Boogsey Music
Posts Tagged ‘WAA’
August 30th through September 3rd came and went and now that I can clear my head a bit, I can write about my experience as a self-represented artist during this week long performing arts center conference in Long Beach, CA. Let me first start off by saying that I spent an entire week (ahem . . . my birthday week) printing my materials and getting everything packaged to be ready in time. Yes, admittedly I went there exhausted . . . I know, not a good start.
The first day was spent looking for adequate parking. I realized that I just didn’t have $11.00 a day extra to pay for convention center parking after depleting my funds in printing fees and photography, CD and DVD duplication. I had plans for my budgeted allowance, like food, drink, gas, etc… So I lucked out when I discovered that the mall on Pine Ave has parking for a nominal fee. But if you’re going to stay past 9:00 pm, it’s free! I scored. So I went home and prepared for day 2.
Day 2 was interesting when I had to meet with my mentor as a new colleague and discovered that the deal I was given to exhibit without a booth wasn’t really a deal at all. I managed to surprise a few board members unwittingly. Trust me I was clueless. But I guess it was par for the course. This just set the tone for the next 3 days.
Day 3, I was all prepared to display my materials and meet some presenters and representatives. I entered the convention center with a box full of my music packages. I was stopped at the exhibition hall doors. “You can’t go in there with that. You’ll have to speak to the guard and then a WAA representative for approval,” advised the ladies who guarded the exhibition hall entrance. Dutifully, I did as I was told. Was I shocked when I was flat out forbidden to exhibit. It was that old familiar feeling when I was 5 years old and daddy bought me an ice cream cone from the ice cream truck. I was all ready to take a lick when my chocolate chip scoop dropped to the ground. I was devastated. I almost cried. But I tucked my invisible tail between my legs, sucked it up, grabbed my big box and put everything back into my SUV in the convention center parking lot. As the day went on I spoke to a few people: board members, union members, my mentor, other sympathetic ears and even the administration who all seemed sincere in wanting to help my plight. But by the end of the conference I had gone through a series of emotions including anger and disappointment. I was promised retribution (a full refund) so that should have made me feel better. But it didn’t. And here’s why.
I am a jazz entertainer. I went to this conference hoping to make the right connections and meet the right people to advance my career. It only happens once a year and I don’t have the resources to attend every conference in the United States. I wish I did. But I was already at a disadvantage attending without representation. I was a nervous wreck. It doesn’t make me want to do it again. But if I want a career performing at performing art centers, I have to give it one more try. I just hope that next time things go more smoothly.
What was good about WAA? The talent I saw at the showcases was phenomenal. It made me remember why I was there in the first place. The people in the business have a passion for what they’re doing whether it be an agency, management company, artist, or presenter. Quite honestly, I really enjoyed the mixers, the keynote speakers, and socializing with people in the business. Did I accomplish what I set out to do this time around? No. But I won’t let one bad set of circumstances prevent me from trying it again. I am going to get back on that horse and ride again next year!