Guest Book

Hey Y'all...... This is difficult for me. There are a few things I would like to say about the JFD. A few things I will keep to myself, but I am reminded....in spades...of a conversation Brent and I had YEARS ago about the Jam. This was early on. Brent and I were discussing venues, and the train terminal was discussed. But one thing Brent and I did discuss...and agree to...(and he may not remember this discussion but I do) was the JFD would NEVER be held at a club, period. The discussion centered around club owners just being in it for the money, and so forth. And I am not speaking at all for Brent, and he may not have that perspective today. But I do. The Gadsden club is nice, no doubt. We liked the club architecture and were impressed with the sound system and the decor. The restrooms were nice and clean. But it is STILL a club. And for the event like the Jam for Duane, in my opinion, clubs dont fit the theme and the vibe associated with the Jam. Clubs are in the deal to make money. Period. It's strictly business. It's not about Duane. It's not about Brent. It's money driven, and as a fan of the concept of the Jam, I don't like it, and as a musician playing for free and a club owner profits, forget it. We left early. I saw (observed) enough. The Jam this year lost something when moved to a club over the days of the train terminal or the Gadsden Auditorium. In my own personal opinion, the Jam should be anywhere, anyplace, other than a club. Personally, I was not comfortable after witnessing how some folks were being treated in the club. In my observation, one person in particular was hasseled from the moment he walked in with his equipment. I commented to Mara that it was typical club BS, and would NEVER have happened at the terminal or at the auditorium. The problem is in a club, the rules are that of the club owner. The rules of the jam are in large part according to Brent. When there is a conflict, the club owner wins. And we lose. Did Brent anticipate some of the problems associated with the venue and their rules? I doubt it. Personally, I absolutely refuse to play for free and a club owner profit. I would rather see the Jam rent a space, and we control who does what. It has worked in the past and will work in the future. And I miss folks bringing in food and just hanging out. I dont blame Brent or Randy or anything like that. But a lot of the problems I observed and read about can be directly associated with the decision to hold the Jam at a club. The more some places change, the more they stay the same if you know what I mean. Bottom line is this, and think about this one: I spent more money at this Jam than I have ever. I bought tickets, T-shirts, a hotel room, and a meal. If Brent did not make any money, and Randy did not make any money (which I know neither did, but in my opinion if anyone deserved to make any money, it is those two) WHO made money? The club owner? Typical. Can we find a small farm somewhere to do the deal? What about taking it back where it all began..the train terminal or the Auditorium. I enjoyed seeing everone at the Jam and I am glad folks enjoyed themselves. RT