January 2020 started like most other years, business was coming in and we once again were providing live music for one of our favorite events, Mecum Auction Kissimmee. What a blast this event is each and every year. Live music and classic muscle cars are just meant for each other. What a great event.

In February we again were once again working with Can Community Heath in Sarasota and Ye Mystic Crew of Gasparilla’s Annual Coronation Ball at the Tampa Convention Center. Two of our favorite repeat clients that we look forward to each year.

At the beginning of March it was Zoo Brews at Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park. Working with them over the years has been something we look forward to and this year was no exception. Collaborating on the live music with On Point Events Group was a pleasure.

Little did we know that not long after mid March, the live event and live music industry would be faced with something that none of us ever imagined. A global pandemic that caused a complete shut down of live events and live music. Agents, promoters, bands, musicians, production companies, catering companies, and literally everyone else that is involved in live music performances were set back on their heals trying to figure out how they were going to proceed. Musicians began streaming performances from their homes and apartments, production companies were streaming concerts from make shift studios, and promoters were creating drive in concerts. Streaming shows has made somewhat of an impact, but to personally experience the energy and creativity of a live show, that is something in our opinion that cannot be duplicated.

DBM had all of its bookings canceled, postponed, or rescheduled for nightclubs, weddings, and corporate events. As the year progressed we saw a small comeback in the solo-duo market along with a few nightclubs, but no major changes. The private party market is quite a bit different. Wedding and Corporate clients have become very cautious and skeptical at the same time because of the restrictions they encounter at many of the venues. It has hindered negotiations in many ways. Clients are asking “what do we do if...”. We have adjusted our practices to the best of our ability making our clients feel safe about their decision to proceed. It’s a practice that we do not take lightly. Safety has become a huge priority.

I have my opinions on today’s aspects of the current live music industry as it currently stands. Due to current circumstances the majority of people have spent much more time on the internet. This has led to more time being spent on social media. With social media playing such a big part in our lives today, it has also become a detriment in the music industry. Clients in years past would reach out to music industry professionals because they trusted them and knew their experience would work in their behalf.

Due to the ever changing world we now live in, many clients today no longer have those trusted individuals they would call upon, but now instead go to social media to seek out their own solutions. That is great and it can work in some cases, but as I have always said, “All Bands Are Not Created Equal”. In many cases, seeking out live music through social media has led to a degrading of live music in general. Example: if the band does not live up to their expectations, a negative vision of what live music is all about has been created. It also has created a financial issue that has caused the true professionals to struggle receiving their true worth or value. When dealing with professionals, you get professional results. I have always strived to provide that to my clients each and every time.

Today more than ever I believe that all industry professionals need to work together. Let’s learn from the negative and together make it positive. Now is the time to create new ideas and cultivate old and new relationships moving forward. I look forward to working with all of you in the coming year. Let’s do this 2021.

Dennis Bailey, President of D. Bailey Management, Inc.