New Experience #8
W/C 30th January 2012
New Experience: Putting On A Gig
Going to a gig is my ultimate night out because for me, nothing can beat the thrill of live music in its many forms. I have been going to them since I was ten-years-old and over the past few years have reviewed quite a few for theSprout and been to many more besides.
So, over the Christmas break, I decided I’d give something back; put on my own gig in the new year and experience the ‘other side’ of the music world I love. As I really enjoy fundraising for charity, I also decided that the gig would be to raise money for Oxfam, which meant that there was a meaningful purpose to the event and that, hopefully, more people would be inclined to come.
I then proceeded into the unknown; booking the venue and bands, producing poster and Facebook pages, handing out flyers, collecting Oxfam merchandise to hand out on the night, finding friends willing to be on the door and getting the night listed in all the local press. And then suddenly the night of February 1st arrived and it was time for all the planning and organising to be put to the test.
On the whole, it was a success. The bands all turned up, as did plenty of people. The music seemed to go down well with those present. £190 was raised for Oxfam and plenty of badges and stickers were taken which is only more publicity for the charity. However, it was so odd being at a gig and not being able to fully relax - I was responsible for the whole shebang and hence was somewhat stressed, which is very unlike me. I had little reason to be really; despite a few hiccups, such as a very drunk man attempting to feel up some of my female friends, the night went very smoothly, so smoothly in fact that I have already booked bands for a second gig, for Ty Hafan, on March 4th. For updates on this, please visit my Facebook fan page.
By the time I’d de-stressed and reflected on the evening, I was informed that the gig had been reviewed in the South Wales Echo and given 4 stars, which I’ll happily take for a first attempt.
Rating: 4/5 - I feel much the better for doing it and for raising the money for Oxfam but I could have been a bit more chilled for my liking.
For a suggestion on what I should do next, please drop a comment below or try something new yourself! “The core of man’s spirit comes from new experience” and so far I have felt a slightly fuller person after every new thing I’ve tried.
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Related Article: Organising My First Gig
IMAGE: New by chrisinplymouth
