I recently had a whirlwind weekend planning events, spreading cheer and selling concert gear…yes, you read that right. I am a huge fan for the up and coming country duo from Nashville called Haley & Michaels. (I refer to them as H&M) I’m up front and center with them because the “Haley” of H&M is the daughter of a good friend of mine. In fact, my friend and another one of my great friends have collaborated together and formed their own independent record label called, Graybird Music, LLC to support these amazingly, creative artists.
A few weeks ago, Haley & Michaels opened for the oldie but goodie, Clint Black in Thousand Oaks, California. H&M performed in the beautiful Fred Kavli Theatre for the Performing Arts and dazzled the crowd with their sensual ballads and sassy songs. I came along not only to listen and support these country rock stars, but to also help sell their merchandise, such as CDs and t-shirts to the concert-goers. This is where I learned the music industry term, merch…short for merchandise! I guess when you’re in the business that’s what it’s called. Ha!
The fun part was how I got to display the merch, which is something I really know how to do. Presentation is key, as I always say. I cinched in the t-shirts to make them look form fitting and then I spread out the CD’s in a fun and fashionable way interspersed with email sign-up cards.
What helped sell more merch is that I approached mostly everyone who walked by me with a happy smile, announced that the opening act was going to rock their socks off and asked them to please stop by after the show to purchase their very own CD and to get it autographed personally by Haley & Michaels themselves. I was amazed at how many of these fans actually came back to the table to applaud the musicians. I also, acknowledged these same people thanking them for coming back and spreading their support as they handed me a crisp $10 for the CD! Then these same folks met Haley & Michaels who were standing by the merch table as they autographed the CD and shared smiles and warm handshakes with their current and newfound fans. These are special people Haley & Michaels. Marvelous musicians.
Unwrapping CDs and folding t-shirts? Needless to say, it's "The Price I Pay” when you’re a groupie like me!
If you’d like a dynamic duo, like Haley & Michaels perform at your next house party, corporate event or concert hall, just ask!
Funny Fact: While waiting for the hotel elevator, an older dude with his guitar bag on his back was also standing there and the social butterfly that I am, asked, “Do you play in a band?” With a wry smile, he kindly replied, “I used to play for The Doors!” I think I heard him mumble...I love her madly. Hee Hee! Yep, my claim to fame that day. Check!
H&M, you’ll always be wanted…
