Much has been written here over time and in numerous threads about
attracting more people to mechanical music.

In the 2015 AMICA Convention held last week in Denver, Colorado, the
closing event was a concert that drew over 300 members of the public!
It was promoted as a musical trip to yesterday with teasers as to the
types of entertainment to be presented.  Convention organizer Jere
DeBacker had the idea that a vintage music event that included AMICA
but that featured other music and similar entertainment of the period
might draw about 100 members of the public to a stage that could also
be used to promote AMICA.  He was wrong.  Over 300 tickets were sold
to the public, who joined over 100 AMICA members that concluded with
a standing ovation by all!

Start with an acoustically balanced concert hall with room on stage
for four magnificently restored Melville Clark Apollo player pianos
of varying vintage and features.  Play some rolls illustrating piano
features and different music types spaced between other evening
entertainment.   Add two well-known superb ragtime pianists playing
both solo and four-handed arrangements.  Inject a period dance troupe
in costume dancing to music of the period played from a piano roll.
Insert a storyteller with personality and costumes accompanied by
a pianist.  Bring it all together in a three-hour fast paced show of
quality entertainment.

During intermission, AMICA's President gave a brief explanation and
recruiting pitch for AMICA.  Brochures were available for more
information.  Quite possibly, AMICA will gain new members from this
innovative recruitment entertainment.

The message is that every area has different opportunities, but if
thoughtfully presented and used to promote period music and
entertainment with AMICA as part, one can gain considerable notice
and interest!

Want to know more specifics and details, see a complete review with
pictures, and have a greater appreciation for this event?  See the next
November - December AMICA Bulletin!   http://www.amica.org/ 

Glenn Thomas - The AMICA Bulletin  - editor and publisher
Princeton, New Jersey
wurlitzer165@comcast.net.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]