Mike Larcher, Drummer

SEEKING

Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar, Saxophone, Keyboard, Piano, Upright bass.

ABOUT

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:

At this time our search for musicians is no longer open. If you would like to be considered in the future to be on call, please fill out the questionnaire and send me your personal phone number, and personal E-Mail. Presently, all positions in the group are filled. I'm not trying to replace any musicians. We may need additional performers for larger engagements in the future. We are trying to keep the group multifunctional for economic reasons. An experienced sound engineer may be required for some live performances and recordings.

For those who have previously responded to this inquiry, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
It took exhaustive time and effort to find the quality talent I was looking for but persistence and dedication to my effort has paid off!

From Mike Larcher, drummer.

Livepromusic followed by at Y com

This is a little long and exactly what I need to find individuals I'm looking for. No apologies.

LOOKING FOR: ELECTRIC KEYS or (*B3 ) , BASS, SAX, GUITAR

MISSION STATEMENT:

"PROVIDE TOP QUALITY LIVE MUSIC FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF ENTERTAINMENT.
HAVE FUN PLAYING GREAT SMOOTH JAZZ, MOTOWN, LATIN AND FUNK, TOP COVERS."

Experienced drummer.
("I") play traps, Congas, Auxiliary Percussion.
Available for existing band or form a new start up group.
Played regularly with 5* professionals weekly in the Northwest, at one of the top 50 U.S. jazz clubs.
Perform the professional way! , ...
And make what your worth!
Have an open mind and ability to perform a wide variety of musical genres.
Dedicated and can accommodate musical challenges/opportunities quickly.
Very few rehearsals are needed with most projects.
Have a Young Mind, Light Hearted Positive Attitude, Self Discipline, Experience, and Dependable Follow Through. Looking for dedicated players that have and respect these qualities.

No freak shows or weird group names.
Just great live music and musicianship!

My objective:
- To Enhance Establishment Revenues where we play!
- To help everyone I play with sound better by listening to and augmenting their musical ideas.
- Love to play with people who don't have anything to prove except play their best every night.
- Show up, Set up and Dress up accordingly, ready to play on the downbeat.

ZERO substance abuse issues period! ... and the same expectations of others on and off stage!
If this personal lifestyle is not yours,
PLEASE, DO NOT RESPOND!

I don't have to be the band leader as long as the designated leader is business minded and result orientated. I will do all I can to help as a member if asked.

It's not my way or the highway, just
THE SMART WAY.

I have former career asset management and marketing background as well as grass roots media promotional experience and am willing to use all my expertise to keep us working.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, ... I LOVE WHAT I DO!
ENTERTAIN PLAYING GREAT LIVE MUSIC!

Looking for an established band preferably WORKING NOW / OR put together a trio / quartet that can be performance ready shortly. Flexible and willing to demonstrate my abilities and work out set lists but not willing to practice forever and wait for good paying gigs. When we put the right combo together, we can be working 3 to 4 nights a week within a month! Wouldn't it be great playing the same venues every week and build a following that attended regularly, playing for a full house every week for years?! How about for over 25 years?! That's the band I had the honor of playing with in the Northwest.

I'm not a drummer, ...
I'm a musician that plays great drums
as an instrument!
There is a big difference!

There is a time to shine and a time to keep great time! I love playing with controlled intensity. It makes everyone else in the group stand out. I've received lots of compliments from groups I played with that expressed that, "When I play with them, ... They feel they play better." That's the "Ultimate Compliment!" It's like magic, ... relax, stay in the groove, listen to each other, don't be a hero and play with more feel, don't work so hard and get paid the same and Get Asked Back!!! KACHING $!

MY EQUIPMENT:
I own top shelf equipment and have everything necessary to play all styles in all environments.
- "ALLEGRA" and "GRETSCH" traps.
- LP Congas (3), assortment of shakers, Shekarae, Custom Bass Cajon and special effects.
10 Chanel sound system, when needed.
======================================
READING AND COMPLETING THIS INQUIRY COULD POTENTIALLY ENHANCE YOUR FINANCIAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH!

IF YOUR LIKE ME, AND WANT TO PERFORM WITH AN OPEN MIND AND POSITIVE DRIVING ATTITUDE, AND HAVE A LOT OF FUN WITH OTHERS OF THE SAME, ... CONTINUE!

THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY/INQUIRY IS BLUNT AND TO THE POINT INTENTIONALLY!
IT'S MY WAY TO FIND THE RIGHT PEOPLE FOR A POTENTIAL $25K - 30K A YEAR PART TIME GIG.
IT'S WORKING VERY WELL FOR ME! I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT'S NOT FOR EVERYONE.
THOSE OFFENDED BY IT ARE PROBABLY NOT QUALIFIED TO FILL THE POSITIONS.
FOR THOSE WITH DEROGATORY REACTIONS, ... SORRY, ... DO IT YOUR WAY.

I'VE BEEN REQUESTED TO PLAY FOR $50.00 to $75 A NIGHT MANY TIMES. NO THANKS!
I CAN'T AFFORD TO LOAD MY GEAR AND GET TO AND BACK FROM MOST GIGS FOR THAT, AND I DON'T EXPECT OTHERS TO EITHER.

YES, I PLAY WELL AND LIKE TO GET PAID WELL TOO! NO SHAME IN THAT!

IF INTERESTED, FILL OUT THE QUESTIONNAIRE.
SEND IT WITH YOUR NAME, E-MAIL ADDRESS AND CONTACT PHONE NUMBER!
======================================

WHAT MOST MUSICIANS AVOID, DON'T WANT TO BE PART OF, AND HATE TO DISCUSS

If we form a new group ... After organizing show material and enough venue prospects, ....

If your into standards and like to play upscale venues ... there's work out there.
It takes lots of media and introductions but that's "The MUSIC BUSINESS"!
That's why successful booking agents and talent coordinators take such a big chunk (40-60% +) of a band's bookings!! Good agents get results and don't mess with rookies for peanuts! They're in it for the money.
We can pay them or accept the responsibilities ourselves!
I know successful grass roots passive as well as more aggressive ways and ideas to attain gigs.

Like any other successful business venture, "Start Up Capital" is necessary to build a band of the caliber I have in mind. A reasonable one time up front (buy in $) to have a say in the business is required to cover start up expenses. This basic qualification ("funnel") eliminates those who can not or are not willing to put skin in the game to assure success in addition to their on stage performance skills. I've learned that individuals who have nothing invested usually have very little commitment for success unless others do all the "Off Stage" work. Plus, without participating in offstage obligations, many musician only members generally expect a full equal cut of the total gig and tips!" I'm too old for those cats.

All due respect to those with a (bohemian) mindset, ("A person, as an artist or writer, who lives and acts free of regard for traditional and conventional proven rules and practices"), who have succeeded without this discipline. I have never seen it happen long term. It takes more than just showing up and jumping on stage to be successful. This is my last hoo-rah and I want to do it right. I would really like to pass on my skills to motivated individuals so they can continue to make an honorable living when I'm gone like those have done in the past for me! I understand that this may piss some off but the people who get to know me concerning these values will attain the best results and establish long lasting dedicated professional relationships.

I have interviewed musicians who would like to be part of a group without committing to "One Primary Unit", so they can play other gigs too. They most often "Free Play" at establishments promoting "Jam Sessions and or Open Mic Nights" hoping to be chosen for a gig that pays in the future. They end up playing regularly with the same broke frustrated musicians like themselves because they didn't receive or practice the basic tenants of running their profession as a business. ... Usually for discounted food and free beer. I don't know of any other legitimate legal service profession or trade that operates like that!? I wish them well.
THIS PRACTICE IS A WELL KNOWN CON-GAME SOME ESTABLISHMENTS USE TO GET FREE ENTERTAINMENT! NOT QUALITY ENTERTAINMENT!
In order to win the publics dedicated consistent following, ... local supporters want to regularly support their hometown talent ... not a variety of different musicians on any given night, advertised and promoted and called an open mic, free to the public , "Jazz Jam". Practice at home!
ESTABLISHMENTS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES DON'T WORK FOR NOTHING AND WE SHOULDN'T EITHER!

Unless upon a rare occasion, for example, someone becomes ill, the group has to have the same creative chemistry. Not to say they couldn't play with anyone else, just not knowingly committing to other gigs indiscriminately without loyalty to their core group.

I've been told by several prospects that were exceptional musicians that, "They don't play for money, they play to satisfy their need to express their art form." PLEASE? ... After all the time and money spent acquiring the best instruments, required additional equipment and lessons for years to become proficient in an effort to perfect your trade, decide to PLAY WELL AND LIVE WELL!

When some understand the need to prioritize and commit to a group, they have requested a guarantee of a weekly salary whether they play or not or they won't give their commitment.
The question is, ... What group, or any other business, have they played with or worked for that offered them that guarantee in the past? No one!

Unfortunately, traditional formal college training does not teach the many (unwritten) rules of how to be successful in the music field. Years of experience mentored and playing with successful musicians does! I'm excited and motivated by the many potential prospects that have responded to my plan of action and venue opportunities I have proposed.

I have done my homework ("due-diligence") and pre-explored the local market. I've given pre-performance proposals to almost 50 potential venues from Brunswick, Ga. to St. Augustine, Fl that have expressed serious consideration to my ideas because they previously were so unimpressed and displeased with other proposals. They didn't present themselves professionally or put the establishment's business priorities first, ($ in their till!) on and off stage. By playing for establishments that believe that we are doing everything possible to promote and increase their revenue, we increase our chances of working regularly ourselves! So, if your happy working 3 to 5 times a month, with a "Hit and Miss work ethic", this gig is probably not for you!

Many of us have invested lots of time, money and energy in our craft. We have expensive instruments and other equipment needed over the years but have neglected the every day responsibilities of staying on top of a successfully run enterprise. That's the difference between pros and amateurs! Success is not a "Flip a Coin and Take a Chance scenario", especially today, when money is tight and our trade is not a economic necessity in the marketplace. It's a fact that more music is pirated today on the net and played (much of the time illegally) by establishments to the general public than ever before because they get it free! However, when approached the right way, We can do it right, Live, and have lots of fun too! I'm constantly amazed how many times I have witnessed great live music being played at an establishment, the place is jam packed,... Only to drive by again, another nite, when there is no entertainment, the place looks like a morgue.

DENIAL IS NOT A RIVER!
"IT'S JUST COMMON SENSE PEOPLE, ...
QUIT FIGHTING IT! DON'T BE AFRAID!
JOIN THE SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PRACTICES ESTABLISHMENT!
DOWN WITH RAMON NOODLES,
START EATING PORTERHOUSE STEAK, PRIME RIB, AND FILLETS!
Take your loved one out for dinner and order from the right side of the menu once in a while instead of being asked if you want to supersize your order!
Sorry, I used to be a meat cutter in my youth. :)

If you agree with my assessment/commentary and proposals and are eager to make a legitimate effort to succeed ... complete and return the following personal inquiry.

Include your real name, personal e-mail address and contact phone number.

Don't get blown away, I'm just looking for people who want to play quality music and want it badly enough to pay a price for success! In some areas I don't score the best! Be honest so we don't waste each other's time.

It's not a job application, just an up front way to get to know your music background and aspirations. Answer every question good or not!

- Do you currently have a job outside the music business? Doing What / For Who / How Long?

- Full or Part time? Your hours?

- Do you own reliable transportation?

- How many years have you played your Primary instrument?

- Are you traditionally schooled in music? Where?

- My music reading ability 1-10?

- Can you sight read / transpose?

- Scale of 1-10, my improvisational skills are?

- Have you played professionally with a group in the last year?

- What style of music? How big was the band?

- How many paid gigs have you played in the last 6 months?

- If today was your audition, what (5) of your best songs and different styles would you play?

- Are you capable of learning new charts with notation or provided audios in a timely fashion?

- Are you willing to travel a 75 mile radius from Jacksonville?

- Ideally, now, how many times a week are you available to rehearse / perform?

- Are you willing to perform any public performance venues such as:
Restaurants, Clubs, Weddings, Lounges, Commercial and Private Events?

- Are you currently 1st priority committed to any other careers, individuals or bands? Who?

- Is there any time you are not willing to perform without reasonable notice (2 weeks) ahead of time?

- Are you willing to perform in any legal smoking venue environments? When I can avoid it I do.

- Do your religious or political beliefs influence where or who you will or will not play with or for?

- List your equipment including amplification and special effects:

- After determining potential venues willing to hire us and working out set lists, are you presently prepared to make an individual one time monetary contribution toward forming of a new group (to be discussed in detail at a later date together) to cover start up costs?

- Outside of your on stage musicianship skills, ....
Specifically, ... Pertaining to promotion of a music business:
What other talents and/or abilities are you capable and willing to bring to the table to help the band be successful?

I know this is a lengthy and in some instances intimidating pre-interview format, but I have found it to be a proven successful bottom line way to evaluate individual backgrounds and goals.
It has the intentional bluntness of a Bull Rhino.
Many qualified individuals, (all professionals for years) have expressed their gratitude for the upfront boldness of it's style and content! If you think this is intimidating try applying for a Cruise Ship gig! Even before the audition.

It has helped me evaluate my own personal growth and commitment in the business too!
I scare myself in some areas!

I have done many things throughout my working years to make an honest living and pay the bills, ...
Playing great music with talented individuals who have the above attributes and dedicated mental toughness has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life!

I love life and I love playing great music.
So many audiences I have played for have personally conveyed they can feel how much we love performing.
I'm healthy, energetic and still have chops!
I have a "Nothing to lose" attitude and am much wiser, so ... Let's do it!!!

"Let the good times roll,
You only live but once,
When your dead your done
Don't sit there mumbling, gotta count your cash,
If you got the talent, let's make a splash and get it done,
Let the good times roll!"
Joey de Francesco, David Sanborn,
Check it out on U-Tube. Small group, gigantic sound!

There are no re-runs or do-overs in life!
Come on, jump in the pool, the water's fine!

E-Mail me and Leave me your contact phone number and best time to call you.

I freely admit I don't have all the answers but have confidence the tried and tested ways learned and practiced in the past still work today!
No one ever said it has to be easy!
The synergy of four individuals working together for the benefit of all will produce incredible results!
If you have ideas about how to better and more quickly produce successful results, I'M ALL EARS. Tell me how!
I will get back to you and LISTEN TO YOUR CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS!

CARPE DIEM!

Thanks very much in advance for your time reviewing my proposal.
Mike Larcher.
"Light Sticks, Tasty Brushes and A Little Bit A Shakin"

THE END!