What a week it’s been! It’s getting so that a guy can’t simply procrastinate and push a deadline on a newspaper article. This week, I was late because I had no choice. (Of course, the fact that the would-be subject was incommunicado in New Mexico didn’t help.)
On top of this, my radio shifts, my volunteer work, and certain personal obligations, I knew I had to push myself if I was ever going to get the new Planet of the Apes boxed set on to “Picture Perfect.” Even getting four or five hours sleep on three consecutive nights, there was not enough time in the day. The “Apes” show was recorded and in the can only by around 1:00 on Friday afternoon. (Deadline for weekend shows is Thursday.)
That in itself might not be enough to draw sympathetic tears, but when I produce new material for “Picture Perfect” and “The Lost Chord,” I do not get paid. The only way I receive compensation for all my hard work is if the shows have an underwriter. And I’ve been working without an underwriter for over a year. Which is why, from time to time, you may dimly recollect having once or twice previously heard a show. I’m pretty good at disguising leftovers, but in a pinch and at the end of a long week, sometimes I just have to dole out a rerun.
With my schedule, If I’m to produce a new show for free, I really have to be enthusiastic about it.
How can you help? You can message me with any suggestions for potential underwriters.
Also, in connection to my newspaper work, if you have any ideas for really interesting, music-related stories with a local slant, please let me know. The local slant is important. U.S. 1 (based in Princeton) prefers to emphasize a community angle. While the story can certainly tie in with your favorite organization’s upcoming concert, the hook should be something that inspires community interest.
That said, if they’re planning an important or unique concert, a profile of the organization, performer or conductor may be enough. But if they’ve been profiled recently, please don’t be disappointed if I can’t get the go-ahead to do the story, and they wind up as a listing in the arts calendar.
Again, please feel free to message me with any leads or suggestions. Thank you for your help in keeping Classic Ross Amico solvent (if sleepless).
