How and why did you start Sherman Community Arts?
Basically, I had a friend who died who was an artist/musician. My response to her death was that I wanted to help create a network for artist/musician support. I guess I felt that making the choice to just do art or music usually means not having insurance (which caused her death), and other sacrifices. The general idea was to bring folks together in more of a network, or support model, to avoid such things happening again. I started Sherman Arts by just handing out postcards and letting folks know I was trying to create a network of artists and musicians. It was very vague, and essentially didn’t really take off. Then, I started hosting shows to support the local scene, and collecting names. I saw that each band had some kind of network of people who followed them, and the idea was to bring all these networks together. This eventually led to posting about other general events as I met more folks doing this kind of work, and then hosting more shows.
Philly’s music and arts scene needs more…
Younger promoters, organizers, and musicians being mentored into the scene. I feel that the scene needs to stay open to change and new ideas, because it stagnates when it’s run by the same folks for too long. One of my favorite new bands in called “Dvorak and The Dvotchkas” (rooted in Philly but in NYC for school). They are all 19, and probably better than half the bands playing in Philadelphia who are much older. The scene also needs to work together and not compete as much. D.I.Y Philly has been doing a great job to facilitate this work.
And less…
This is probably biting the hand that feeds but I have to say people give to much power to what the City Paper and Philly Weekly write. I am a fan of both papers and have been supported greatly by both of them. I just feel that these two sources are given a bit too much sway over the scene (by the readers). It’s as if you don’t get mentioned in these papers, your events don’t matter. We need many more independent sources to let folks know what is going on. I guess that’s why I do what I do. What I am trying to say is that there needs to be more independent resources to help promote events and authors, as well as more free places to get press, and that if your event/band is not listed in these sources it’s not the end of the world.
What’s the best show you ever produced?
I tend to like the smaller shows. I hosted a musician tribute at the Green Line for an anniversary celebration. It was just small and nice and everyone was quiet and listened. The small shows with captive, quiet audiences are always my favorite.
What makes your events different?
Many are free and are all ages. I also have the freedom to only book bands that I really I like. I only do 5 shows a month, so I have this freedom. If I booked a venue, I’d have to book some bands I don’t like. I also work in a collaborative way with the bands I book, many times letting them book their own openers. The Green Line series is my favorite. We’ve been able to book such acts as Jana Hunter, David Dondero, Danbert Nobacon (Chumbawamba), The Impossible Shapes,
Scott McMicken of Dr Dog, Fern Knight, Greg Weeks & Baird Sisiters of the Espers, and mix them with local, talented acts such as The Boats, Joshua Marcus, Soltero, Cynthia G Mason, and Soft People. I feel honored to work with bands that could really play anywhere they want in Philly, but play here. Also, we are usually able to pay them close to what they get if they played a venue because of low overhead. Lastly, I try to always stay open to new bands/acts which I feel is an important part of booking. I feel that the same bands get most of the good shows and press. I try to help bring bands into the scene and support them in a somewhat unoffical management manner. I feel a bit like Broadway Danny Rose (without the mob threats) at times.
Any big plans for the future?
I would like to become a non-profit as well as run my own small theater/film/music space. I have also been trying to bring other folks into the work I do, and to become more of a collective. I am honored to be one of the sponsors of the Best Fest and am glad to be able to support others who are doing great work in Philly. I am also celebrating my 7th year doing this so there will be some kind of celebration in September. I’ve learned that sometimes less is more, so I just want to put on good shows and help promote other folks doing interesting work.
Loading ...
