After the reality check

LesPaul30 · Post by **LesPaul30** » May 18, 2005 1:24 pm

I know- but if we're shooting for this, might as well shoot for the moon.

Tiki Bar · Post by **Tiki Bar** » May 18, 2005 1:34 pm

Midnight Flyer wrote:
chu wrote:I think, first of all, that someone needs to take the reins here. We've got quite a few people with loads of great ideas, but somebody...or a few somebodies....need to jump in feet first and take control.
This is first and foremost the next step. Somebody, one person, needs to take firm hold of the reins. We are like the Key Stone Cops here. Everybody's excited and running around in circles banging into each other and not moving forward.

Interesting analogy

but I agree!

OceanCityGirl · Post by **OceanCityGirl** » May 18, 2005 1:38 pm

At the very least, if we don't come through we've lost $500,000. At the worst, we are in breach of contract and can be sued for the balance ($500,000), attorney's fees and damages (which could total a LOT!). The balance to the band is due thirty days out from the performance date

The other reason to have at least 75% of not only the booking but the whole project at the time of signing is that we will be handing over $500,000. Even if we didn't end up liable for the balance that amount of money would need to be refunded to ticket purchasers if the concert didn't happen. What you don't want is to end up paying all the money out for the concert, be unable to let it happen and get sued by 5,000 folks who bought tix for their money back or by a venue whom we have a contract with. Remember, Buffett and his organization won't want to be associated with a well publicized failure for which they have to put out press releases explaining they had nothing to do with it. Even though it's tough I think we will need to have the money in our hand in order to proceed. So what we need to ask is can we get 3000 fans to purchase tix in advance without knowing for sure that the concert will happen? Is there a way to nail down a date and location 6months before we have the deposit?

I've done alot of proposal writing and have done some event planning. If you need some help getting this part of it together I can help. Obviously you have experience on a larger scale then I do. So the help I could give is more along the lines of another brain to brainstorm out things. I'm able to look at things from an analytical side and consider possible needs. Also very good at research. So feel free to get in touch if you need. I won't be available on Sat. til 8:00 though.
I really think we will have to sacrifice a few dreams to make some others come true. Unlikely that we could choose a set list. However, we might be able to put forth a list of favorites, esp. by combing recent set lists so that you could see some things that have been rehearsed recently. I suspect that the venue will need to be in the 5-6,000 range to be viable $$$. If tix costs go over $300. you will lose alot of the every day fan base. For ex. at $400. I might go, maybe even the hubby. But at $200. hubby, I and my teenage kids would be there. This is still smaller then we usually get. If we choose the right venue it can still have a nice intimate feel to it. We will also be able to control ticket sales to some extent to eliminate scalping. And I think the location really will need to be east coast, not only for fan base but for JB's ease. Remember the time we pick might not be in the middle of a tour therefore we will be transporting him, the band and the equipt. to the concert site. Although it's a bit of a drive for me I feel SC is a good choice if a venue can be found.

Capttony · Post by **Capttony** » May 18, 2005 1:40 pm

i think its possible, but i do agree before you get into the logistics of everything we need to find out if in fact it is something jimmy is willing to do....but if its doable, im willing to spend a few bucks to make this happen. Hell i'll throw more money in if we get to decide the set list

Midnight Flyer · Post by **Midnight Flyer** » May 18, 2005 1:44 pm

OceanCityGirl wrote:
At the very least, if we don't come through we've lost $500,000. At the worst, we are in breach of contract and can be sued for the balance ($500,000), attorney's fees and damages (which could total a LOT!). The balance to the band is due thirty days out from the performance date
The other reason to have at least 75% of not only the booking but the whole project at the time of signing is that we will be handing over $500,000. Even if we didn't end up liable for the balance that amount of money would need to be refunded to ticket purchasers if the concert didn't happen. What you don't want is to end up paying all the money out for the concert, be unable to let it happen and get sued by 5,000 folks who bought tix for their money back or by a venue whom we have a contract with. Remember, Buffett and his organization won't want to be associated with a well publicized failure for which they have to put out press releases explaining they had nothing to do with it. Even though it's tough I think we will need to have the money in our hand in order to proceed. So what we need to ask is can we get 3000 fans to purchase tix in advance without knowing for sure that the concert will happen? Is there a way to nail down a date and location 6months before we have the deposit?

I've done alot of proposal writing and have done some event planning. If you need some help getting this part of it together I can help. Obviously you have experience on a larger scale then I do. So the help I could give is more along the lines of another brain to brainstorm out things. I'm able to look at things from an analytical side and consider possible needs. Also very good at research. So feel free to get in touch if you need. I won't be available on Sat. til 8:00 though.
I really think we will have to sacrifice a few dreams to make some others come true. Unlikely that we could choose a set list. However, we might be able to put forth a list of favorites, esp. by combing recent set lists so that you could see some things that have been rehearsed recently. I suspect that the venue will need to be in the 5-6,000 range to be viable $$$. If tix costs go over $300. you will lose alot of the every day fan base. For ex. at $400. I might go, maybe even the hubby. But at $200. hubby, I and my teenage kids would be there. This is still smaller then we usually get. If we choose the right venue it can still have a nice intimate feel to it. We will also be able to control ticket sales to some extent to eliminate scalping. And I think the location really will need to be east coast, not only for fan base but for JB's ease. Remember the time we pick might not be in the middle of a tour therefore we will be transporting him, the band and the equipt. to the concert site. Although it's a bit of a drive for me I feel SC is a good choice if a venue can be found.

You bring up good additional points. We are responsible for transporting the band and the equipment (whether it's across the country or across town) in addition to hotel, meals, etc., etc. That is in the additional 500K estimate above hiring the band.

OceanCityGirl · Post by **OceanCityGirl** » May 18, 2005 1:48 pm

You bring up good additional points. We are responsible for transporting the band and the equipment (whether it's across the country or across town) in addition to hotel, meals, etc., etc. That is in the additional 500K estimate above hiring the band

Yes but I figure transporting to Cali is going to be twice as expensive as some place in the south east.

Brown Eyed Girl · Post by **Brown Eyed Girl** » May 18, 2005 1:49 pm

Midnight Flyer wrote:Where is BEG to save me from myself???

Dear MF,
Just say NO.

Hugs,
BEG

Or do I need to come over there and take your keyboard away?

balcony girls · Post by **balcony girls** » May 18, 2005 1:55 pm

I really do not think we need to worry about about a set list . . in a private , unsponsored setting . .Jimmy does not disappoint. . he has an enormous memory bank of songs. . .and the ones he would rather perform are not on SYKBH . .

anyone that has heard or seen him perform without the Corona banners waving behind his head, knows he would rather sing from his personal " S Jimmy KBH . .and enjoys inter-acting with the crowd most of all . .

the East Hampton 2001 CD is an excellent preview of what I feel we would get from him . .

any time Jimmy says " I love to do this song . . " . .I know it's going to prove an instant favorite for me, as well . .

doxadive · Post by **doxadive** » May 18, 2005 1:59 pm

would it be cheaper if we all chipped in and bought a cheeseburger in paradise franchise? get JB to show up on opening night and in the long run we could all make money!

Quiet and Shy · Post by **Quiet and Shy** » May 18, 2005 1:59 pm

Great stuff, folks! The enthusiasm is impressive and amazing.

As far as trying to get a rope around this thing, our friend UpstateNYPH is trying to consolidate all of the thoughts, ideas, concerns, details, etc. into one summary (that I'll do a double-check on) before it's posted. I think there are now at least 6 of 7 separate threads with stuff on this that we'll try to capture.

Once we have that summary, we'll have to put together the next steps that will enable us to get a working committee(s) for producing a business plan, etc.

photogal · Post by **photogal** » May 18, 2005 2:09 pm

doxadive wrote:would it be cheaper if we all chipped in and bought a cheeseburger in paradise franchise? get JB to show up on opening night and in the long run we could all make money!

LOL.....this is true!!!! Very funny!!!!
I think you need BIG $$$ to do this and we don't have any really so just do what I do and go to MOTM every year and hope he shows up. It worked for me!!!!!!

MikeInNOLA · Post by **MikeInNOLA** » May 18, 2005 2:09 pm

doxadive wrote:would it be cheaper if we all chipped in and bought a cheeseburger in paradise franchise? get JB to show up on opening night and in the long run we could all make money!

LOL...I love this idea!

It is great to see so much thought and enthusiasm on this thread! Seems the quickest way to get alot of answers to alot of questions would be through someone in Jimmy's organization. Anybody know somebody, who knows somebody, who...

FFishstick · Post by **FFishstick** » May 18, 2005 2:12 pm

OceanCityGirl wrote:If you are not willing to pay more then $100. for a ticket do you care how large the venue is? That's a choice people will have to make too. Where to draw the line between ticket price and venue size.

I think we should be cautious about turning this into a battle between the "haves, and the have nots" The origin of this discussion (first 5 or 6 posts) was to create an opportunity that sidestepped brokers, corporate sponsors, and scalpers in the hopes that we could have a Buffett Concert for the phans by the phans. A concert that we all could afford to attend. An opportunity based on luck of the draw to get front row seats or the fringes of the lawn. Either way, knowing that it was fair and affordable for all involved, I could live with lawn if that is what luck deals me. I think that the fact that poor working college students, grand parents, keets, and middle aged farts like myself, can all gather for one common purpose is what makes going to a Buffett Concert such a great thing. I am realistic that there is a huge money issue on pulling this thing off, but I do believe if we keep a clear focus on what is important, that we can do this, and do it for less than we are currently paying for tickets.

Brown Eyed Girl · Post by **Brown Eyed Girl** » May 18, 2005 2:12 pm

Quiet and Shy wrote:Great stuff, folks! The enthusiasm is impressive and amazing.

As far as trying to get a rope around this thing, our friend UpstateNYPH is trying to consolidate all of the thoughts, ideas, concerns, details, etc. into one summary (that I'll do a double-check on) before it's posted. I think there are now at least 6 of 7 separate threads with stuff on this that we'll try to capture. Once we have that summary, we'll have to put together the next steps that will enable us to get a working committee(s) for producing a business plan, etc.

Thanks Q&S. My next post was going to be a suggestion to not keep posting different threads on the topic. I know there are people don't want to read a bazillion pages, but ya know what? We've all had to do it to get this far. And once you've read it, you can just continue on from the place you left off. Obviously that would be easier if we had a direct jump to page __ button, but we don't so we just have to bear with it. All these threads are exactly what is causing the Keystone Kops problem that MF mentioned. Let's not let our enthusiasm be our downfall.

photogal · Post by **photogal** » May 18, 2005 2:15 pm

point is you need big $$ up front or a corporate sponsor. Really does anybody know Alex Leist who does Meeting of the Minds? I bet he could give you some good thoughts here!!

Brown Eyed Girl · Post by **Brown Eyed Girl** » May 18, 2005 2:17 pm

balcony girls wrote:Ianyone that has heard or seen him perform without the Corona banners waving behind his head, knows he would rather sing from his personal " S Jimmy KBH . . .

Or maybe S Jimmy KBH (until he has a senior moment and forgets the words)

It's nice to know Jimmy's suffers from CRS just like the rest of us.

And I think you're right, BG. I haven't heard that show (guess I need to track it down), but I don't think we have to worry about the setlist. That should be the least of our concerns.

Tiki Bar · Post by **Tiki Bar** » May 18, 2005 2:23 pm

Brown Eyed Girl wrote:My next post was going to be a suggestion to not keep posting different threads on the topic.

But all the offspring, I think, are specific to different aspects, and needed...

Who would go?
Who will help?
What (Condensed?)
Where?
How much $ ?

When is undetermined, and why has already been discussed!

Brown Eyed Girl · Post by **Brown Eyed Girl** » May 18, 2005 2:28 pm

Tiki Bar wrote:
Brown Eyed Girl wrote:My next post was going to be a suggestion to not keep posting different threads on the topic.
But all the offspring, I think, are specific to different aspects, and needed...

Who would go?
Who will help?
What (Condensed?)
Where?
How much $ ?

When is undetermined, and why has already been discussed!

But we have more than that going on already. If the thread is for a specific topic relating to the event and stays on that topic, great. But even this thread that we are posting in now is an offshoot of the original one and very well could have just been posted there. I'm just trying to keep people from posting separate opinion threads for whatever reason rather than just posting on the existing ones.

It is simply a suggestion, I guess folks will just do what they want.

OceanCityGirl · Post by **OceanCityGirl** » May 18, 2005 2:33 pm

But we have more than that going on already. If the thread is for a specific topic relating to the event and stays on that topic, great. But even this thread that we are posting in now is an offshoot of the original one and very well could have just been posted there. I'm just trying to keep people from posting separate opinion threads for whatever reason rather than just posting on the existing ones.

It is simply a suggestion, I guess folks will just do what they want.

You are right. Sorry to have contributed to the phray. Perhaps the threads could be condensed into one sticky.
And MidFly - please don't jump in to something you really don't want to do. You can see the scope of this project and you know it's only going to snowball. I don't know you well enough to know if you are doing this when you really know you shouldn't. Either somebody who is able will do it or they won't. Not the end of the world either way.

HsvParrothead · Post by **HsvParrothead** » May 18, 2005 2:39 pm

Ummm.... I have NOT read through all this... so forgive if this has already been asked....But...

What was the original intent of this project? Was it to raise money...or was it just to have a "private" show... cause at these numbers... it's ANYTHING but "Private" or do you simply want it known that BN brought you this show... really, at this stage...talking venues of 10,000 people... whats the point???

Second: Was Jimmy alone ever tossed out as an idea... the initial figures passed along from his booking company is showin 1/2 a million to cover the "band"... transport, lodging, salaries, etc.
What about just Jimmy and a guitar with a couple mic's, amps, and a soundboard with tech?!?!?!? ...
I kinda thought the original idea was to schedule more of something like you might be lucky enough to encounter at LuLu's or a M'ville on a given night when he just happened to stop in and play

Finally: Your talking "non-profits" and "corporations".... First... I do not believe you could meet any of the IRS criteria for establishing a non-profit... we're not a religous group, we're not here for an educational purpose... and unless your looking to perform a function annually or on an ongoing basis throughout the year to raise funds for selected charities or form your own charity open to sponsorships... I dont believe they will let you slide in as a charitable organization as well...

And if you are looking to form an actual corporation...

Your asking for it on a tax liability standpoint... OMG... that's just more of a headache than anyone wants to deal with... even if it's a simple LLC or S-Corp. ... more trouble than it's worth for the purpose of entertainment...
NOT TO MENTION the cost involved in forming a Corporation... attorneys fees, filing fees, local business license, state licenses, which brings up... which state would you form the corporation in... each state provides it's own benefits which vary from state to state...
Nonetheless... you almost have to have a full time (compensated) staff in order to approach this from that angle....

Anyhooo.. if any of this has been addressed or asked already... I apologize... I'm too lazy to read through the last 30 post that all equal or exceed mine in length