Today on Facebook Chefjimi Patricola the self described Creative Director, Creative Designer, Cook & Bottle Washer for Blues411 alerted us that Chicago Jazz Magazine is taking a 45% commission from all artist merchandise sales.
Sorry, that is NOT supposed to say 4.5%...it is 45%!!! Outrageous indeed.
The subject became intense on Facebook with everyone agreeing it is highway robbery. Most also agreed that an 80-20 split in favor of the artists is fair if they are not supplying the people to work the booths.
Chefjimi has already posted his thoughts there and now I am doing so here to continue spreading the word.
We all know blues musicians do not make a ton of money and have to struggle to make ends meet. The cost of producing CDs is not cheap and to succeed you must sell in the $15-$20 range. Not much room for someone to stick their hand in your pocket and remove almost half the money you worked so hard to make.
What can be done about this?
Most artists are hard-pressed to speak up for fear they will be blacklisted from events around the country. It is the fans who need to speak up in their behalf...tell the promoters it is wrong. Start by going to the Chicago Jazz Magazine website and leaving a comment for the CEO.
If enough people do this, maybe the trend will come back to the artists.
Post this information on your website, on your Facebook page, on your Twitter.
If enough people do this, maybe the trend will come back to the artists.
If you are going to the Chicago Blues festival, I suggest you do not buy any artist mechandise from the vendors...go to the artist website and buy it there. If enough people do this, maybe the promoters will get the point.
Today, I sent an invite to Mr. Jeffers, the CEO to call in on Monday to discuss this situation. If I hear back and he agrees, I will certainly let y'all know.
This is important and the word must be spread...so go out and sow some change!