- Feb 17, 2009
- 1,739
- 9
- 38
Keith, Hoyt & Jim's main focus is ensuring autograph signing sessions run smoothly. They also make certain bands are comfortable, manage fans waiting in line, and assist vendors within Vinyl as necessary.
Signing sessions and the merch room are unique elements of our festival, and it's important to us to offer this annually in an organized manner.
They make an awesome team and pull it off seamlessly. This year, Symphony X was 45 minutes late to their signing session. As a result, the crew had to coordinate the Pretty Maids signing session line in the lobby at the same time and it went very smoothly. They take whatever's thrown at them in stride.
Examples of some of their duties:
* Transporting 50 boxes of programs and cd samplers from the Artmore to the venue
* Help with stage crew load-in
* Purchasing and ensuring we have enough sharpies - we go through dozens in 2 days
* Creating and ordering the dressing room banners, lobby banners & signage
* Setting up and breaking down 20 rectangular rental tables and chairs for vendors in Vinyl
* Setting up and breaking down rental tables for free promo bags inside the doors
* Setting up and breaking down 4 tables and chairs for signing sessions
* Assisting vendors with their unloading their merch
* Coordinating with venue security as needed
* Managing room temperature and lighting within Vinyl
* Assisting backstage manager, Tommy as needed
* Meeting bands backstage at a pre-arranged time, and escorting them to the lobby for their signing session
* Providing band members with beverages during their session
"Occasionally, we have a band member or two out socializing with the fans or wandering around. Then it is a mad dash using any means necessary to locate them!"
Weirdest item seen signed?
"I really do not think that should be printed. A certain member from “band A” pulled out his "member" at “band B’s” table. It did not stop there. A member of "band B" actually signed it!"
"Outside of that, I have seen a pillow case, a tennis shoe and a wallet made available to sign. Most often it is the standard picture, poster, cd or album."
When does your day start/end?
"Day usually starts at 9am and ends around 2am. We coordinate closing time & “shut down” time with vendors on Fri/Sat nights. We usually break down the signing tables while the headliner is playing to avoid the crowd. Once the show is over on Saturday and the crowd disperses, the tables are broken down and stacked and the chairs are gathered and stacked in the lobby hall. After the vendor and lobby breakdown is completed, we assist with Tommy backstage if he needs anything."
Best part of your job?
"The plus is direct contact with the bands."
And the worst?
"The minuses are missing a lot of the performances, being on your feet for the most part of the day."
"Every band has been a treat to work with. Just watching them interact with the fans and the way the bands are so appreciative and thankful for being able to perform here, I find myself in awe. It is damn near impossible to pin a favorite memory on what I do."
THANK YOU, Keith, Hoyt & Jim for all of your hard work and dedication!
Keith Lawley
Hoyt Parris
Jim Williamson
2012 Signing Session Highlights:
~Jen
Signing sessions and the merch room are unique elements of our festival, and it's important to us to offer this annually in an organized manner.
They make an awesome team and pull it off seamlessly. This year, Symphony X was 45 minutes late to their signing session. As a result, the crew had to coordinate the Pretty Maids signing session line in the lobby at the same time and it went very smoothly. They take whatever's thrown at them in stride.
Examples of some of their duties:
* Transporting 50 boxes of programs and cd samplers from the Artmore to the venue
* Help with stage crew load-in
* Purchasing and ensuring we have enough sharpies - we go through dozens in 2 days
* Creating and ordering the dressing room banners, lobby banners & signage
* Setting up and breaking down 20 rectangular rental tables and chairs for vendors in Vinyl
* Setting up and breaking down rental tables for free promo bags inside the doors
* Setting up and breaking down 4 tables and chairs for signing sessions
* Assisting vendors with their unloading their merch
* Coordinating with venue security as needed
* Managing room temperature and lighting within Vinyl
* Assisting backstage manager, Tommy as needed
* Meeting bands backstage at a pre-arranged time, and escorting them to the lobby for their signing session
* Providing band members with beverages during their session
"Occasionally, we have a band member or two out socializing with the fans or wandering around. Then it is a mad dash using any means necessary to locate them!"
Weirdest item seen signed?
"I really do not think that should be printed. A certain member from “band A” pulled out his "member" at “band B’s” table. It did not stop there. A member of "band B" actually signed it!"
"Outside of that, I have seen a pillow case, a tennis shoe and a wallet made available to sign. Most often it is the standard picture, poster, cd or album."
When does your day start/end?
"Day usually starts at 9am and ends around 2am. We coordinate closing time & “shut down” time with vendors on Fri/Sat nights. We usually break down the signing tables while the headliner is playing to avoid the crowd. Once the show is over on Saturday and the crowd disperses, the tables are broken down and stacked and the chairs are gathered and stacked in the lobby hall. After the vendor and lobby breakdown is completed, we assist with Tommy backstage if he needs anything."
Best part of your job?
"The plus is direct contact with the bands."
And the worst?
"The minuses are missing a lot of the performances, being on your feet for the most part of the day."
"Every band has been a treat to work with. Just watching them interact with the fans and the way the bands are so appreciative and thankful for being able to perform here, I find myself in awe. It is damn near impossible to pin a favorite memory on what I do."
THANK YOU, Keith, Hoyt & Jim for all of your hard work and dedication!
Keith Lawley
Hoyt Parris
Jim Williamson
2012 Signing Session Highlights:
~Jen
