Homegrown Hate
This is where I will take my frustration out against the Duluth Homegrown Festival Committee. It seems that my musical endeavors are not ready to be displayed amongst the Duluth scene.
Now I’m not trying to sound pompous, but there are plenty of musical acts in Duluth, that probably shouldn’t have been accepted. Mark Gartman for one is a talented musician, but I’m sure that at least one of his 9 bands could have been taken off the roster. Not saying that I would have been a good replacement, but COME ON!
Isn’t this festival about showcasing new music in the Duluth scene? I have never played a show in Duluth (and maybe that was what hurt me) but now would have been the time.
This city has great potential for new artists, but none of the venues want to lay their money on the table for a chance. I’m sorry I didn’t enlist a washboard player into my music. Really, I am, because if I had, you might have been able to see me play at Luce or the Red Star.
Shoot, I would have been somewhat pleased if they had stuck me in Soup Town. But nope, I’m not even worth that to them.
Anyways, I’m done (for now) with committee hate. Maybe next year I’ll have more rage when they once again reject me from their Homegrown Happen’n List.
-D A N E C D O T E
Marc Gartman is in two bands playing Homegrown this year, not nine — although we all appreciate hyperbolic remarks about Gartman’s prolificness.
Over 230 bands registered to play. About 80 had to be cut. Facts of life.
Disclosure: I’m Homegrown’s steering committee chair. You can hate me with all your might, but you should probably leave Gartman, Superior and washboards out of it.
Homegrown Hate sounds like a punk band.
Guess you got to make your bones
we can start being hyperbolic about Gartman again? Kewl! BTW — It aint Homegrown unless you’re mad about something Paul did or didn’t do. Frankly, I’m pissed about Lundgren’s lack of doing anything about keeping Ketola’s breakfast joint open back in the late 90’s cuz that place was the shit. *fist in the air looking up* LLUUUNDDGRRREEENNN!
i’m fairly certain that Paul Lundgren is the reason I had to wait 18 years to kiss a girl and 20 before I lost my virginity.
Has a band ever actually debuted at Homegrown before?
I’m not talking about when a band gets a new bass player and then changes its name. I mean has there ever been a band made up of people who’ve never before played in Duluth, whose first performance in front of people was at Homegrown?
Paul Lundgren used to give me nightmares when I lived next door to him. He traumatized my teen-hood.
Just kidding. But he does ruin everything.
There have been quite a few bands that are made especially for Homegrown, so, yes. I have seen at least three or four bands that I know have “debuted” at Homegrown. At least one or two of those bands have disappeared immediately afterward.
There were a few bands of which I am familiar that did not make it into Homegrown this year. While that is disappointing, to be sure, the fact that they had to cut 80 bands could not have made it at all easy for the Steering Committee.
Best bet: start establishing yourselves and re-enter again next year. Don’t let this spoil your Homegrown experience.
Oldknifey, I know of some of those bands you are talking about, and the ones I know are created out of musicians from other well-established Duluth bands. I’m talking about a band made of musicians who have never played in Duluth before at all. Has that ever happened?
Washboards at the Red Star? Fancy cocktail aprons–yeah, those I’ve seen–but washboards?
I really appreciate everyones efforts and I’d still like to play at some venue at some point. Hey, I got a year left here and I’m gonna make it a good one.
And don’t get me wrong I will be enjoying as much of Homegrown as I can. 😉
Here’s a piece of what you might have missed:
I don’t mean to take a stab at Mark (or washboards). I’m just frustrated with the lack of commitment dedicated to a new music scene. Something different at least. I’m not trying to be the next TBT, but a little variety in Duluth never killed anybody. I’d love to stick around for next years event and “help-out”, but Duluth, in my eyes, is at least 3-5 years musically behind other larger metropolotian cities and my opportunities are expanding.
Point is, I’ll leave it to the next Hometown Hero…
Danimal/Danecdote, you will have to show me another city that has a festival with 150 local bands before I do anything but laugh at your suggestion that Duluth is “musically behind other larger metropolitan cities.”
Bring us a cd – maybe you can play here
Dan, Carla is one of the owners of Chester Creek Cafe.
Carla, you can hear Dan’s music on the Danecdote MySpace page.
It’s good music. The committee wanted to put Danecdote in the festival, but like I wrote earlier, we had to cut about 80 bands.
Dan, don’t feel too bad, Wilco, an honorary Duluth band, did not make the cut.
Paul, Austin, Tx has a couple of nice parties each year with local, national and international bands. SXSW and Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Right, Swan. But like you said, those festivals are not exclusively local bands. Also, the price of a ticket runs into the hundreds of dollars.
There’s nothing like Homegrown that I’ve ever heard of.
I’ve been to SXSW and it sucks. It’s not about the music or people who love music (which IS what Homegrown is about). Rather, it’s about how much money corporations can make off of the talent of musicians. It doesn’t hold a candle to Homegrown. Duluth has an amazing “scene’ relative to its population.
“Isn’t this festival about showcasing new music in the Duluth scene?”
No, it’s not a new music festival. It’s a local music festival, and I’m guessing it would have helped your chances if you had actually played in Duluth before. I don’t envy the committee — deciding which bands to cut is a tough job, and someone’s always going to be pissed. Glad to hear your opportunities are expanding, good luck!
Dan wrote that he has “never played a show in Duluth,” but I think he meant that he hasn’t had a gig in town as Danecdote.
He has played in town before. He was in Gleam, which played Homegrown two years ago.
Just clarifying.
Yeah I think not playing a show in Duluth at all and trying to get on Homegrown isn’t the easiest thing in the world. I dig your sound so getting some groups together and setting up a show would be a good start. Make some calls.
And trust me, from knowing most of the committee members, they have the hardest job in Duluth as far as I’m concer … wait a sec!? I’m playing 9pm at the Twins Bar!??
LUUUUUUUUNNNDDDGGGGREENNNNN!!!!!
-LVP kickball 2009
i guess i just don’t understand why you would be pissed that you’re not playing homegrown when your musical horizons are so bright?
and as far as duluth being 3-5 years behind other music scenes, what does that mean? if you mean because it is saturated with bands who have washboards, banjos and moonshine stills, i believe that makes it about 150 years behind the times.
i will defend duluth’s music community to the end, even though i am not interested in the vast majority of my peer’s work.
kind of a douchey move to crack on this hardworking group of people. if you truly feel disgruntled about being in duluth and having no opportunities musically, you could always leave. if you think you have a better chance of breaking into another ‘scene’, lots of luck to you. however, you may want to avoid alienating the group of people you are trying to appeal to.
Homegrown Sunday New Band Night is for showcasing new music.
If you are frustrated with the lack of commitment dedicated to a new music scene, do something about it. Or were you expecting someone else to do the work?
you ain’t nobody unless you’ve played dick’s basement.
I played in Dick’s basement when Jay handed me his bass towards the drunk-end of a Manheat show. I played through the end of a noisy song and Brandon turned around and realized that Jay and Brennan were no longer playing and Chris Kelly and I had taken their places. Does that make me somebody?
I don’t understand why someone who has never played a single show with his current project would be whining about not getting chosen over bands that are out there on a regular basis standing on stages, hauling amplifiers, and getting paid peanuts for it. What’s with the sense of entitlement? Most of the musicians in this town started out playing any gig they could get, from VFW halls to basements to barns. You expect to waltz out of your bedroom and take the world by storm, and when that doesn’t happen, it’s somebody else’s fault? Really?
Go play shows for a year, make people aware of your music, and then try again next time.
Mohammed, the mountain ain’t comin’ to you, pal.
Moorhead, Bemidji, St. Cloud, Rochester, as far as I know none of them are even close to Duluth. I would go so far as to say they couldn’t come up with 80 bands not even close to the 150 that are on, and that doesn’t even include all the old timers that didn’t apply. As far as I can see only thing missing is a good blues band. Let’s put those 80 bands on the street from Fitger’s to Quinlan’s and rock this town.
Frank makes a very good point. Musicians that aren’t officially playing the festival and don’t require electricity can play on the street or on the trolley. I think my group (Lake Superior Cacophonic Choir) is going to do a men’s room show somewhere. We’re kind of excited about not knowing where we’ll perform. We might sing all eight days of the festival.
Last year Retribution Gospel Choir played a living room show at about 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
Not everything has to be super planned out, approved by a committee and organized into a booklet.
Paul, do you guys have a full chorus, or are your accepting new members?
i can’t carry a tune and i’m tone deaf to boot…
I’m also kind of pissed that Paul didn’t put me on the homegrown line-up. I know, I know, I didn’t apply, I’m not in a band, and I haven’t lived in Duluth for 4 years, but still. Paul this goddamn elitism has got to stop, either let everybody play or shut the whole thing down. The is no happy medium. Oh yeah, and get a new goddamn avatar picture too, it’s spring for god’s sake. Whew, I feel better.
cliff dwelling elists, they won’t even let me show my movie
When I started Homegrown it was definitely modeled after SXSW. I had been to that festival a couple years in a row and was taken by the sheer energy of the whole thing. My greatest memory though is watching Mary Lou Lord play an impromptu show on a corner in downtown Austin. I happened on her show as she was starting to play and within minutes there were about 100 people gathered around. Then as quickly as it started it was over. So find yourself an outlet or a car battery and play just as TBT is finishing. That might be a nice crowd.
I’ll second (or third or fourth or whatever) the idea of playing on the street. It’s especially fun when people play on the trolley as it lends to the general feeling of festive chaos.
Cougs said douchey … Now, can we get back to being pissed at Gartman. Heaping all the hate on Lundgren is old hat. It’s Gartman who is taking all the gigs, and the girls for that matter. If he wasn’t so talented, tenacious and totally hot I wouldn’t understand why he’s everywhere. We should change the name of the fest to “The Duluth Mark Gartman Festival.” Damn him, I’m going to all his shows.
Any publicity is good publicity. . .
Marc. With a c.
Unrelated to Homegrown; there is a lack of Twin Cities bands that play in Duluth. The few I’ve seen have bleak attendance unless backed by local favorites and then the crowd comes for the local band and leaves… A touring Twin City band should be welcomed… Pretty much any big favorite band in the Twin Cities has never played here. Yes, Duluth has a very close, stuck-up scene…
P.O.S. and Atmosphere … DUH
One more bitch, the Twin Cities have treated Duluth bands well.
That’s fine, blame Paul Lundgren.
Just look at that little photo of him. That’s someone I’d trust to ride a snowmobile to Paw’s house and pick up a deer hock, not much else.
Rex – seriously don’t make me type up a list of the Twin Cities bands that I’ve either brought to Duluth, played with, or done sound for. Actually, doing sound at The Rex in Fitger’s for 8 months I saw more Minneapolis/out-of-town bands there then I did local. They got paid well too and had a crowd 90% of the time. I get e-mails from bands wanting to play in Duluth a lot and try as hard as I can to get them a show.
And as for being treated well playing the cities: most shows I’ve played there’s either no one there, or the crowds leave after the local bands as well. It’s next to impossible to get a weekend gig, and on average of all the shows I’ve played in the cities, we received $20 or nothing.
Who the hell is Paul, never met the guy…
Who got invited to the RSC show in the Living Room? Only the Good Ol’ Boys got invited. I completely agree with the person who posted this. I didn’t get an invite, so yes there is elitist attitudes with Homegrown. As I said countless time there are two Homegrown festivals. One for the cool people, and one for the rest of us.
Suck it Paul Lundgren and your censorship.
No one on Homegrown’s steering committee had anything to do with Retribution Gospel Choir playing a living room show. It was a fucking living room show.
Our elitist attitude will have to take a backseat to your self-victimization, Dickhole.
Sheesh.
Now look, I really expect to be invited to sing harmony the next time anyone on the Homegrown committee decides to sing in the shower, I mean c’mon, how can you deny me my big break ya bunch of elitist community do-gooders? And by the way, my cousin from Austin plays a mean shower washboard, so you outta invite her, too.
Then if the Homegrown Committee knew about the show, why didn’t they let the rest of the people know?
Is there any secret shows this year? Or do we need a Membership Card to know about them.
I’m card carrying member of the Duluth Society of Cliff Dwellers now, so where’s the secret meeting?
I lived in Austin TX in the late 80s-early 90s and the people who hated SXSW held their own festival as an alternative.
Dickhole, I actually didn’t know about that show myself until someone told me about it while I was at one of the regular Homegrown shows.
The Homegrown steering committee didn’t tell you or anyone else about it because it wasn’t a Homegrown show. Half the committee didn’t even know it was going to happen. It was a show at someone’s house.
All I can really say is work your butt off and promote yourself, make friends (not enemies, like dickhole is doing, it will get you nowhere). Take any gig you can find, even if it only pays $25 and is a 5 hour round trip on a work/school night.
It was a BBQ at someone’s house. You just added not being invited to a backyard BBQ to your list of complaints??
There are a few tentative secret shows I’ve heard suggested for this year, but nothing definite. That’s probably because they’re secret. More importantly, they would be at private places where the hosts are less inclined to invite the entire city of Duluth. Their party, their rules. This is similar to complaining about not being invited to an afterbar or a potluck.
And you do need a membership card to attend secret shows: It’s called keeping your ears open and being nice. Offering to bring booze or snacks goes a long way, too. Complaining, notsomuch.
Looks like somebody got picked last in gym class and never got over it.
Okay, people, from now on we number off instead of picking who gets invited to private parties, so no one’s feelings get hurt. Also, only non-competitive games are to be played at backyard barbecues, so we can all be assured that everyone wins. Now remember to use your words, kids, and also…NO BOASTING!
Now grab your antibacterial gel, go put on your helmet and protective fun-pads, and have a good time!
I am pretty sure dickhole is the same fucka who’s been trolling around after me over on the DNT blogs — only he calls himself “Jesse James” there. what a fricking loser.
“I didn’t get an invite, so yes there is elitist attitudes with Homegrown.”
I couldn’t think this statement was funnier if you covered it in sad-clown tears.
I read every single one of these comments.
I can think of one really good way not to play next year either and you are doing a great job of that.
The Duluth Society of Cliff Dwellers regularly meets at the Kozy, as far as I know.
BTW, as a Card Carrying member of Duluth’s elite crew of musicians and scenesters, I demand to know about every secret show. Adam, I put you in charge of this.
Also, it would be awesome if this year’s Homegrown t-shirts can somehow include the quote, “Suck it Paul Lundgren and your censorship.”
I’m not in charge of anything, and you’re going to have to make your own t-shirts.
booya!
Say whar you will. Duluth music = elite,
Wow. It’s the popular kids against the nerds all over again.
I thought it was a pain in the ass to be in a band in the cities…
Popular kids vs. nerds? People got cut, there are 79 more bands feeling the exact same thing… Instead of whining online, buck up, market yourself, throw basement shows, make a demo, network with other musicians, take a deep breath from time to time, have fun, and don’t take yourself too seriously.
Mike Wilson rocks at DIY. I always get picked first because I rock at sports!
Idea: Take the selection committee out of it. Instead, have every potential act go down to City Hall and apply for a building permit. First 100 acts to successfully obtain a permit get to play.
Another idea: A new fest called “Two Many Gartbands,” Eight days of nonstop music featuring only bands that include the prolific Mr. Gartman. Between bands, Marc can entertain the crowd with solo sets. According to this post’s original poster, that should free up about 9 more spots for other acts at HG.
Seriously, those pointing fingers and calling others elitist, etc., consider this: Maybe you’re just not that good? Maybe you’re taking yourself too seriously? Maybe you’re taking Homegrown too seriously? Maybe you should shut up and practice? I dunno, just thinking out loud here.
And now if that elitist bastard Lundgren would just censor himself…. (And hells yes, get me one of those t-shirts.)
I heard Bob Dylan is playing a show atop the Armory on Saturday of Homegrown… Shhh..
I’ve often wondered why there aren’t more basement/living room/underground shows in Duluth. Where’s the hustle?
I love the fact that my “elitist” has been such a trigger point. I don’t play in a band and never called anyone a bastard. I have no issue with how Homegrown is run; I think Duluth is too inbred… Let’s start a new “inbred” attack.
Q:Tony, why did you leave the cities?
A:You’re a rock star here?
Outstanding! Sign me up for one of the T’s and send one to Laurie & Julia in MSP. They’ll plug Homegrown on their radio show; Living Life Out Loud on FM107.1 Laurie is a local gal who loves the music/party scene. Maybe a basement bash at her mom’s will show up on the super secret special events roster?!
Whats all the bitchin about? You all are killin my buzzz! I know for a fact that this is not an elitist event because they have allowed me to play for the last 8 years! I’m not in with the in crowd, never have been. Spent a lifetime on the outside lookin in. As the great Yogi Berra said, “don’t follow the crowd, no one goes there any more. It’s too crowded.” So you all don’t like the party someone is pitchin then pitch your own party. It’s like masturbating, that way you can have it anyway you want it. PS: my name is not an obscene texting abbreviation, it is my initials.
PSS: Any washboard players want to sit in with me you’re always welcome. Had one two years ago and the people loved it.
Really? People are still pissy over not being picked to play during Homegrown?
All I can say is that the more experience that you have, you’ll have a better chance of being picked.
And if it makes you feel better, I was invited to the RGC show, but didn’t go.
Not to disagree with the picking of all 9 bands from Marc Gartman, I would like to suggest to the commitee that a vote be offer up to the public. If these “new bands” can garner enough support they should be able to play.
Give it to the people, let the “WHOLE” of Duluth Decide.
Okay El Diablo, but I nominate you to handle all the logistics of a city-wide referendum on the efforts of a few volunteers. And you have to answer all the complaints of bloggers about how the system was rigged. And you have to personally arrange deals with all of the venues who are going to accept these new public wonder bands as performers. And…oh, wait a minute, maybe it would just be easier for you and the other people dissatisfied with the way things are arranged to set up your own music festival/shows and stop complaining that someone else is doing it all wrong.
Why don’t you rent a place out, promote the fuck out of it, and show people what they’re missing? We used to do that ALL the time with my band Bone Appetit, and we made good money doing it too. Go make 5000 flyers and show your shit down people’s throats, it’s the only thing that works. If you think i’m joking about the 5000 flyers in that town, I am not, we used to make and post that many when we promoted our own shows occasionally. We played basement keggers for years before our first Homegrown in 1999/2000. Trust me here bud, if you have a bunch of alcohol and chicks, people WILL come to your shows, thats a proven fact. Now Go!!!! Do It!!!
Hey Hot Rod. What’s going on?
Hey Jody! What’s up dude??
Not much. I’m just chillin’. My favorite Marc Gartman band is Words To A Film Score. I also like The Fat Boys.
I’m sorry I participated in dragging Gartman into this! He works HARD for the money so you better treat him right! I cant wait to see all your shows and I hope there’s many many hidden partys and random street theater. Back to the original hater, you must really suck b/c even my mom is playing a gig.
All fun aside, this post has revealed a major injustice: popular bands find it easier to get gigs. That is so wrong. I wonder why it has to work like that.
I know that Mat Milinkovich wanted to get Sight like December back together, did that ever happen?
Hotrod wears girls’ pants. The next comment sucks!
Happy Homegrown to everybody!!
I know it might be sad that you didn’t get to play Homegrown, but there is going to be more chances in the year to play shows. Rumors are afloat about farm field shows, and a new local music festival down by Barkers Island. Don’t get angry at the Homegrown Committee. They are only do what they can fit in. I know that some of the choices might seem unfair to you, but I would recommend to donate more time to the scene and that might payoff in playing “duluth” shows.
But don’t think that PDD is the center of the music scene in Duluth, believe me there is more to this scene and more people in the background than the PDD people. There are tons of eager souls you would want to talk to you, book your band, and help you promote.
If you need help getting the word out, ask me or nicely ask PDD. Homegrown is the Holy Grail for some bands, but it doesn’t mean that your life in the high paced world of the Twin Ports Music Scene is over.
Don’t look for help from Commerical Radio, they don’t care about you.
New Content and Interviews at Localm.com
I hope Bone Appetite has not propped up a couple of drunkin instrament bangers and called it a reunion show. Please say that hasn’t happened… It did… Damn you Hot Rod you lied once again. “Last Show” my ass. Promises promises.
Meier wears sweatpants! Meier wears sweatpants!
All original members will be playing Ragtime.
Who is Marc Gartman?
When will the Homegrown roster be posted? I want to know who’s actually playing.
Liking all the activity on here! I remember when the Tap Room was packed every weekend, Norm’s in Soup had a line up the street, and a steady trio gig on Thursday nights were crackin! Even the Sunday night blues jam at Twins was stacked. That wasn’t long ago, in fact, it was in the 2’s… What’s happening up there these days? Still booming? I’ve witnessed some really good Rex shows in the past two years. Where’s the spot? Doing a trio gig up there in 2 days at the Red Mug in Soup, 8-10pm. Also doing UWS during the day. Me, Johnny Lang’s drummer, and An amazing bass player. Where can we go after to see some music? Any jam-sessions or sit-in situations? Homegrown? Love it…
@cando
Working out the kinks, final schedule should be posted the first week of April on duluthhomegrown.com
WTG Craig! The more the merrier. Huzzah and hats off to more festivals .. especially ones with a positive/copacetic stance … there’s enough of this scene to go around!