tag:dianachittester.com,2005:/blogs/covid-19-and-surviving-as-an-independent-artist-fdc90e1e-a813-460b-a57e-026960849a39?p=2Diana Chittester News Feed2022-11-01T10:23:06-04:00Diana Chittesterfalsetag:dianachittester.com,2005:Post/70929642022-11-01T10:23:06-04:002023-10-16T10:58:41-04:00Cleveland-Based Singer-Songwriter Diana Chittester Joins Tim Ryan Campaign<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/174416/6e3b2f7dc1881d44b21654aa0bb7b5d8a700032e/original/lisa-ann-ferring-mandel.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> photo credit: LISA ANN FERRING MANDEL</p>
<p style="text-align: right;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Cleveland-Based Singer-Songwriter Diana Chittester Joins Tim Ryan Campaign</b></p>
<p>(November 1, 2022) — After performing an opening set for Jackson Browne at a recent Tim Ryan fundraising event, Diana Chittester was invited to join Ryan’s remaining closing rallies leading up to election day. Between Wednesday, November 2 through Monday, November 7, Chittester will provide pre-program music for Ryan’s Workers First Tour rallies across Ohio, including stops in Toledo, Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Akron, and Youngstown.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>11/02: <a href="https://www.mobilize.us/2022coordinatedcommittee/event/531536/">Toledo, Ohio</a></p>
<p>11/03: <a href="https://www.mobilize.us/2022coordinatedcommittee/event/531537/">Dayton, Ohio</a></p>
<p>11/04: <a href="https://www.mobilize.us/2022coordinatedcommittee/event/531540/">Cincinnati, Ohio</a></p>
<p>11/06: <a href="https://www.mobilize.us/2022coordinatedcommittee/event/531541/">Cleveland, Ohio</a></p>
<p>11/07: <a href="https://www.mobilize.us/2022coordinatedcommittee/event/531542/">Akron, Ohio</a></p>
<p>11/07: <a href="https://www.mobilize.us/2022coordinatedcommittee/event/531544/">Youngstown, Ohio</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Many of the rallies are right outside of voting centers to encourage early voting for this year’s Midterm election. Diana will be performing renditions of patriotic classics such as “America the Beautiful” and Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land.” Ohioans are encouraged to attend the rallies. To find a list of cities and locations, please visit: <a contents="timforoh.com/gotv" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://timforoh.com/gotv" target="_blank">timforoh.com/gotv</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Voting is our most powerful tool. Though all elections are important a lot is at stake in this race. We need to get out and vote to protect reproductive rights, marriage equality, and to secure democracy.” — Diana Chittester</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Tim Ryan</b> is a lifelong Ohioan who lives just a few miles from the house where he grew up in Niles and has spent his career fighting for Ohio workers. He’s seen in his community what happens when our politics and our economy aren’t working for working people. And he understands that there’s nothing more patriotic than investing in our team, bringing good-paying jobs to Ohio, and making sure our workers can compete with countries around the world — and win.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Diana Chittester</b> has been building a reputation as one of the area’s most gifted guitar players, intimate songwriters, and forceful vocalists over the past decade, releasing a series of albums that display her growing confidence and ability to communicate feelings that are deeply personal yet universal. Diana has shared the stage with Lyle Lovett, Gin Blossoms, The Accidentals, Joan Osborne, Peter Mulvey, Chris Trapper, Lisa Loeb, and Colin Hay; performed at venues across the eastern U.S. and Canada including Kent State Performing Arts Center, City Winery DC, Showplace Performance Centre, Evening Muse, Cain Park, Music Box Supper Club, and The Ark; performed on Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour and Songs at the Center which airs on PBS.</p>
<p> </p>Diana Chittestertag:dianachittester.com,2005:Post/64855302020-11-25T13:13:34-05:002020-11-25T13:13:34-05:00Teaching Artist with the Ohio Arts Council<p><span class="font_large">I am so proud to announce that in October 2020 I was accepted as a <strong>Teaching Artist with the Ohio Arts Council</strong>. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">What does this prestigious</span><span class="font_large"> title mean?<br>Teaching artists are professional artists who are dedicated to the arts, arts education, and arts integration with other subjects. Teaching artists are not arts teachers employed by schools. They are community members who partner with schools and other educational providers to deliver performances, workshops, and/or longer-term residency programs. Teaching artists work to supplement and build on existing arts and non-arts curricula and do not supplant the work of licensed or certified arts educators.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This online Teaching Artist Roster represents Ohio artists who demonstrate artistic excellence; the ability to integrate academic content; effective classroom management and student engagement; and strong communication with education, arts, and cultural partners. Teaching artists on this roster are vetted by an application and observation process and are required to participate in on-going professional development to provide the highest quality arts education experiences and grow their teaching artist knowledge and skills.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16.8px;">Learn more <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://oac.ohio.gov/Resources/Ohio-Teaching-Artist-Roster" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span></p>Diana Chittestertag:dianachittester.com,2005:Post/64815652020-11-19T17:32:28-05:002020-11-19T17:33:57-05:00Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour to Air on TV<p><span class="font_large">I had the extreme pleasure of appearing on the iconic <a contents="WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.woodsongs.com/" target="_blank"><strong>WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour</strong></a> last year. It will now air on RFD-TV on Nov 20 at 6 PM EST & Nov 24 at 3:30 EST. Folks can also listen or watch on the WoodSongs archive page. My episode is #992. https://www.woodsongs.com/show-archives/ </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The show is airing across public TV stations this fall. Check local listings. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">RFD airs in 52 million homes on DISH, DIRECTV®, AT&T U-Verse, Charter </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Spectrum, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, Suddenlink, and many other rural cable </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">systems. In addition, RFD-TV can be streamed online via The Country Club </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">at rfdcc.com, DIRECTVNOW, Roku, and Sling TVs Heartland Extra package. For </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">more information, please visit RFDTV.com.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">Photo by Larry Neuzel</span></p>Diana Chittestertag:dianachittester.com,2005:Post/64452442020-09-29T11:47:22-04:002020-09-29T11:47:22-04:00Live at the Hilton throughout October<p>I am thrilled to announce that my Hilton Hotels Bar 32 Residency is continuing through October, 2020. You can join me every Friday night for live music on the rooftop bar from 7-10 PM. Admission is free, tables are appropriately distanced, and masks are required. The Hilton is a leader in COVID safety precautions and I invite you to join me because of how safe I feel performing there. Plus, the view is incredible, the drinks are fantastic, and the vibe really rocks. Bonus: I think the music is pretty good too. ;) </p>Diana Chittestertag:dianachittester.com,2005:Post/64343652020-09-15T16:54:05-04:002020-09-15T16:54:05-04:00Livestreaming at the Maltz Sunday, September 20th! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/174416/be0726fc7cdcc44551a2cbe4d2a9b1e2defcfb26/original/dc-maltz.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>This Sunday at 8 PM I am thrilled to perform a full concert livestream from the <a contents="Maltz Performing Arts Center" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/319601502805238/" target="_blank">Maltz Performing Arts Center</a>! </p>
<p>This beautiful performing arts center, located at Case Western University, offers a Livestream experience beyond anything I have been able to do from my home computer. With its professional sound, multiple camera angles, and a stunning “backdrop,” The Silver Hall Concert Series at the Maltz Performing Arts Center has been offering an incredible line-up of our favorite Cleveland acts since the beginning of August. I am proud to be part of this series and I would love for you to join me (virtually) for my first performance at the Maltz PAC. BONUS: They are providing me with a beautiful Steinway & Sons baby grand to perform one of my new songs on!</p>
<p>There are a handful of ways to watch,<br><a contents="Maltz Performing Arts Center Facebook page" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/MaltzCenter/" target="_blank">Maltz Performing Arts Center Facebook page</a><br><a contents="My&nbsp;website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://dianachittester.com/" target="_blank">My website</a><br><a contents="Maltz website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://case.edu/maltzcenter/livestreamedatsilverhall" target="_blank">Maltz website</a></p>Diana Chittestertag:dianachittester.com,2005:Post/64187882020-08-27T17:57:43-04:002020-09-15T16:48:56-04:00No more Facebook for Diana Chittester<p><span class="font_large">August 27, 2020</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">What took 10+ years to build took only moments to destroy. I am sorry to write and inform everyone that my Facebook page dedicated to my music has been hacked and no longer exists. I have been a little weary of Facebook lately. It began to feel like a platform that was not very safe for its users. I planned to remove my personal life from the social site but hoped to keep my music page alive to help us all stay connected and continue to share new music and performance dates. However, Monday morning received a notice that we were no longer able to access the Diana Chittester Facebook Music Page, and since then the account has been MIA despite our avid attempts to report the issue. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This may be a small blessing in disguise, however. Facebook did not keep us all connected in the way it was perceived to have. The platform limited who was able to see posts and we never really figured out those ever-changing algorithms. A benefit to moving away from social media as our form of communication and back to our newsletter and website is now we can ensure all who want to stay up-to-date on shows and music will be receiving the information! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I’d like to revamp our newsletters a little, however. I am planning to use them to share more than just show dates and new releases. I will include some personal stories and photos similar to what I shared on FB. I’ll share the “behind the scene” photos, or house project updates, and maybe the occasional new recipe experiment. I also will receive all of your responses! When you reply to the email I am able to respond personally. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I do want to mention the Patreon community. This is a really unique way to stay connected. This particular platform allows me to share new music, stories, photos, a podcast, blog, live streams, and both songwriting and guitar workshops. I have two workshops planned to launch this fall and the first is designed for songwriters. Please check out the <a contents="Diana Chittester Patreon page" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.patreon.com/dianachittester" target="_blank">Diana Chittester Patreon page</a> for more info and consider becoming part of the community. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Lastly, but certainly not least, I’m very excited to announce that my residence with Bar 32 at Hilton Hotel in Downtown Cleveland has been extended through September! I will be performing every Friday night between 7-10 PM through the month of September. It’s nice to stay connected in a virtual world but even better to connect in person. The Hilton is taking many precautions to ensure a safe environment for its guests. Visit their <a contents="website " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ohio/hilton-cleveland-downtown-CLEDOHH/dining/index.html" target="_blank">website </a>for their COVID-19 updates. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">I hope to see you Friday night between 7-10 at the Hilton Hotel’s Bar 32!</span></p>Diana Chittestertag:dianachittester.com,2005:Post/64186942020-08-27T16:02:34-04:002020-09-15T16:49:25-04:00COVID-19 and Surviving as an Independent Artist<p>May 4, 2020 / Diana Chittester </p>
<p><a contents="COVID-19 and Surviving as an Independent Artist" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.earthquakerdevices.com/blog-posts/covid-19-and-surviving-as-an-independent-artist" target="_blank"><span class="font_large"><strong>COVID-19 and Surviving as an Independent Artist</strong></span></a></p>
<p>A few years back, I made the decision to move from Cleveland, OH to Portland, OR. I had been working as a performing solo singer/songwriter in the Northeast Ohio area for roughly seven years and I was beginning to wonder if a city with a stronger economy and art community could provide a better career path for an independent artist. I sold anything I wasn’t able to fit in my Prius and drove across the country to reside in Portland for a year. </p>
<p>Immediately I started to run into major hurdles as a working musician, which included no financial guarantees for performances, stacked bills with high percentages of door deals going to sound and door people, and driving long distances between shows due to the West coast cities being much further apart than the East. Quickly, I felt that all I had worked to build as a working musician was beginning to go down the drain and would result in what most professional artists try to avoid: working a day job. </p>
<p>When I first made the decision to work as a touring musician, I picked up a book titled “Be Your Own Booking Agent,” by Jeri Goldstein. She turned her book into a weekly newsletter which focused on music business and strategies for building a career as an independent artist. I had been following her newsletters for some time and I decided to reach out to Jeri directly to inquire about hiring her as a consultant to help rescue what was left of my career. During our first phone conversation Jeri asked which music conferences I had attended. I replied, “None.” That answer led to a research project that would transform my career from a bar/gig artist making roughly $100-300 a night, to performing PAC’s (Performing Arts Centers), prestigious venues, and opening for and touring with national acts making much higher guarantees. It would also lead to an additional job title (and income) as a music educator. So what did Jeri mean when she asked, “What conferences do you attend?” </p>
<p>Music Conferences and their Benefits </p>
<p>Music conferences refer to networking events that help connect performing artists of various backgrounds (musicians, comedians, dance groups, magicians, etc.) to venue bookers and owners, referred to as Presenters, that can hire working artists for an upcoming performance season. Conferences range from state-focused, to regional, national and international. Some focus on college markets and some on Performing Arts Centers. Some are meant to help you find work and some are meant to help artists connect to industry professionals (such as labels and agents) that can help career development. The general format is that performers apply to showcase. This means the artist will perform an example of their set which can range from a 12-minute sample to a 30-minute short set. The audience you perform in front of can be made up of festival promoters, venue owners, agents, label executives, other working artists, and producers/engineers. </p>
<p>Booking Performances and Compensation </p>
<p>Presenters attend conferences to find new artists and connect with colleagues to fill their upcoming season. Who is booked for a calendar year can range from emerging artists to mainstream headliners. These Presenters often have access to grant money and additional funding specifically for the performing arts. This can result in compensation that is greater than what a standard door deal at a club can offer artists. How much greater? Artist fees generally range from $1,000-$25,000 at the conferences I have attended. Not to mention, there is occasionally access to additional funding for artists who offer an education option to teach a workshop before a concert performance. Lastly, Presenters can also help block book. If you are a touring artist that is routing through an area, venues can work together to book a string of performances so traveling acts don’t run a risk of a “one-off.” The tricky part, however, can be knowing where to begin! </p>
<p>Getting Started </p>
<p>After my consultation with Jeri Goldstein, I realized a move to Portland was not in my best interest. She encouraged me to head back to Cleveland where I had worked to build relationships and had access to resources. Because I was moving back to Ohio, she stressed the importance of starting with a smaller conference that would focus on venues and opportunities specifically in Ohio. The first conference I attended was OAPN (Ohio Arts Professionals Network) in 2015. I was warned from a few friends (and even Jeri herself) that in my first year attending I should not expect much. I needed to start somewhere, however, so I purchased a booth in the exhibit hall of OAPN and headed to Sandusky, Ohio to attend my first music conference. As soon as I walked through the doors for registration I was greeted by name by another artist/agent that knew of me from performing around Ohio but we had never met in person. I was also assigned a mentor that happened to have already booked me for an opening performance at her venue prior to the conference and was familiar with my performing style. As my mentor, she helped introduce me to people around the conference. She was also able to provide testimony on my performance. Therefore, though I did not personally showcase in my first year, I was able to book a handful of performances ranging from $600-$1200 for a solo performance. Starting with a smaller conference that focuses on performing opportunities in your state or region might be your best starting place. Having a few contacts going in will help you better connect to new resources to expand your network. </p>
<p>What to Expect </p>
<p>What may have been more important than the financial incentive to the conferences was that I finally found a world of working artists! As I mentioned, the conferences are networking events. Therefore, between the performances and negotiations there are many conversations to have and new friends to make. I personally talked with Ani DiFranco’s first booking agent who also represented some of my favorite songwriters such as Dar Williams and Melissa Ferrick. I learned what agents are looking for when considering artists for their roster. I met management companies that represented artists such as Kaki King and Maceo Parker that helped me understand what national acts look for when considering an artist as an opener or support. I also met a touring artist from Canada who was planning to tour America in the upcoming year. His manager wanted to connect his artist with a touring solo songwriter from the states to add as support for the tour. He thought our performance styles complimented each other well. Therefore, I had my first official international tour that not only provided opportunities to perform in Canada, but also some of my dream venues such as The Ark, World Cafe Live, Rockwood Music Hall, and Club Passim. </p>
<p>Since attending OAPN in 2015, I have ventured to a few additional music conferences including Arts Midwest and Folk Alliance International. Attending conferences does have a financial commitment. There are membership and registration fees, a booth rental fee, a fee to submit to showcase, and a production fee if you’re selected to showcase. There are also lodging, food, and drink expenses. Therefore, it’s important to be selective about which and how many conferences you attend. I personally only do one a year. Though they can be an investment, one show booked can often cover the costs of attending a conference. It’s not uncommon to book five to ten performances from showcasing at a music conference. </p>
<p>Do Your Research </p>
<p>Because these business endeavors can be a financial risk, I wanted to provide a brief description of a few different types of music conferences. I am an Ohio-based artist, therefore most of my personal experience is with conferences that are held in the Midwest. However, most conferences have a regionally-based version across the country. For example, The Folk Alliance has an international conference which artists from all over the world attend, but they also provide a smaller regional conference such as FARM, NERFA, and SERFA. When attending for the first time, start small! Small does not mean little, it means manageable. Find the regional option for the conference that best caters to your interest and start there. You will most likely have a few contacts attending your regional option that will help introduce you to more resources which will help you create a network you’ll be able to utilize when you finally work up to international conferences. You will have your hands full trying to maintain your connections following a conference and managing details for new performances booked. </p>
<p>There’a a lot to look into and to discover but it’s important that artists take the time to understand where these conferences and organizations are focused. If you’re a new young rock/rap band, NACA (a college focused conference) might be more worth your time and financial investment than ArtsMidwest (a Performing Arts Center focused conference). We all know this job can become discouraging quickly. Take the time to do your research before making a financial move. Research each conference online, check out past showcasing artists, sign up for their email lists and consider becoming a member. Memberships are a lesser financial commitment that can give members access to databases consisting of Presenters and artists that can be the best resources to have in your network. </p>
<p>In this Together </p>
<p>The impact of the Coronavirus has many of us feeling similar to how I did during my escapade to Portland. We are nervous that what took years to build might be slowly slipping down the drain and we’re uncertain what opportunities will be available in the future. I wanted to write this article to help provide a resource for working artists that could make the difference between surviving or calling it quits. As artists, we thrive on the ability to create and discover something new; however, sometimes we need the inspiration to spark the creativity. Connecting to music conferences may be your inspiration to help focus your creativity to generate a sustainable career in music. </p>
<p>List of Conferences </p>
<p>OAPN (Ohio Arts Professionals Network): My personal favorite because it focuses on Ohio artists and is a very manageable conference for those entering into the conference world. OAPN helps connect performing artists of various backgrounds to presenting organizations, local and regional booking agencies, management, and more. </p>
<p>NACA (National Association for Campus Activities): NACA focuses on college markets and has many regional conferences throughout the year. </p>
<p>FAI (Folk Alliance International, NERFA, FARM, SERFA): A folk and cultural music-focused conference, FAI can help connect artists with industry professionals, festivals, venues, house concerts, and promotional experts such as radio and PR. </p>
<p>APAP (Association of Performing Arts): A conference for performing artists, this conference offers connections to presenting organizations; regional, state and local arts agencies, service organizations, producing companies, artist management, booking agencies, and individual artists among other performing arts professionals. </p>
<p>ARTS MIDWEST/WAA: A strong focus of this conference are PAC’s, some colleges and universities, and regional festivals, as well as many of the same connections as APAP. </p>
<p>SXSW: Everything from labels executives to agencies to film producers, SXSW is among the largest conferences in the US. </p>
<p>SYNC SUMMIT: SYNC SUMMIT helps songwriters, producers, and those creating music for film and TV get connected with Music Directors and professionals that can help sync your music. </p>
<p>DIY MUSICIAN: Learn to book, distribute music, self-manage, tour, grow fan bases, and more, all on your own. DIY is for artists looking to work independent from labels and agencies. </p>
<p>AMERICANA FEST: Americana is a broad category covering everything from country to blues to folk. If your music includes some sort of twang, this might be the right choice for you. </p>
<p>MONDO: The relationship between music and technology is important for working musicians in today’s world. MONDO helps artists understand and utilize technology to grow their careers while highlighting emerging artists. </p>
<p>WOMEN IN MUSIC: An organization focused on helping women in music succeed in the industry. From workshops to consultations, this conference focuses on the unique challenges women face in the music biz. </p>
<p>I WANT TO SHOWCASE: This site can help you find more conferences in your area and allow you to submit to showcase. </p>
<p><strong>Diana Chittester</strong> is a Cleveland-based folk rock singer-songwriter known for her percussive rhythmic acoustic guitar styles and lyrical testimonies. Chittester founded Fighting Chance Records, an artist-run record label/agency, in 2011 and has since been touring and distributing music independently. She has opened for music greats such as Lyle Lovett and Colin Hay, toured with songwriters Chris Trapper and Royal Wood, and has headlined at prestigious venues including The Ark, Club Passim, World Cafe Live, House of Blues, and Performing Arts Centers across Ohio. www.dianachittester.com</p>Diana Chittester