January...February...My time flies by!

With the holidays it’s been quiet here at the Co-Op, but now that it’s all over…we’re the warmest place to fill your new year’s resolution of getting things done. Come record an album or edit a movie!

Thanks to Ben Balser who did a special podcast about the Lafayette Co-Op last week! Send it on to people you think may be interested in learning more about what we do here!

Since Feb is almost here (woah!) and with it comes Mardi Gras, I’m just gonna spill the beans for the workshops over the next 6 weeks. If there was something in 2009 that you know you want us to do again, send me an email and I’ll do my best to bring it back. Please note the Co-Op will have special hours (9a-5p) on Thurs, Feb 25th because of the all day workshop that day!

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Upcoming Events:

Tues, Jan 19th 6pmSHARP - Video Codecs with Kris Wotipka -->AT AOC!<-- NEXT WEEK!
Tues, Jan 26th 5:30 - The Art of Creative Merch with Jillian Johnson
Wed, Feb 3rd 5:30 - Managing and Booking Bands with Johnny Palazzotto and Lisa Stafford
Wed, Feb 10th 5:30 - Intro Final Cut Pro with David Webber
Thurs, Feb 25th 9am-5pm (CANCELED!) - Compositing And Mattes with Ben Balser
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"Read More" for workshop descriptions!

Tues, Jan 19th - 6pmSHARP Video Codecs with Kris Wotipka -->AT AOC!<-- Codecs are the evil little letters and numbers that loom over your head and mine. Every video you take has some sort of video encoding that can make or break the happiness of your editing process. Kris one of those experts in most every technology and has the rare brain for retaining codec information. Join him as he explains how they work and the who-what-whens of using them. This class will happen AT AOC AND DOORS CLOSE AT 6 PM!!! No late comers. 124 East Main Street (ACFM entrance) two blocks from the Co-Op. You must either be a member of AOC or a current paid member of the Co-Op to attend, OR you can pay a $25 registration fee in advance. A little confusing, so contact me if you have questions. Tues, Jan 26th 5:30 The Art of Creative Merch with Jillian Johnson
Jillian Johnson, Merchandising Tsar, will go talk about the importance of having merch, how to go from idea to product, and being creative with it. Whether it be Valentine’s with your artwork, postcards for your band, or even just buttons, there are simple ways to create more merch and more money for yourself. Jillian’s posters cover our walls here, and you can see her fingerprints on the merch of everything she’s involved with, from Blackpot Festival’s oodles of items to band merch for her own projects. Jillian’s aesthetic and creative visions go way beyond craft, or art, or marketing.

Wed, Feb 3rd 5:30 Managing and Booking Bands with Johnny Palazzotto and Lisa Stafford
I’m not going to candy coat this: it’s hard work to book shows and it’s hard work to manage a band. But you can do it! Whether it be your own career or someone else’s, Lisa and Johnny have countless years under their belts working in the music industry and will spend the time to pass their knowledge on to you. Lisa Stafford has worked at Festival International booking the bands for as long as I can remember and manages all sorts of bands from Cedric Watson to Feufollet. Johnny Palazzotto is a forty year veteran of the regional, national and international entertainment industry, has been instrumental in making the rest of the world aware of numerous Louisiana artists, and is making the trek from Baton Rouge just to co-present this workshop!

Wed, Feb 10th 5:30 Intro Final Cut Pro with David Webber
David Webber is a teacher among teachers, and will join us this night to go over the basics of using Final Cut Pro. If you are interested in video editing and want to learn how to go more pro, or if you’re already pro looking for a refresher, join David’s journey into the wide ocean that is Final Cut Pro.

Thurs, Feb 25th 9am-5pm (CANCELED!) Compositing And Mattes with Ben Balser
This one day free seminar will show students the tools and technique to build effective video composites and mattes using Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Mocha For FCP. Topics will include Composite Modes, Chorma Keying, stock & custom mattes, keyframe basics, image stabilization, and tracking. This will be one full, very intensive day of valuable information that can help develop your work and skills to a new level. A Consultant, Educator, Author, Composer, Ben Balser is a truly multifaceted individual blazing new territory for the local industry. Among his many achievements he founded the South Louisiana Final Cut Pro Users Group, Event DV’s “Cut Lines”, New Orleans Video Access Center’s AATC program, and brings nationally renowned personalities to southeast Louisiana.

Women in Circuit Bending

And don’t forget! We have two more workshops this year, one is next week!

Tues, Dec 1st, 5:30pm NEXT WEEK
Cynthia Simien teaches Women In Music

Wed, Dec 9th, 5:30
David Webber teaches Circuit Bending 101





Tues, Dec 1st, 5:30pm NEXT WEEK
Cynthia Simien teaches Women In Music

Time Magazine and Maria Shriver recently conducted an extensive study about the State of the American Woman and determined that for the first time in our history women make up the majority of the work force in this country. Learn about the opportunities the music industry holds for women, why women are generally good in business and how we are unique in our approach that makes us an asset to the music industry.

Cynthia Simien’s accomplishments are impressive to say the least, but here’s a go at at: An agent, manager, booker, event promoter and publicist for music events and artists, Cynthia has established several music businesses. She has been on Grammy boards since 04 and in April
2007 was elected National Trustee by The Recording Academy (Grammys) and reelected in 2009 for a second consecutive term. She is the first from Louisiana to hold this position and the first female Trustee elected by our Memphis Chapter since it was established 35 years ago. Cynthia is one of 11 women out of a total of 41 National Recording Academy Trustees
and was instrumental in creating the Cajun/Zydeco Grammy category. In
2007 she was appointed by Governor Kathleen Blanco to be on the newly formed Louisiana Music Commission and reappointed again by Governor Jindal.



Wed, Dec 9th, 5:30
David Webber teaches Circuit Bending 101: The Art of the Creative Short Circuit

This circuit bending presentation will consist of a lecture and then a live circuit bending demonstration. No prior knowledge or experience necessary. If you are interested in this, I really think you should come. Here’s the wikipedia entry for those really curious, but the idea is that you alter the circuits of electronic devices, like a kid’s toy, to create new, interesting sounds. It’s pretty nerdy and experimental, but reallllly cool. Check out David’s art, too. Also, David says that if it goes well enough he wants to do a follow up class of just hands on circuit bending. So show him you care!

David Webber is an Assistant Professor of Media Art at University of Louisiana at Lafayette and is builder of electronic musical instruments.

And It's Been One Year.

Friends, musicians, artists, parents, wives, sons….

Today marks one year that the Tipitina’s Music Office Co-Op has been open in Lafayette, and I would like to say a personal THANK YOU to all of you who have made it a really amazing year. We have exceeded all expectations, and with over 200 members, your gracious donations, unspeakably giving volunteers, and the general community spirit of our community, it is no wonder.

With that, of course, I have to say that we need your continued support to keep providing these much needed resources. Please consider choosing us when thinking about who to give your tax deductible (501c3) donations to this holiday season whether it be as a gift to your family or in the name of your love for local arts & music. If you would like to give us physical gifts, please contact me and I can rattle off a whole slew of things that would enhance the Co-Op, from headphone splitters to sound proofing materials to mac computers.

Again, THANK YOU to you, our gracious, loving community for all of your support.

Come by sometime and let me tell you in person!

Lighting for Film Encore!

On Tuesday, Nov 17^th, 5:30-7 ALLISON BOHL is doing her in-demand “Lighting for Film with what you can buy at your local hardware store”

So many of you missed it and pleaded for an encore, I forgot to film it, everyone who went loved it, so what the heck, it’s here again! Come out and listen to Allison’s thoughts and ideas and realities and experiences about lighting on a low budget. I won’t give away her secrets now, but it’s a cool class to take, and can apply to photography as well. For those who haven't seen her Reel yet, check it out below!

We only have a few classes left in the rest of the year 'cause I know everyone's calendars are getting a little busier this time of year. Keep your eyes out for more info on Cynthia Simien's class on 'Women In Music' Dec 1st, and David Webber's 'Circuit Bending' Dec 8th!

ALLISON BOHL REEL from Allison Bohl on Vimeo.

Last week Herman Fuselier (The Times, The Advertiser, OffBeat) and Dege Legg (the Independent) led a workshop on how to get press. Herman wrote an article about it that was in the Advertiser on Friday. His tips are below ("read more"), but you can see the whole article here.

• What makes your music unique? Why should anyone listen? Sell your music to the writer or editor, but be realistic and be brief. You think your band's first CD is funkier than anything ever put out by James Brown. But it's probably not.
  Be original, which is a hard sell to a public stuck on Brown Eyed Girl and The Back Door. But no artist became a legend by playing other people's songs.

• Is your music really ready for prime time? Technology allows anyone to record a CD in a back bedroom. But it shouldn't look and sound like it was produced in your bedroom. I've received many CDs with distorted sound, misspelled words and blurry pictures. Your presentation says how serious you are about your craft.

• Have some patience. With so many bands, so many CDs and so little space to publish it all, it may take weeks or months to publicize your music. Frankly, some music may not get in at all.

• Get listed in the entertainment calendar or music listings. It only takes a phone call or e-mail to get your band's gig listed in the calendar. It's free, yet it's amazing how many bands don't participate or wait for someone else to do it for them.
  Thousands of readers plan their weekends around these listings. But they can't go to your gigs if they don't know about them. Band listings are one of the easiest, quickest ways to get publicity. Did I mention they're free?

• Join the online social networks. As much as it hurts me as a print guy to suggest another medium, I must say you might as well not have a band and music event if you don't have a presence on MySpace or Facebook.
  Facebook has 200 million users. An estimated 100 million check their accounts at least once a day. Thousands of them live here and could be hearing your music. They're not if you're not online.

• Do your best and never stop. Your break will take months, perhaps years. You'll give away more CDs than you sell. But when you give your all and refuse to quit, people will talk about you. You'll get good gigs. You'll get more press coverage than you ever imagined. Just never give up.

But Still You Gotta Learn

So it's October. I know, I know. Lots of festivals, lots of good weather, lots of outdoors time. But hey, you gotta stay sharp! Keep learning! We've got a great month of workshops ahead. "Read More" for full descriptions.

Tues 6^th 5:30-7 Tony Daigle will do Advanced Pro Tools
Wed 14^th 5:30-7 Dege Legg, Herman Fuselier, and Cody Daigle will have a discussion on getting printed press
Thurs 15^th 6:00-7 Yahfu will lead a workshop on Slam Poetry
Tues 20^th Downtown T-Shirts’ Tom Brown will do Silk-Screening
Tues 27^th 5:30-7 Kody Chamberlain will teach Storyboarding

(image by Kody Chamberlain)

Tues, Oct. 6^th, 5:30-7

Some people call him Tony, some people call him Mr. Daigle. And still, some people just call him "good." Come and hang out while Tony Daigle teaches his Advanced Pro Tools class. This class will be for those of you who already know how to use Pro Tools and are looking for some more advanced tips n tricks.

Wed, Oct 14^th, 5:30-7
So you have a gig in town, your first art show is up, AND you are going on tour. Let's face it, you wanna get some press. But who do you send it to, what do you send, and when? Look no further! Cody Daigle (The Times, The Advertiser); Dege Legg (The Independent), & Herman Fuselier (The Times, The Advertiser, OffBeat, more?) will have a discussion then Q&A on how to go about getting press.

Thurs, Oct 15^th, 6-7pm
They say everyone's a poet, and this might be our time to find out. Yahfu, local Slam Poet extraordinaire, will lead a workshop on Slam Poetry--some history, how to do it, and info on our own blossoming Slam Poetry scene here in Lafayette.

Tues, Oct. 20^th, time TBA
Tom Brown is going to help us all learn to customize our own shirts, bags, coozies, shoes LP covers... you name it. His Silk-Screening workshop is the first of a new series on how to make your own merch. We will learn what the basics are to make your own screens and print up large quantities of the image of your dreams. It's recommended you wear appropriate clothes as inks and chemicals may be around. Tom's been in this business for years and started out with his own little DIY operation. His shop, Downtown T-Shirts, is just 2 blocks away from the Co-Op at Lee and Vermilion.

Tues, Oct. 27^th, 5:30-7
Hold the phone--Storyboarding taught by visual artist Kody Chamberlain--really? From Scorsese to Disney, storyboarding has earned a reputation as being a vital part of the filmmaking process. But what if you can't draw and your budget doesn't have room for an artist? Kody will reveal a variety of NO-COST techniques to supercharge your creativity and productivity with storyboarding. Little to no drawing skills required!
His bio is too long to list here, but, with all respect to Kody, here's the Proper Nouns to give you an idea of his scope and talent: Paramount, Landscape, Universal Pictures, Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Image Comics, Harper Collins, BOOM! Studios, IDW Publishing, TOPPS' Indiana Jones Heritage Series, 'MySpace Artist of the Month', MacWorld, and--yes--country singer Trace Adkins. Kody is a man about Lafayette and whose studio, again, is mere blocks from the Co-Op.

This is a new month, with new things to think about.

Here is the table of contents of our latest offerings! More info on the events after the break.

Wed, 9th 6-7pm Wayne Curtis goes over Basic Acoustic Guitar Repair (bring your guitar!)
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Tues, 15th 6-7pm Missy Dupreast teaches Live Sound
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Wed, 23rd 10am-noon a hearing conservation workshop at UL
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Wed, 23rd 5:30-7pm Allison Bohl presents Lighting For Film...with what you can buy at a hardware store
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Wed, 30th 6-7pm Brian Richard will talk about Digital Photography (bring your camera!)

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Wed, 9th 6-7pm Wayne Curtis goes over Basic Acoustic Guitar Repair (bring your guitar!)
Wayne taught the electric guitar repair class last month, three people brought guitars, some unplayable, and left with total jammers. It was really awesome! So if you have an acoustic that needs some TLC from a pro, bring it in next week and have Wayne teach us all what to do to make it sound the best it can. If we have time, he will be your guitar’s Registered Nurse for the night, too.

Tues, 15th 6-7pm Missy Dupreast teaches Live Sound
Missy teaches at the ULL music dept and decided it’s just not enough, so she’s gonna do something here, too! Missy will bring in a PA and mixer from Show & Tell Productions and show us how to set it up, use it, and if we are lucky how to wrap up cables. If you are interested in putting on your own shows, touring, or just want an intro into live sound, this is for you.

Wed, 23rd 10am-noon Dr. Willey, a really great music prof over at UL, has organized a hearing conservation workshop that is free and open to the public! Definitely worth checking out, will happen on UL campus. More info at www.music.louisiana.edu/hearing/

Wed, 23rd 5:30-7pm Allison Bohl presents Lighting For Film...with what you can buy at a hardware store
We all love Allison’s classes here at the Co-Op, and are excited for her encore lighting for film class. The last one focused on what you could do with expensive equipment you can rent, but this time Allison will talk about things you can buy down the street on an affordable budget to make professional lighting.

Wed, 30th 6-7pm Brian Richard will talk about Digital Photography (bring your camera!)
Brian is a man who wears many artistic hats, but his specialty by schooling is in photography. Just back from doing film work in Australia, Brian is going to talk about how to take the best photos with digital cameras. Feel free to bring yours in so he can specify what he talks about to the needs of those attending.

Want to learn Photoshop? Just a reminder we have a man who wants to help you learn! Local photographer Jason Cohen is available for one on one lessons with anyone interested in perfecting their image editing skills. Give me a buzz if you wanna make an appointment with him!