Fresno Famous

like martha stewart, but better

Without real world constraints, I would do everything Martha Stewart does, but better. Other people's dreams would be fulfilled because they believed in mine and made it a success. Kind of like Oprah, but better. Everything would be based on a simple, conscious lifestyle. One place for everything versatile/universal and green. Specialized/Limited products would benefit different non-profits and create awareness of social issues while maintaining great design.

Famous Whitewater

Help us. This is all too much. I can't stand it anymore. I am not resposible for my actions.

To 'Unsecured Loans,'

Please forgive my taking 'weeding planer,' and having fun with the term...
being somebody who's recently had their heart captured by a gorgeous woman, well, I'm goofier than usual... (and sort of a smart-ass to begin with.)

You wrote, 'wedding planner.'
(I'm assuming.)

First off,
-a wedding planner has enormous pressures on them, and they need to coordinate more things landing and taking off than the flight control people at Chicago O'Hare Airport.
Everything must be perfect, Everything must be smooth, -and it has to look seamless.
--I think, to be honest, those flight control folks have it easier.

Having done some events, not NEARLY as serious as weddings, I can tell you, my hat is off to you, and I bow to your bravery. (I'm being quite serious here... I've known a few 'Bridzilla's ---as well as FrankenGrooms, ---and lets us not forget the inlaws (who would make better outlaws.)

But
Having been a part of 'planned,' weddings.
-When the job is done correctly?
Everybody has a blast, the Bride and Groom have 'their day,' not just handled, -but actually get a chance to enjoy it, ---and you accomplish something romantic, -and allow a lot of love to be expressed, -for all to see.

These can be dark days.
Some people don't even believe in true love anymore.
Often, in light of the expenses and planning and carrying out of the wedding? Folks can loose sight of what's really happening, (two people choosing to declare their love and invite all they know to join in that happiness, and create their own holiday as a result.)

It could be said that, if the wedding goes well, -and the couple actually get a chance to just relax and be there for each other? So many grooves are set for that day, -and the whole thing can start off on a good or a bad foot.

Further?
Everybody should have a chance to feel beautiful, to feel loved, to be a walking expression of devotion and caring for someone else...
Everyone, at least, on their wedding day, deserves to have the room stop, mouths open, and barely be able to breathe, -because of the beauty that shines when somebody is in love, and loves someone in return.

--A good wedding planner knows how to make sure that that happens, and it's one of those rare occasions where a couple can be seen in all their glory, in front of everyone, and you'll be able to understand what they are trying to say (amidst the din...)
Truth be told? SO MANY people are so overwhelmed by the event of getting married, and are so unused to speaking their dreams, even to convey what they want, much less how to do it... -you'll be helping them to do that, and THAT's a real gift.

That is extremely cool.

(In fact, one night, quite late on the PATH train coming home from MidTown Manhattan, I met the girl who planned the wedding of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas... She was a complete sweetheart, one hard worker, and somebody who you could trust, --and who pulled it off fabulously, -yet she was as regular a person as anyone else, (and she loved her job, she really did.)

I want, someday to be a nurse and a chaplain...
(okay, I also want to be a husband and a Dad,)
-not easy things,
(I already have two businesses that I run, and believe me, it's not easy...)

But to be a true wedding planner, unlike even my (eventual,) career,
-means you work largely by yourself,
-and you have to make sure it goes right the first time
every time,
-and that you're going to take imperfect situaitons, and make them sing (regardless.)
Me? I'll have teams around me, and second chances here and there, ---you get one shot...
-Doing that for a living?
Way Cool, and I don't even know if I could take that pressure (and I do pressure for fun.)

To speak up and say, on a public message board, simply
'I want to be a wedding planner'...
takes a lot of heart, and is going to take a lot of guts, and conveys a great deal of sincerity.

Someone as sweetspirited, who's dream business is to make so many other people's 'one day,' -perfect and a wonderful time?
Is most benevolent, honorable,
-and to be encouraged, indeed.

(...you go be a wedding planner,
I'll plane the weeds...
-deal?)

Bless you in your intentions,
and I hope you have much success,
-and that you are paid what you're worth,
(which will be tons.)

Here's to Love

And may those 'Unsecured Loans,' very quickly become two hearts and souls, holding each other (quite securly,) for the rest of their days...

-Eric Field

um, Craig

regarding the above plans...

-Can I get some sort of govt. grant?
(Aviation fuel is sick expensive, -and the insurance on this sort of thing's even worse, -especially during 'fat-gopher-mating,' season...

thanks

your pal

-Eric

actually Herr Scharton

I just have to confess this to you...

I've ALWAYS wanted to be a 'weeding planer'...

In fact, flying my plane so close to the ground that I trim the weeds is one of the most exhilirating things I've ever done... ugh! I'm getting goosebumps just thinking of it...
Tearing along, few hundred miles per hour,
below treeline,
(I know a guy who uses a helicopter, and flys it upside down to trim the weeds, -but I think he's crazy and taking unnecessary risks... -besides, he's cheating,
-Any REAL weed planer knows, -you need a PLANE...)

I'm not real sure how the whole thing got started...

I think it was a bored crop-duster from out at Merced...
-And, I have to disagree with the previous poster... There really aren't that many guys doing it...
(go figger, one fat gopher stands up at the wrong moment, and it's goodnight Irene...)

But I don't care.
I'm old enough and want some thrills before I kick the bucket,
and I'm going to plane weeds...

And while I'm at it?
I think I can fulfill those other aspects of that list too,
-and really corner the market...

-I'm already large,
-I offer full and great service,
-I've never been married, (but engaged plenty times,)
-Have thought of eloping,
-OBVIOUSLY want to plane-weeds outdoors (what? do you think I'm as crazy as that helicopter weed-planer and want to try this stuff INside??)
-It's 'green,' by nature (well, that is until you consider the exhaust of the plane, ---but I intend to use an old Mustang that no longer Races at Reno...(they fly low all the time, ---and they're way faster than any prius out there.)
-I'm Episcopal, (which is basically English Catholic,)
-I've been practically adopted by the Hmong family that runs my local donut shop.

-and I can listen to George Michael on the headphones,
(I frequently roll up to good-ol-boys in traffic and sing along to 'Listen Without Prejudice,' at top volume... (which,,, as a straight guy? they can't really figger out, -then they see that I'm from the East Coast, and just shake their heads and pull away, (you know before I start the ass-shaking part...)

Yep, I'm on this like ugly on an ape...

(and if we're lucky somebody will catch it on You-Tube.)

-so how soon you want that garden weeded, there, chief? (and is the missus easily startled by low flying aircraft?)

I'm guessing you meant wedding?

Do you have a narrower focus?

A particular type of ethnic (Hmong) or specific religion (Catholic) weddings
"green" Weddings
high-end
budget
large
elopement
outdoor
full service/great service
out of town weddings
Gay/Lesbian
second marriages(or third, fourth...)

There are so many choices. What interests you?

Craig
Fresno: Garden City under the Sierra Nevadas

Funny you should ask...

Funny you should ask...
My lofty goal would be to have a role in the re-vival of the Downtown 'NO. I see terrific potential there, and believe with the right ideas and funding (and just a little love from the city) we could see a end result similiar to The Gas Lamp district in San Diego, Downtown San Jose, etc. I see fabulous two story townhouses, thriving night life, both luxury and affordable Apts, luxury and affordable lofts, unique small businesses, maybe a downtown college campus, a return to the glory days of the Fulton Mall, mixed use developments, most importantly life down there!. The answer(to me) for this area is not a "Homerun" tenant like "Bass Pro Shops"(some body please talk to developers/City council about knowing your market), but rather a cooperation/coordination of small business development and multi developer influence.
I hope to develop project both small and large, refurbish land marks, and create future landmarks.
And though it is common knowledge that opening a restaurant is extremely risky and worse yet is a bar, I would love to have a Sports Bar. I love sports, and love beer, what could go wrong right?? That one would come some time down the line when investment dollars would not be so tight that they risk the food on the table of my family. But you can't change the dreams you have and that is one I know would work.
Whether its developing in the 'NO or possibly outlying areas, this is my dream, I see it and am working towards it, and will achieve it as soon as I can.

late nite grub @ the chicken pie

Hek YES!!! maybe a retro car show fri. nites with classics of all kinds... not just 50K hot rods.Not everyone wants to go to dennys at olive/99 at 3am...

zappa-like is Okay

FZ's music has been the platinum standard for me since I was 14 years old. I figured if I could reach the skill level to play one of those tunes I'd be great at almost anything else. Besides the level of humor really appealed to me.

So recording coop... anyone else interested?

Music Co-ops & a Zappa-esque tune

One of the threads that runs through much of Fresno Famous is 'Community'.

I love it.

Whether you're talking about Art Hop, Rogue Festival, Mindhub...whatever----it's all about people coming together to share experience, talents and hard work.----kind of a co-op?

Mr. Ono--the more you discuss this idea of local music folks banding together, the clearer everyone's idea of what needs to happen and what CAN happen will be. (geez, does that make sense?) Just saying that I think you're on to something, and that I think you'll find other souls dreaming in the same direction, and the more you toss the idea around, the more folks you'll find who feel the same way and might get something cool going on.

[and a pause to thank Fresno Famous for being such a place where such discussions go on all the time. Thank you FF.]

re: the "zappa tune" played by the trike shop at the FNB benefit:
it's not really a zappa tune, but an attempt to write a very
zappa-LIKE tune. It's a tribute to an old friend who used to always be playing zappa records when we showed up to his house to practice.
The attempt was made to mimic the sprawling angular melodies, quick-cut style changes and even the occassional doo-wop moments that are prevelant in FZ's stuff--the only directly stolen bit[shhh don't tell ] was a bit from 'we're only in it for the money' where FZ & the Mothers sing 'friscofriscoHowWe love you Friscoooo'...of course, we just changed 'frisco' to 'fresno'. you can hear the recording on
http://www.myspace.com/trikeshop

crazy idea!

Didn't the raisin growers band together to create Sunmaid Raisins as a marketing coop? Could local music do something similar?

We are just like the farmers who could grow and dry the raisins but didn't know how to sell them to the world.

We can make music of very high quality we just don't know how to sell it to the world.

By the way, Thereminman, I loved your set at the Full Circle for Food not Bombs the other evening. I wasn't sure that was a Zappa tune you guys played until I heard it mentioned on another FF post.
Music of the highest quality possible. Bravo!!

Mr. Ono's good idea

Hey, sorry if with all my yacking about d.i.y. arts growth and such if I've detracted from mr. ono's fine idea, which
HECK YA, I'm all for!

Local investors? Investing in artists/record company ideas/art organizations?------sure thing.

Invest locally and keep these arts growing locally.

thanks for your patience all---3 comments blabbed in one big blast.

also...

I have two dvd's from Self Employment in the Arts called "The Entrepreneurial Artist" which we can loan/burn. I haven't watched them. Maybe we could gather a group of folks/rogues for a viewing?

Craig
What is an authentic community?

There are Arts Incubators

There are many Arts Business Incubators around the country. I know at least one Fresno Arts Council board member who is interested. It will be something for us to work toward. Since we operate a general business incubator, we can currently work with artsits...in fact we have an arts project in our current class.

One of my dream projects would be to help a true crafts organization get started in our region. Not only does this group support craftspeople, they also operate retail shops in downtowns...that's authentic! Seems like a record lable could be similar. Chris Millar had one, someone ended up buying it from him, so we do have local expertise.

http://www.nhcrafts.org/

Craig
What is an authentic community?

and about artists knowing Business...

This is a subject that comes up all the time in the Rogue Festival:
the fact that artists are often not trained in business.

With the Rogue Festival, I think there was a lot of trial and error, with some processing and evolution after every year's fest was complete. The director of the fest, whether it was Marcel or John, would sit people down and say, "What worked and what didn't?" and then the fine tuning would commence.

There was also plenty of research done: borrowing ideas from other successful festivals. It was a process of self-education.
I think these ideas can be applied to whatever branch of the arts one pursues.

I guess many of us dream of someone like Elvis' Colonel Parker who'll say "Hey son, you just sing the song (paint the picture/dance the dance/write the play), and I'll take care of the business for you". Unfortunately, those folks are not always readily available.

I'm also very interested in learning more about Mr. Sharton's group is doing things---I know they are interested in growing new businesses and nurturing entrepreneurs---and artists are definately one type of entreprenuer. Maybe Mr. Sharton's group will be part of the solution to this artists-not-knowing-about-business issue.

Disclaimer: I definately don't know what I'M doing 1/2 the time, but am trying to learn.

You mentioned Rock of the Tower...

It's true, as you would know Mr. Onomuse, that Rock of the Tower has been meeting, but without much hoopla yet---I think we want our ideas to be more clear and shown to be practical before we go "public".

Rock of the Tower is very open to folks' ideas and dreams. One dream is that it *does* become annual and perhaps even grows in size and scope. Could it be linked with TV? Live radio? CD releases? Other genres? It's all up for grabs here at the dreaming stage, but it's also likely that the first year in the new format, will be about laying foundations, and keeping it simple for further growth down the line.

"Orcaoid" said on another post (the one that says 'new to ff') that he believes we're only a couple steps away from reaching some sort of critical mass when it all blooms (actually, "the critical mass" metaphor suggests the verb 'explodes', but 'blooms' sounds so much more positive and sustainable).

When I look at all the folks who've always loved Fresno and had dreams for the place, and the organizing these folks have done to make these dreams more than wishful thinking over the last 5 years or so....I too think we're on the brink of a good thing.

Shoot!

I teach guitar for my meager living from 3:00 to 7 PM Monday through Thursday. The earliest I can be anywhere is 7:30 and I usually have recording sessions in my home studio at 9 PM (I need soundproofing!).
Are you going to be doing any other classes at other times in the future?
I know your class hours fit a conventional schedule but what artist has a conventional schedule?

Oh yeah I had a day job once, well a few times.

I'm curious. Would any of the wealthier patrons of the arts in town possibly be interested in local music as a potential moneymaker.

People forget that music is not just entertainment. It can be a business. We just need management, finance and promotion. (things musicians are notoriously bad at!)
Lets keep the talent and the money they generate at home instead of New York or LA.

Steve

PS I love Pollstar!! and all of the guys at Pollstar. They have been very good to me.
But I think a Pollstar Records would be some kind of conflict of interest. We could raid them for talent though...

awesome, dude!

Patrick is great, thanks for giving me something to brighten my lunch!

Jump into our Entrepreneurship Training Process class #38. Mondays and Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30. It started last night, but we'll make an exception for you! Hell, we'll even barter to have you entertain at a Central Valley Business Incubator event (this is a limited offer to Steve Ono or potentilally other local artists, based on space).

Craig
What is an authentic community?

Opportunity and talent

Craig,
Live shows are wonderful for the promotional aspects of the recording business. I know several Rock the Tower people and it could be a sensational yearly even quarterly local TV event.
In music, ideas are wonderful but serious composition requires an intense level of organization. The same is true in business development I am sure.
The problem is that most serious artists have very little business sense or education, me included! What we do know is the art. What we need is a strong local business and financial structure to help manufacture, promote, distribute, publish and license our creations.

CD sales are only the "physical" product. The intellectual properties can generate more money through licensing than CD sales at times.

For an example of something local check out Patrick Contreras. This was done literally as he says at the end "Just Foolin' around".

http://www.myspace.com/patrickcontreras

Steve

Recording

Steve,

I think that the recording/record label idea is great. It's funny how limited we get when it comes to economic development, people always think of landing a company or manufacturer from another place.

Think about the Grand Ol' Opry radio show as one of the best economic development models in American history. You have an old church (Ryman Audiroium), you get a local emcee, you sign-up a few radio hours, you invite people to come and play/sing, you invite the good/popular ones back, the audience growns, and more musicians are attracted, new clubs open, a scene is created. What is the ecominc impact of that original radio show on Nashville? How did they take an authentic form of creativity and turn it into an industry? Was it part of a huge plan...no! It started with an old theater, a few promoters, some talent, and it grew over time. Austin has done much of the same thing as Nashville.

What is our sound? where do we go to hear it? Could we start with Sunday nights at the Tower? Open mike nights? Get a local radio or cable channel to give access? Give/sell recording time to bands that are good. Have the Bee print names of the local favorites for downloadable purchase?

Craig
What is an authentic community?

Records?

How about the Record company idea, Craig, any comment or interest?
Has anyone else expressed interest in such a thing?

Steve

And I...

would love to be your first customer!

Craig
What is an authentic community?

One of my favorite things to

One of my favorite things to do in Texas was go to the Alamo Draft House which was a movie theater/restaraunt/comedy club etc. all rolled into one. It is a normal looking movie theater but every other row is pulled out and a table is put in so you can go and order food and get served dinner while you watch your movie. That by itself is great but it really gets good when you they do Mystery Science Theater spoofs of bad movies where a few comedians sit in front and make fun of the movie while you are watching it and my all-time favorite, the sing-a-long. The R. Kelly Trapped in the Closet Sing-a-long was fantastic (my stomach still hurts from laughing). They also would play cartoons and serve cereal and had a plethora of theme nights. I realize this is completely unoriginal as I have clearly stolen this idea but it is truly a great time and I think it could do well here. Oh yeah they also serve booze, did I mention the booze? Anyway I would love to open one here. That is all.

PollStar Records

Fresno has had many record labels all independent.

If Fresno ever got a national record label, I think Pollstar could do it but then Pollstar maybe located in Fresno and deal with national music concert listings, but they rarely support local music besides employing local musicians.

Pollstar, Inc.
4697 W. Jacquelyn Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722-6413
559-271-7900

Fresno Music is Unique

I agree with Steve. Fresno needs a record label. There are several good bands and artists here and they will leave to the bright lights of the big city. I would suggest a Fresno music party. A jam session that bring togther all different genres.

There is a Fresno Sound and a style that should be explored. Music is a individual art that impacts and speaks to many.

Local Record company?

Craig,
My Fantasy business is a Valley-centric Record Company with national distribution.
We've got tons of musical talent in Fresno and no seriously organized and financed local record company.
It should be as artist friendly as possible and open to the styles from soft rock and pop to folk and country.
I think Alt rock, Hip Hop and heavy metal all have local labels already.

I am NOT qualified to run any part of this business. I know only general information about promotion, publishing, talent management, manufacturing and distribution.

I do know that an album project that once cost $100,000 or more is now $10 to $25 grand. and initial CD pressing has gone from $1500/1000 units to under $800/1000.

What I DO know is the music.

I'm currently involved with two CD projects.

There are several other young artists I would develop and produce if I could.

I'm not the only producer in town who needs a label to feed projects to.

The question is: Does anyone in the Fresno Business community and financial community share this dream with me? Shouldn't we take the talent here seriously before they move away?

If money grew on trees...

Oh what fun I would have!

First, I would start my own urban design firm downtown. Dream project: to redesign the parcel on which the Dollartree store currently sits in the Tower.

Second, I would become a developer specializing in the adaptive reuse of historic buildings in Fresno. What an expensive dream!!

Third, I would love to start a non-profit buying old, historic, blighted houses in the Fulton/Lowell/Jefferson area, restoring them, and then sell them to the renters at a crazy affordable price.

Thanks for looking...

It's funny how you mention a 'weekend long' reggae festival. Technically, and trust me 'cuz in the past nine years I've been to hundreds of them, a reggae festival IS all weekend long, and usually (but not always) includes camping at the spot. If it's just for a day, or a few hours like the Tower District does once a year, it's just another show. Writing the word 'festival' on a flier does not make it so...

I've thought about that very same Valley Craftsmen idea too. Small world! I'd join something like that, and even help in contributing a website for it, but I simply don't have the time to organize another project.

I'd like to see an art co-op that includes a big supportive gallery. Members could show there stuff there in exchange for working in it a few times a year. Even Madera has one. It's small, but they have one!

-s

Spirit Pots are incredible!

Two more ideas:

1) Weekend-long reggae fest on the Fulton Mall in 2007. The City Parks department appears ready to work with folks who will bring people downtown.

2)League of Central Valley Craftsmen. Not original. I saw this in New Hampshire and thought it was a great idea. I don't remember how to do a direct link, so you'd have to cut and paste: http://www.nhcrafts.org/

They have retail shops in every downtown to promote sales of their member's work. Local support their craftspeople, visitors love to buy something authentic.

Craig
What is an authentic community?

Craig...

...here:

http://www.richardmooreceramics.com

I haven't updated it in a while. I'll have some shows coming up too, but I'll post 'em up here later. Getting ready to do some serious saggar fired work too...

-s

dream bidness

bike co-op.
dispense tools and philosophy.
watch people walk in & roll on
happier and healthier for the experience

CPS!

I'm with you on all of your ideas...saurkraut, please!

I've thought about the chicken pie shop too, what a great late-night hangout that would be. I talked to Gary, the owenr, about a post-party after last year's Rebecca Ryan lecture...he was all for it.

Craig
What is an authentic community?

you're dreamy

i've always wanted to own a hot dog restaurant. something nice, with specialized tastes, but also with the old mainstays.

another i'd love to do is open an art-house/2nd run movie theater. casual, laid back atmosphere, seating in couches w/tables. serve food & drinks. it's been done elsewhere, and it makes me want to do it here.

finally, i'd love to invest in the chicken pie shop, but open an "after hours" shift. open the place up from like 11-4, for the after bar crowd. really, don't you want some eggs and bacon after a few?

Great Question my friend!

I have three dream businesses.

• One is a Personal Assistant for the Day type of business. You need someone to help you get a party ready or run errands with and hulk your bags around shopping or make a ridiculous amount of phone calls. Sort of a jack of all trades at your disposal.
• I've always wanted to own a nightclub place in town that was insanely versatile. A pool hall where you could drop the tables into the floor and have a small concert venue or night club and TVs where you could have a sports bar and even multiple internet port access so it would like an internet cafe as well. I think Fresno needs a place where you don't feel it is such a specified niche.
• My dream business is a BBQ restaurant that borrows some performance cooking styles from Teppanyaki.

But...I dream.

I'm a bull in a ceramics shop

Where can we see/buy your work?

Craig
What is an authentic community?

I be...

...a FULL TIME potter, ceramacist. One day I'll get there, but for now, I slave for the man...

-s