Re: [Harp-L] Spah TV Coverage

[icemanle@xxxxxxx]

To address two of the points:
 
1. Yes, it is very possible and easy to direct the media coverage. We did it for SPAH back in '97 or '98 (can't remember which year). Local TV did about a 5 minute spot that SPAH actually included at the beginning of some of the videos we sold of the convention that year. Media has to ask permission before they film. At that point, they can be directed as long as there is a solid plan and concept in place. We had a few of the more quality players alerted and on call in the morning when the crew arrived. Very nice tv spot that aired quite a few times that week, too. No vaudeville here, just quality music.
 
2. Not aware of any denigrating of the performance of the folks with silly hats. Just a comment that this type of visual coverage of a harmonica convention doesn't help promote and advance public awareness of the evolution of the instrument. 
 
Al and Judy are good performers, but they do a lot of what is known as "shtick" or vaudeville style entertainment in their shows. It is silly and made to entertain. This was the way it was in the 20's, 30's, before motion pictures took over, before tv's were in every house, etc. It is valid stuff, but dated. Kinda like listening to drum machines and that hi-hat disco beat for songs that were current and popular in the 80's but sound a little dated (and dare I say 'silly') to our 12st Century ears.
 
So, by directing the media to cover Robert B. playing a classical Bach solo piece, a George or Chris playing a bossa nova snippet, someone like Sunny Girl playing and singing would go a long way towards the positive exposure of harmonica.
 
And to those that feel that Al and Robert are insulted, why not ask them to comment rather than speaking for them? They are adults and it may open up another interesting dialogue with the principal players.
 
The Iceman
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: ltlbuddha@xxxxxxxxx


 
This may not be possible, but has anyone involved thought of directing the 
media coverage? If that is not possible, you may be able to put together 
footage and offer this to any interested media outlets. Any coverage is 
better than no coverage, but the station obviously did not send their best 
crew to film. Nor did they seem to go to great effort. Some professional 
video would go a long way to improving the public impression. This is your 
window to the outside world, perhaps more preparation should be directed 
towards this area. 
I apologize if these are not new thoughts or are not practical. 
 
And I must take exception to those denigrating the performance of the folks 
with the silly hats and large harmonicas. 
Number one: Their style is as valid as ANY other. No, it is not my 
preference, but then neither are several other styles propounded by list 
members. 
Number two: If you think those children would have been less bored by blues, 
jazz or classical, you have not spent time around the average child. L.D. 
Miller might have caught their attention, but ONLY because he is young. 
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