VERIDIA and Manic Drive Concert

Well, I haven't been very faithful in blogging this summer. Especially with a concert coming up. Now here I am, a few days after the concert finally blogging again about what actually occurred.

So, first a little catch up. My last post was that I had booked VERIDIA. Since then I had to find an opening band, work on the promotion and get it out to everyone, bring in sound equipment and lights for the production, organize a crew for the day, plan food, hotels, work with the local Christian radio station, and the list goes on. It's a good thing I had a few concert planning guides from attendstar and Concert Ideas. They were a big help in making sure I had all the bases covered. The websites are United States based and these organizations help with tickets and promotion in the US. So I couldn't use there services, but their information was great.

I tried to book a number of opening bands but was not having much success. On a whim is sent a note to Manic Drive. I didn't think  they would be interested in the small venue and the cost would probably be out of reach for me. Well, was I in for a surprise. Not only were they willing to be part of this concert, they would bring all the sound equipment and lights for the production for the show as well. And their cost for all of that was right in line with where it would work for this event. That contract as easy to sign and seal.

This past Thursday, Oct 1st, the concert was held. It was a long day, but what a blast! The guys from Manic Drive arrived around 11:00. After introductions and touring the church, we got to work loading in all of the equipment. Mostly they directed where and we hauled it in. The took the lead in setting things up, but even then they used the volunteer help to do a lot of lifting and moving. I was surprised at how quickly we were working as a team. A little after 2:30, everything was up an tested for Manic Drive and then the VERIDIA team arrived. So we started all over again with loading them in and setting up their set. At first I was a little worried we were in for some conflict when the VERIDIA guys had to work around. That was a short lived worry. The guys from Manic Drive and VERIDIA quickly talked through the set up, what was needed where and how the stage could accommodate both sets. Before long we were reorganizing things to have it all come together. Not long after that sound checks were done, the band merchandise areas were set up and everyone was ready for some dinner. Sometimes I think this part is as good as the concert itself. Band members, stage hands, volunteer crew, and a few extras all having a relaxing meal together, sharing stories and lots of laughter.

Of course, dinner is followed by the concert. There was a fairly good turn out, although we could have had a lot more people there. But the best part of a small show is everyone can get in close and really connect with the bands and visa versa. The bands had a good time. Those in attendance had a good time. That to me, is the measure of success!

The green men, getting into the crowd

Hard to believe we put this in our church, 30' LED, turn tables, lights. WOW!

VERIDIA connecting with audience

Deena and the joy of performing

Until next time, keep listening to the music, or better yet, show your support of the artists and go to their shows.

VERIDIA in Concert - Sarnia

It has taken a bit of time, a few sleepless nights and a fair bit of planning, but I have booked a concert for this fall in Sarnia, and almost everything is ready to go! It will have been a year since the last concert I organized and promoted in Sarnia, but then again, these things take time.

So who is the artist I have booked, you may be asking?

I am pleased to announce the VERIDIA has agreed to come to Sarnia while they had a night off between shows in Detroit, MI and Columbus, OH, on their "Only the Crazy Survive" Tour. Kind of crazy, to add a show when you are on tour and already have a busy schedule, but then again, that's how you survive.

I first heard VERIDIA on our local Christian Radio station, Power 88.3, some time in 2014. Their song "Disconnected" was getting a fair bit of air play, and it connected with me. Then they were announced to be part of the 2015 WinterJam tour. I always go to WinterJam, and this year was no exception. Yes, VERIDIA was the first band up, but what a way to start the night! Of course, after the show I made sure I at least stopped by to say "Hello" and get them to sign their EP for me. I know, crazy kid fan stuff for someone my age. But I'm still young at heart, and music is ageless!

Anyway, it had been floated around in the back of my mind that maybe Sarnia could play host to a band like VERIDIA. That I could organize a concert for them here. Maybe in the fall of 2015. But then I saw that they announced they were going on tour though the fall, and I figured "so much for that idea". But when I saw they had a free day after playing Detroit. Well, what could it hurt to ask? So, here we are now, the band and venue are booked, the tickets are ready for sale, and all the little details leading up to the concert need to be worked.

That's right, VERIDIA is coming to Sarnia, Thursday, Oct. 1st, to play a concert at Redeemer Christian Reformed Church.  Tickets are available now, just click here! Don't miss out! See you there.