Comments on: Opinion: Sharecropping the Blues

By: Rantoul

Rantoul — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 05:00:23 +0000

People, Why are you saying these folks should do it for free? Do you work for free? Just because they get to “attend” blues fest it is hardly the same as being there as a fan. I will say, it sounds like the original 45% fee was insanely high and I’m glad it was reduced to a number that is more in the norm. Even 25% sounds like a lot but I just don’t know the industry well enough to judge.

By: Lee Mitchell

Lee Mitchell — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 21:02:07 +0000

It is utterly ridiculous that anyone wants to charge artist a fee for selling their merchandise. In this particular case, Mr. Jeffers whines about he and his employees having to take the time to attend the CBF for 3 days and sell merch, like you wouldn’t be there for your mag anyway, and wouldn’t enjoy the music just as any fan out there. These artists have a hard enough time making it by, especially the unknowns. They don’t get the big money, but take the gigs for the exposure, which they need. What they don’t need is some greedy hand taking from them what is rightfully theirs. I understand Mr. Jeffers has reduced his “fee”, but in my opinion, he should drop the fee completely. I am only a fan, just a fan….that’s all. But, I speak loudly and there is no need for anyone out there to be taking a fee from an artist for sells of merch. It is not right. It is greedy. It lacks tact….and in the long run, it won’t be tolerated. The fans can decide for themselves, and they will. No, they won’t quit going to festivals and hearing great live music. It is what we thrive on. But, we will quit buying anything from the “promoters or others” who steal from the artists themselves. There are other ways to gain merch, and the internet is a wide spread machine that will assist anyone in finding an artist they’ve never heard of, and finding out about their merch. Shame on you Michael Jeffers!

By: jimi patricola

jimi patricola — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:02:39 +0000

BREAKING NEWS: FROM MIKE JEFFERS
If you read the article you will now know why the 45% commission was necessary because of the large expenses we have to endure in order to have a CD store at the Chicago Blues Festival.
The only way to reduce the commission percentage is to reduce costs. My entire staff and I have met this morning by phone to discuss the situation.
We are all shocked by the direct e-mails from people that are unbelievably offensive and very lacking in the facts toward myself and Chicago Jazz Magazine.
My accountant, 4 staff members who are working at the Chicago Blues Festival, myself and my wife have all decided to donate our time for the 3 days of the Chicago Blues Festival and the 1 day setup of the festival in order to cut costs. In addition our original storage options will be changed which will cut further costs.
This is being done so that the artists performing on the festival can have a better commission rate.
Therefore artists that are performing on the festival will be able to have a consignment agreement with Chicago Jazz Magazine with only a 25% commission being charged per CD sold.
All other CDs being sold at the Chicago Jazz Magazine CD sales booth will need to remain at the old consignment agreement in order to cover costs.
I want to thank my entire staff for their huge sacrifice and hopefully this will help to benefit the musicians performing at the festival.
Please e-mail info@chicagojazz.com if you are performing on the festival and would like to setup a CD consignment agreement.
Thank you
Mike
—–
Michael Jeffers
CEO Chicago Jazz Publishing and Entertainment
Chicago Jazz Magazine

By: NS

NS — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:15:44 +0000

The vendor has posted a response on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-Jazz-Magazine/162751837160

By: john catt

john catt — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 01:40:13 +0000

There is no way any artist can sell like this, they dont have 45% to give up. Just remember guys and girls 45% of nothing is nothin. dont sell. absurd.

By: Danny Brooks

Danny Brooks — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:05:10 +0000

This is far to high a percentage and shows a disdainful regard for the artist in that this Festival feels that the artist will pay it in order to be part of their event. They may get away with it for a bit but not for long. I need to play to survive but not at this cost. I agree with JW, 15% should suffice; 45% is robbery and this will come back on them. Shame on y’all involved with this decision to pillage the artist! db

By: Vinny Bond Marini

Vinny Bond Marini — Thu, 31 May 2012 23:08:40 +0000

Link for Monday’s show is http://goo.gl/LL25j

By: George

George — Thu, 31 May 2012 22:10:48 +0000

I think that this needs to go viral. C’mon folks, we all whine and moan about the state of live music nowadays…. bands don’t get paid as they should, NOW THIS ASSCLOWN IS GOING TO RIP OFF THE ARTISTS FOR THE TUNE OF 45%?!!!!!!! This is the only way we make any money nowadays. THIEVES!

By: Vinny Bond Marini

Vinny Bond Marini — Thu, 31 May 2012 22:07:49 +0000

Written to the CEO of Chicago Jazz Magazine:
Mr Jeffers:

Myself and many others are outraged at your charging a 45% commission to sell artist merchandise at the Chicago Blues Festival.

If you are not aware (though I bet you are), this has been a subject of much conversation on Facebook and Twitter today.

I host a weekly music show on BlogTalk Radio, Music On The Couch, which airs Monday evenings at 9pm central and then becomes a podcast forever and I am extending an invitation to you to call in this Monday at 9pm to discuss this situation.

Please send me an email at the address above, or I welcome you to call my cell at xxx.xxx.xxxx and I will give you the information you would need to call in on the show.

No one denies you the right to take a small percentage to man the booths and sell the good, but 45%! PLUS the artists have to ship the material and pay for the return of unsold material?

This is not a good situation.

Let’s discuss it on Monday if you care.

Sincerely,
Vinny Bond Marini

By: Lucky D

Lucky D — Thu, 31 May 2012 20:22:09 +0000

Thanx for the info Chefjimi. Knowledge is power, and it seems likely there will be a revision of this if we all push I that direction.
Peace,
Danny