but also have a harmony processor built in. On the other hand I was kind of shocked and glimmer got taken away from my new toy, a retired musician new exactly what I had and it was old news to her :(

ENERGY SAVER LIGHT BULBS!

2008-06-22T02:34:00.004-04:00

K, this is way off my topic but I can not resist...

Slow and sure I am trying to become "green". Obvious thing for me is/was to use ENERGY SAVER LIGHT BULBS. I have a stock pile of them, bought $50 worth for a "White Elephant" Xmas gift exchange and ended up with my own present. I've converted as many bulbs in my house as possible (they don't work every where yet). A friend sent me this YouTube video. Thanks K (: Hopefully there is a happy medium.

Harmony Vocals Via TC-Helicon Voice Works

2008-06-14T12:56:00.003-04:00

This past week I purchased a Vocal Harmonizer, it's a TC-Helicon VoiceWorks unit. What a great gadget. It will be added to my live rig in the near future. It's a full vocal processor with many functions. I will be using it:

to replace my current effects unit (Reverb & Delay).
for a vocal compressor.
to ADD VOCAL HARMONIES to my songs.

Once I get through reprogramming the on, off and reverb sound changes in my midi tracks from my beloved Lexicon MPX500 (which I will miss) to the new TC-Helicon VoiceWorks I can add it to my rig.

At the rate I'm going it's going to take a while to complete program all harmony vocals. I've not found an "easy button" to make the TC-Helicon VoiceWorks work . I have to tell it via midi what chord is being played, what harmony scale to use and turn each of up to 4 parts of harmony vocals on and off. Have to listen to the original recording and take notes on the vocals. Have to sing each part through to make sure the TC Helicon VoiceWorks is using my voice correctly to produce/sing correct harmonies. Making mistakes on this thing can sound horrific, if I hit the wrong note it can throw the TC-Helicon off too so its one big mess of bad vocals :)

Hockey Night In Canada Theme to End (:

2008-06-05T17:13:00.008-04:00

I can not believe this. I missed out on this news story here in Florida. Thanks to my bud Dennis for forwarding me this tragic, tragic story. What is the world coming to?

Stanley Cup game 6 may be the last occasion that the widely recognized “Dunt- da-DUNT- da-dunt” refrain of the Hockey Night in Canada Theme (sometimes referred to as "Canada's Second National Anthem") will ever be heard in association with Hockey Night in Canada.

The composition was written by Dolores Claman in 1968 and has become one of the longest running theme songs in broadcasting history.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation ("CBC") has advised the composer, owner and administrator of the musical composition that it is not prepared to enter into a new license agreement with respect to the use of the theme. The current license agreement expires at the conclusion of the 2007/08 NHL playoffs.

Florida has 2 songs now, Anthem and Official.

2008-05-31T16:38:00.005-04:00

Final follow up to my ranting about Florida's pursuit of a new state song, thanks to many begrudged Floridians, Florida now has two songs. Here's the State Bill:

SB 1558 - Official State Anthem and Official State Song

GENERAL BILL by Hill (CO-SPONSORS) Wilson

Official State Anthem and Official State Song: Designates the song "Florida, Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky" as the official state anthem. Designates the song "Old Folks at Home," revised lyrics, as adopted by the Center for American Music, Stephen Foster Memorial, at the University of Pittsburgh, as the official state song, etc.

Effective Date: 07/01/2008

Sprints may limit my Live Webcasts

2008-05-31T15:33:00.005-04:00

Since last year I've been using Sprints "Mobile Broadband Connection Plan" to live Webcast my shows via www.Stickam.com then embed the live stream to www.marcdobson.com. I choose Sprint because the plan was unlimited unlike the competition, AT&T and Verizon who have monthly 5 gig caps on bandwidth.

Sprint is joining the 5 gig cap club limiting there "Mobile Broadband Connection Plans" to 5 gigs of bandwidth per month starting July 13, 2008. In a 4 hour show I use up to 1/2 a gig of bandwidth. It's possible I could only webcast 10 shows per month with a 5 gig cap although I do use public Wifi internet connections at some venues when available. Wifi is usually a better connection.

To my understanding, Sprint is imposing the cap is because there network can not handle unlimited bandwidth on data plans and maintain coverage for other existing and new services, like the recent "Simply Everything Plan" which includes unlimited data use . They are implying this will not effect 99% of there users and will effect only abusers of the plan. Abusers are defined as users who do more then email and browse internet pages like watching YouTube videos and downloading via peer to peer software which in my opinion is regular internet use now a days.

I'm sure I would be labeled as an abuser. When connected to Sprint 99% of the time I broadcast audio and video. BUT I signed up for UNLIMITED broadband bandwidth. Sprint is changing the contract terms. They are going to loose a number of costumers.

I'm not sure yet if I will leave Sprint. They are saying they will not check someones account unless they go over 5 gigs in 2 out of 3 consecutive months. Who knows, Sprint may cancel my account.

Florida picks a new state song

2008-01-15T22:41:00.000-05:00

Recently I reviewed the 3 choices for Florida's new state them song. I choose Florida (Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky) by Hinton and that is the song that won.

After jokingly suggesting "Please nobody suggest Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville" for months (June 26, 07 Post Florida's State Theme Song) and writing a review of the 3 songs (Dec 13, 07 Post Florida's New State Song Vote. My review and "as is" vote)...

I decided not to vote as there was no option for "none of the above". 8,020 people did vote and Hinton's song was favored by about 4,600 of them. I did not get a final count on how many votes were cast and disqualified. In order to vote you needed to double confirm via email and then cell phone. At one point I read a news article stating over 5,000 votes had been cast but over half were disqualified because they were not confirmed via cell phone.

Source of info:
Pick for state song tells of gators, rockets
FLORIDA TODAY

Private Sunburst Convention Webcast Rerun

2008-01-05T02:38:00.000-05:00

Sorry I told some of you this would be a public showing but on January 8th and 9th I will be rerunning a private broadcast of the Sunburst Showcases for attendees of Sunburst only.

GENERAL BILL by Hill (CO-SPONSORS) Wilson
Official State Anthem and Official State Song: Designates the song "Florida, Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky" as the official state anthem. Designates the song "Old Folks at Home," revised lyrics, as adopted by the Center for American Music, Stephen Foster Memorial, at the University of Pittsburgh, as the official state song, etc.
Effective Date: 07/01/2008