Attention Local Musicians — Fête Wants To Help
3:06PM ON
01/14/2012
BY
Beth Comery
We’re big fans of the local music scene here at the Dose. We hear from bands and musicians all the time and try to make a mention whenever possible, but that is usually done in the context of an upcoming performance. And while we have a pretty lively underground scene in Providence, most bands are ultimately trying to get booked in the legit venues. So when we heard about the General Assembly, over at Fête music in Olneyville, we made an inquiry. GA founder Denny Rochefort responded.
General Assembly is an organization I put together to support local music in Providence. The point is to get as many bands and musicians of all genres on the same page to help promote a thriving and sustainable music scene. . . We just had our first ‘State of the Union’ show on December 30 featuring eight of the best up-and-coming bands. It was a success, drawing almost 400 people to see an entirely local bill. [Our] goal is to put the best and hardest working local bands in the spotlight . . . and give them the attention and effort any national touring band would get including the very best in sound and lights, a large comfortable green room with a catered dinner and even massage therapists on hand. Costs of advertising and promotion were subsidized by local sponsors. We will have State of the Union shows every quarter — the next being Friday, April 13.
We put together weekly free shows at Fete every Tuesday featuring local bands in the Lounge. There is no cover, all ages, $2 Gansett Tall Boys, and a top of the line sound system. These Tuesdays are currently sponsored by The Onion, Narragansett Beer, Anarchy Eyewear, and Fête music.
Massages? At any rate, this sounds like a great opportunity. Now, about this awesome poster! Graphic artist Pete MacPhee (aka, Uncle Pete) has been creating excellent rock posters for many years now, with several cd covers under his belt as well, but he’s really outdone himself here. It’s as if the Soviet propaganda machine had been hired to redesign the Rhode Island state seal a century ago and we just found it behind a filing cabinet. Cherished Rhody icons have been festooned with vaguely familiar design motifs — is that a microphone? a wheat penny? Best of all . . that bizarre anchor and sickle. Click here for more MacPhee.
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