ReadJunk.com - Blogs - What should I do for my 30th birthday? Put on a show?

Posted on May 1st 2008 by Bryan

My 30th birthday is on July 19th and I don’t know what I should do to celebrate it. I don’t want to do the same old boring thing where I go to work, go out to lunch/dinner and that’s about it. Since my birthday is on a Saturday, I want to do something that’s fun and something I don’t normally do. I could have another party with karaoke but I always do karaoke and I’m getting sick of it. Nothing like trying to sing a song and having your asshole twin brother shout out “YOU SUCK!” Maybe take a weekend trip to somewhere like Montreal or Toronto? I could go to a show again (Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish) like I did last year but I don’t know if anyone is playing.

For the longest time, I always wanted to put on a show with the bands I wanted to see. I either wanted to have it be a ReadJunk.com Presents type of show, or a show for my 30th birthday, or combine the two. Only question is where do I have this so called show? What bands would play for just beer, hotel room and gas money? And how much would this even cost? I don’t really care about the money per say, if I could have it at Maxwells or The Loft or something; I’d do it and just attach my name to it.

I wish I lived in a house because I’d have it there but since I’m living in apartment, that’s not gonna happen. I could find out how much it is to rent out a town hall or something like that. I know people that work a soundboard so that might not be an issue. Or worst case scenario, have the bands play unplugged haha. I always had a pipe dream of having a few members of the Levellers flying over and play a private party or a small show in the area. I think if I was to do a show, I’d have it be an open show for all, as long as they pay. At least then I’d be able to pay either the club or band SOME money. I could always find sponsors for the show and get money that way?

I’m just trying to think of what bands would even do this? What GOOD band would play for free or for little money and just have a good time with it? I don’t want some local crappy band to play because even I wouldn’t want to see the show then. I used to know a lot more smallers bands back in the day that would probably do this, but most of them are broken up. Bands I’d love to have at my birthday party show would be Mark Chadwick or Simon Friend of the Levellers, the Pilfers, The Mahones, Less Than Jake, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Mustard Plug, Pietasters, Aggrolites, The Queers, and Young Dubliners. Obviously most of the bands are too big and I don’t even think I’d get a response back. It might be cool to have a comedian play too like Todd Barry or David Cross, but then again; pipe dream. At least with a comedian, all you really need is money, beer and a microphone. Websites like Musicsnobbery.com can put on shows at Maxwells and get a last minute guest like Moby play, why can’t I get one of those bands mentioned above? I really don’t know what a show would cost and how much effort goes into it so this is all probably a pipe dream of mine. It would be cool though…Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on what I should do?

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Comments:

Posted on: May 4th 2008. Posted by: creatureofwar

Buck O Nine! haha

Posted on: May 2nd 2008. Posted by: Snoopy

B - you should go on a trip of a lifetime (or just go to Vegas!).

Posted on: May 2nd 2008. Posted by: XXXSkaPunk

eh, been to vegas 3 times. dont really have the money to spend on a vacation but if tom waits isnt touring ny, i will be travelling to see him then.

Posted on: May 1st 2008. Posted by: the people downstairs

That would be fun but to be honest all the bands you mentioned would never play for little or no money. For that you would have to recruit your local high school or college bands or the bands that just want to play a show for the hell of it. And all the bands you would like to put together a show with play for money simply because it's their full time job. Anyway it never hurts to post a general message on myspace through readjunk or something and see who bites. The thing is maybe just a random band that no one has ever heard of would be cool. A show is a show right?

Posted on: May 1st 2008. Posted by: XXXSkaPunk

Yeah I know, it's just my pipe dream job though. I'm sure at least one ska band would want to play it for the fun of it and if i had it open to the public, they'd be more into it. I could do what musicsnobbery did and post a video and see who responds. you would think with all the music contacts i have, one of these bands would do it for the fun of it.