Some say, "I don't pay to play."

Well I say, "Yes, you do."  You pay for your instrument, web site, computer, music software, gear, recording demos, CD duplication, printing, PR materials, travel to and from music locations, what you consume on the road, wardrobe and the list goes on...  So if you think you're not paying to play, well then, you're wrong. Writers spend a lot of money pursuing their craft.

A major artist pays to play.  To stay on top or remain current, a hit artist must spend or reinvest millions of dollars every year staying current or they fall by the wayside.

So in one form or another whether you want to admit it or not, we all pay to play some how, somewhere.  Those who hide behind the notion that, "I don't pay to play", should start giving their CD's away for free, don't charge a cover at gigs and make everything free to everyone.  Why should somebody pay you since you won't pay to play?

The fest scrapes just enough together by everyone throwing in together. The fest is not the reason most others may hold events, dreaming of riches.  We are a no excuses kinda gathering that goes with what we have. Nothing stops us.  It takes plenty of doe to host an event and we do it for a fraction of what it would cost others. What we do is truly magical and unstoppable.

Our featured writers ask nothing in return. No fancy green room with shrimp cocktails. They help the fest and it keeps them grounded and fresh. Don't get us wrong, We respect writers and value their efforts but we just don't have the budget.

We have a Starving Songwriter program for those who are broke at the time. And we do a lot of favors for those who have helped us. So maybe out of all the people you see at the fest, one half supports the other half.

In Summary: Money cannot buy what we do or have accomplished in the past, but it sure helps.  If you can pitch in, then by all means roll up you sleeves and put your thinking cap on.  If you can't, you are still welcome to come, just don't wine cuz there's no shrimp cocktails.

"Most people who get into the music business want the big mansion and limo. Hell, If I got out of the music business I could afford the big mansion and limo!"~Popcorn