I've been volunteering for Folsom Live for many years, and have been on the planning committee. Feedback is always appreciated. To give you some perspective, over the years feedback has been contradictory:
Attendees send emails, write letters and call saying:
'You need more cover bands. We want to hear songs we know' - and - 'NO MORE COVER BANDS! We want original music!'
'Bring back classic soul and rock musicians who are still touring' - and - 'No more has-been old rockers from the county fair circuit. We want current stuff!'
'You should bring in more nationally known headliners, not local bands that we can see any weekend around here' - and - 'Instead of headliners, you should focus on local bands'.
Each year, post-Live feedback is - 'This was the best LIVE EVER! Can't wait 'til next year' - and - 'This was the worst Live ever. I'll never go again.'
Last year, in an effort to appease neighbors who complained of closed streets, merchants who complained that their customers shouldn't have to buy a ticket to the event in order to have dinner at their restaurants or buy merchandise at their shops, the city council who get the calls and letters, and the police/city officials who have to close off streets, the venue was moved off of the street and onto the Railroad Plaza and Trader Lane lots.
This resulted in calls and emails stating that it was the best ever, with lots of room to sit and hang out - and - it was the worst ever, there was no room to sit or hang out and made it too crowded. One even complained that it was false advertising because it said 'Sutter Street Rocks' and it wasn't really on Sutter.
Merchants complained that because it wasn't on Sutter, people weren't going into their establishments to eat or buy merchandise.
At least there were fewer complaints from neighbors about closed streets.
Keeping in mind all of the complaints and suggestions, the Chamber of Commerce is going to do it again. I think there will be some headliners, some cover bands and some local talent.
Look for announcements in the coming months on dates and location.
This year, part of the plaza will be under construction with the new Round House building breaking ground soon.
Keep the suggestions coming!
