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New Music World 2020: Where do we go from here?

There is reasonable concern right now about the future of live music and related industries. Clubs and other venues are closing, many people have been laid off, support businesses are shuttering and many musicians and other artists are struggling. More than that, I am doubting that things will return to the normal we knew any time soon--if ever. Also, whatever the new “normal” is will likely look VERY different, and honestly some pieces of this industry may not return or recover at all. We at Big Road are lucky in that, at this time, we have other sources of income, but we are feeling the pinch and have also struggled to make sense of everything and chart a course towards something positive. Because our whole family is in this industry (our youngest son Justin is a live sound and recording engineer, our oldest Shane is a pro player with a record contract in Minneapolis, MN), this is certainly a huge concern and it’s something we talk about a lot. Shane is working on a number of things because, despite his current contract and all of the plans associated with that, he is interested in finding a home in the industry beyond touring. That move was not necessarily COVID-19 driven, but all things connected to this pandemic have certainly influenced that particular focus.

Through many discussions we have decided to focus on a few things. First is building on-line show capabilities including streaming space and gear and other things like YouTube and Twitch channels. The second thing is better recording capabilities and working on finishing a number of projects. Those projects will culminate in some kind of event TBD. We have also reached out to other musicians and friends and are considering some on-line events that can be promoted and generate some excitement and possibly be the seed for some other things. We are conscious that “the scene” will be morphing. Both of my sons have also set up Fiverr accounts and are working at setting up recording services.

Here are a few other thoughts and ideas that have come out of all of this:

● We will survive. Musicians and artists are creative. We will find a way.

● We also need to build TOWARDS something. I don’t think it does anyone any good to lament the losses and pine for the “good old days.” In reality, the “good old days” were not that great for many. Being at the mercy of so many factors out of our control means that being an artist with integrity has been hard under the best of circumstances. We can do better. WE can build better

● Collaboration will be essential. A group of artists with their different bases of support can create something unique and creative. We just need to dream it and take the steps to make it happen. See point #1.

● Online platforms are unpredictable and quirky. Facebook is really not an option for artist streaming anymore, so let’s figure out what COULD work and what the next horizon is.

● The tech to pull off in-place or mobile video or streaming shows is a new world, BUT it is not that difficult and workable equipment and software is not outrageously expensive. Here is maybe where collaboration and barter can come into the picture.

● Competition between artists was always a counterproductive thing anyway. Bands and artists who undercut others, put down other players, etc. ultimately had to deal with the inevitable Karma of their actions (or soon will). PLUS...scenes suffer when this is the norm. It gets boring when a handful of people are the only options out there. We can do better.

● We need to see this all as an opportunity. Artists, venues and connected businesses who understand that MAY be the ones still standing when the “smoke” clears. We have this thing called the internet. It’s crazy cool. And it was not an option in years past. But we have it now. There also may be other ways. Could clubs who are shut down in the winter or at much lower capacity become live stream sites? Could they provide creative packages that include food and drink to customers in or supporting on-line shows? The possibilities are endless.

● Collaboration, barter and partnerships could work in a lot of directions. Struggling venues, clubs and businesses may find a home and new brand connected with this new world. Yup, it isn’t ideal, but it is our current reality. What can we do?

● Time brings opportunity. We are artists. Artists create. We also are masters at creating magic out of challenge. Most great songs have a story. Let’s seize the moment. I mentioned Fiverr, but the available recording technology today, along with the ability to find “studio players,” producers, mixing and mastering help, etc online and even share files and other information can allow us to write, record and distribute our music in a way that couldn’t happen in the recent past. Plus we have time.

● The other thing I am very conscious of is the opportunity this pandemic has provided to have the time to refine my own craft. There are amazing resources available for improving voice and instruments, or really to learn many things connected to music and music gear. This is also another way many artists are keeping themselves afloat. YouTube, Patreon and any number of other resources have many pro level people providing tutorials and assistance to other artists. We live in unique times with unique opportunities.

Lastly, I want to extend to other musicians my willingness to meet and talk about ideas, your unique situation, etc. Contact us through the Big Road website and we would be happy to connect.

Mark Zanoni

10/02/2020

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Summer 2022 Shows (more added daily)

  • Saturday May 21st (private wedding party), Hayward, WI
  • Friday June 3rd, The Pines, Mercer, WI 8-midnight
  • Thursday-Friday June 9-10, Happy's Pub, Woodruff, WI 9-1
  • Friday June 17, Sweetwater Spirits and Resort, Eagle River, WI 9-1
  • Saturday June 18, (Mark with Comstock Lode Country Band), Mud Creek, Eagle River, WI
  • Sunday June 19th, Pine Harbor Bar and Grill, Rhinelander, WI 2-6
  • Saturday June 25th, Jeb's Bar, Irma, WI 7-11
  • Sunday June 26th, H2H Public House, Rhinelander, WI (Cancelled)
  • Friday July 1st, Bortolotti's Cin Cin, Eagle River 6-9
  • Saturday July 2nd, The Timbers, St. Germain, WI (TBD)
  • Sunday July 3rd, (Mark with Comstock Lode Country Band), Bad Bones BBQ, Arbor Vitae, WI 5-8
  • Monday July 4th, (Mark solo show), Private function, Phelps, WI 5-8
  • Wednesday July 6th, (Mark solo show) Manny's Parkside, Manitowish Waters 6-9
  • Saturday July 9th, Mole Lake Casino, Mole Lake, WI (TBD)
  • Wednesday, July 13th, Private event, Tomahawk, WI
  • Saturday July 16th, The Rustic, Athlestain, WI 7-11
  • Sunday July 17th, Private event, Tomahawk, WI
  • Wednesday July 20th, Music on Mainstreet, Boulder Junction, WI 7-9
  • Saturday July 30th, (Mark with Comstock Lode Country Band), Rhinelander Brewing Co. (TBD)
  • Friday August 5th, Bortolotti's Cin Cin, Eagle River 6-9
  • Saturday August 6th, (Mark with Comstock Lode Country Band), Otto's, Minocqua, WI (TBD)
  • Friday August 12th, Manny's Parkside, Manitowish Waters, WI 6-9
  • Sunday August 14th, Private event, Tomahawk, WI
  • Saturday August 13th, Mark and Michelle with Dr. Z and Deeper Roots Blues Band@ Renee's Red Rooster Festival, Stevens Point, WI (3pm to 4pm)
  • Saturday August 13th, (Mark with Comstock Lode Country Band), Otto's, Minocqua, WI (TBD)
  • Saturday August 27th, Manny's Parkside, Manitowish Waters, WI 6-9
  • Friday September 9th, Sweetwater Spirits and Resort, Eagle River, WI 9-1

2022 Shows (more added daily)

  • Saturday January 8th Dr. Z's Acoustic Mayhem (Mark solo) Mud Creek Saloon, Eagle River, WI 8:33pm 
  • Saturday January 15th, Prairie Rapids Tavern, Tomahawk, WI 8pm
  • Friday January 21st, CT's Deli, Rhinelander, WI Dog Sledding Race FUNdraiser, 5-8
  • Saturday January 29th, H2H Public House (formerly the Flyin Finn), Rhinelander, WI 7pm
  • Wednesday February 2nd, Red Rooster, Madison, WI TBD (Cancelled...will be rescheduled)
  • Saturday February 5th, H2H Public House, Rhinelander, WI 7pm
  • Friday February 11th (Mark, Michelle and Chris with Dr. Z and Deeper Roots Blues Review) Renee's Red Rooster, Stevens Point, WI 7pm
  • Friday February 18th, Sweetwater Spirits and Resort, Eagle River, WI 9pm
  • Saturday February 26th, Heal Creek Sled Dog Race, Northwoods Golf Course, Rhinelander, WI 5-8pm
  • Friday and Saturday March 4-5, Mud Creek Saloon, Eagle River, 8:30pm
  • Saturday March 12th, H2H Public House, Rhinelander, WI 7-11pm
  • Thursday March 17th, Rocky Reef St. Woodruff, WI St. Paddy Celebration 4-7
  • April 2nd South Shore Brewing Co., Washburn, WI Mark solo show 7-11
  • April 9th, H2H Public House, Rhinelander, WI 7-11
  • April 16, Margaritaville Beach Party, Blue Heron at Wild Eagle Lodge, Eagle River 5-9
  • Friday and Saturday April 22-23 Happy's Pub, Woodruff, WI 9pm
  • Friday April 29th, Marilyn's Fire Station Maple Fest Party, Medford, WI 7-10
  • Friday May 6th, Sweetwater Spirits and Resort, Eagle River, WI 9-1                                          (See above for summer shows for 2022)

2021 Shows (more added daily)

  • Saturday June 12th Big Road Acoustic at Pirate's Hideaway, Eagle River, WI 7-10
  • Sunday June 13th Bad Bones BBQ, Arbor Vitae, WI 6-9
  • Friday June 18th Skyview Lodge and Supper Club, Presque Isle, WI 6-9 (NEW!)
  • Saturday June 19th Skyview Lodge and Supper Club, Presque Isle, WI 7-10 (change)
  • Thursday July 1st Big Road Acoustic at Rocky Reef Brewing Company, Woodruff, WI 4-8
  • Saturday July 3rd Camp 28, Rib Lake, WI 4-8 (before the fireworks) This is a change.
  • Wednesday July 7th Music on Main St. Boulder Junction, WI
  • Saturday July 10th Skyview Lodge and Supper Club, Presque Isle, WI 6-9
  • Sunday July 11th Bad Bones BBQ, Arbor Vitae, WI 6-9
  • Monday July 19th Antigo Music in the Park, Antigo, WI 6-8
  • Saturday August 7th Skyview Lodge and Supper Club, Presque Isle, WI 6-9
  • Friday August 13th Leroy's "Hot Stuff," Porter, IN (TBD)
  • Friday August 20th Bad Bones BBQ, Arbor Vitae, WI 6-9
  • Saturday August 21st Bike Race Merrill, WI (TBD)
  • Saturday August 21st, Eagle Lanes, Eagle River, WI 9-1
  • Friday September 3rd Skyview Lodge and Supper Club, Presque Isle, WI 6-9
  • Saturday September 4th PRIVATE PARTY Three Lakes, WI 6-10
  • Saturday September 11th Celebrate Amherst, Amherst, WI (4-6)
  • Saturday September 18th Rock Island, Merrill, WI 2-6
  • Saturday October 2nd, H2H Public House (formerly the Flyin Finn), Rhinelander, WI 7pm
  • Saturday October 30th, H2H Public House (formerly the Flyin Finn), Rhinelander, WI 7pm
  • Saturday November 6th, H2H Public House (formerly the Flyin Finn), Rhinelander, WI 7pm
  • Saturday November 13th, Mosinee Brewing Co. (Mark, Chris and Michelle with Dr. Z and Deeper Roots Blues Review) Mosinee, WI 54568 7pm
  • Saturday November 20th, H2H Public House (formerly the Flyin Finn), Rhinelander, WI 7pm
  • New Years with Big Road, H2H Public House (formerly the Flyin Finn), Rhinelander, WI TBD

 

 

2019 Shows (more added daily)

  • Saturday May 18th: Mud Creek Saloon, Eagle River, WI
  • Friday May 24th: The Pines, Mercer, WI
  • Saturday June 1st: The Great Dane, Wausau, WI
  • Thursday July 4th: Music in the Park, Koller Park, Manitowish Waters, WI 4-6
  • Friday July 5th: Eagle Lanes, Eagle River, WI
  • Saturday July 13th: (Mark and Michelle with Mark Cleveland Band, Minocqua Brewing Company)
  • Sunday July 14th: (Mark and Michelle with Mark Cleveland Band, Torpy Park, Minocqua, WI)
  • Wednesday July 17th: Music on Main Street, (next to Peoplelures down town) Boulder Junction, WI 7-9
  • Saturday July 27th: Rock Island, Merrill, WI
  • Saturday August 3rd: (Mark and Michelle with KNW band Minocqua Brewing Company)
  • Sunday August 4th: (Mark and MIchelle with KNW band, Torpy Park, Minocqua, WI)
  • Saturday August 10th (Mark with Pops Fletcher and the Hucksters, Minocqua Brewing Company)
  • Sunday August 11th: Musky Days, Boulder Junction, WI 11-2
  • Sunday August 11th: (Mark with Pops Fletcher and the Hucksters, Torpy Park, MInocqua, WI)
  • Friday August 16th: Canal Shores, Evanston, IL 7:30-9:30
  • Saturday August 17th: Prairie Magic Music Festival, Valparaiso, In (with Los Lobos)
  • Sunday September 1st: Fibbers Bar and Restaurant Old Fashion Party, St. Germain, WI 2-6
  • Friday September 13th:  Northwoods Harley Davidson, Arbor Vitae, WI
  • Saturday September 14th: Pik's Pub, Tomahawk, WI
  • Saturday October 5th: Black Bear Bar, Minocqua, WI
  • Saturday October 12th: Great Dane Pub, Wausau, WI
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