DIY

Brendan Dolan gets the music out there

by Bob Gulla

The Slip

When Brandon Dolan first got into the music business not too long ago, he was surprised at the resistance he encountered. While he was doing nothing more than trying to promote a band within a sort of managerial role, he found doors closed on him before he could even get a word out.

But instead of folding his arms and storming off to sulk, the Scituate-born Dolan hunkered down and plotted an alternative strategy. If venues and booking agents didnít give a ratís ass about him, his band, or what he had to say, then heíd book his own shows and produce his own events. The upshot of one of his initial DIY efforts comes in the form of the first annual Stone House Music Festival, which takes place this weekend at Stepping Stone Ranch in Escoheag.

ìWe werenít getting a lot of support and it was really frustrating,î says Dolan. ìRadio stations werenít happening, clubs werenít happening. So we decided to make things happen for ourselves.î Originally an employee in the Waldenbooks chain, Dolan had virtually no experience in the music business. But that didnít stop him from digging in with both feet. When a co-worker who also played in a band, Tom Lanigan of Screaming Under Stars, was impressed with his wherewithal, he asked Dolan to manage his group. Ever the enterpriser, Dolan immediately began seeking out opportunities. He booked a show at the Ocean Mist sponsored in part by WHJY, which would record the show and play some of the tracks on their local music program, Sound Check. But it didnít quite work out the way Dolan had planned it. ìThey recorded all this music and didnít play one track from my band!î

So Dolan, undeterred, jumpstarted something called New Englandís First Raw Music Invitational, a ìcontestî featuring 24 local bands engaged in an acoustic tÍte-[[daggerdbl]]-tÍte. The event, which stretched for nine weeks and drew remarkably well, was won by Jon Tierney and the Truth. The grassroots promoting and marketing began taking shape. So he soldiered on, even though, he admits, ìEverybodyís been trying to talk me out of it since I started doing this.î

ìIíve been doing some reading about the Dead,î Dolan says, ìand the way they worked to create their own scene. What they did was work together with people and not care so much about the money. They just wanted to get the music out there. Weíre trying to follow in those footsteps.î

The Stone House Festival in Escoheag is a huge leap from 200 heads a night in a pub atmosphere (a la the Raw Music Invitational) to expecting 2000 down at the Ranch. But so it is, and a leap of faith at that. With local jam heroes the Slip and the Miracle Orchestra, along with Screaming Under Stars, Mr. Lincoln, Bonnis Herd, and Jon Tierney, Dolan has assembled an inspired, musically-oriented, locally-based lineup. Still, heís headed into uncharted waters. ìFirst year events like this donít normally draw well,î he admits. ìWeíve done our part as far as advertising and promotion,î adding that heís flyered and advertised to the tune of $12,000. ìIíd love to get 2000 people for the first year ó that would be awesome.î

Well, thus far heís played his cards right. He hasnít gone and done it on the cheap. Heís booked solid talent, and has worked hard to get the word out. If the show becomes a success ó and you can help it happen ó then Dolan will take a long stride in developing a name for himself in the local music business. Not to mention the fact that local music itself will get a shot in the arm from his fresh ideas and new energy. We all know folks need to step up in this area. ìNine months ago no one knew who I was,î he says. ìI havenít put a dime in my pocket from any event weíve put on. But Iím hoping that what goes around comes around if you stick with it.î

Dolan also has some other irons in the fire. He has set aside seven dates at the Providence Performing Arts Center, hoping to secure one for jam-band icons Widespread Panic. ìUltimately, itís about playing shows every chance we get,î says Dolan. In fact, Screaming Under Stars were offered a gig at a private party immediately following their Stone House show, and, after consulting with Dolan, decided theyíd be foolish not to do it. ìWe have to put music first, above and beyond everything and everyone else,î he says. When asked, though, about his agenda ó is he working in the sceneís best interest or in the interest of his band ó Dolanís candor shines. ìBelieve me: we definitely have an agenda. I put Screaming Under Stars in a good slot at the weekend festival. Itís a great opportunity for us. But itís also a great opportunity for all the other bands on the bill. Since the first event, Iíve made some alliances and worked pretty closely with about four or five bands and weíve booked some pretty good shows.î

Then he considers another idea: ìWhat Iíd really like to see happen and what I think would be best for local bands, is to rally a few together to go out on tour. That would be an original idea. The acoustic showcase was a unique idea, too, I think, and so is this festival. Somethingís gotta give, right?î

All ages are encouraged to attend the Stone House Music Festival. All proceeds from the parking lot as well as a portion of ticket sales are being donated to the American Diabetes Association. It takes place on Saturday, August 18; the parking lot opens at 10 a.m., gates at 11, and music from noon to 11 p.m. For information, call Brandon Dolan or Tom Lanigan at 647-4309.

WANDERING EYE. Tonight (Thursday the 16th) , at the Met, two of the areaís finest team up. Bobís Day Off and the Jim James Band play for a meager $7. Dress Betty opens. On Friday, local guitar hero Ricky Valente shows his stuff at Lupoís. My, how heís grown!

On Friday over at the Call, Roomful of Blues gets down with up-and-coming locals Drawn Butter. And donít forget the other cool blues happening at the Newport Blues CafÈ.

E-mail with music news at b_gulla@yahoo.com.