Charlie Cooley – Rhythm
Our resident rhythm doctor Charlie Cooley
will be dropping in to work with your entire band!
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Charlie took advantage of the usual school programs—stage bands, concert bands and orchestra. Although his skill as a soulful drummer found him work locally, Charlie became restless and relocated to Toronto. Living in Toronto puts Charlie in a position to accept tours, studio and television calls. When Amanda Marshall was in her prime, Charlie was her drummer and appeared on every major television spot in America.
Charlie Cooley endorses SABIAN Cymbals, Pearl Drums and Calato/Regal Tip drumsticks; he plays a key role in Calato/Regal Tip’s domestic and international clinic programs. Charlie also endorses Protector Cases.
Damon Brink – “Becoming the Media”
Do you want to know what a club owner looks for in a band? Do you want to understand the booking process from the perspective of the person who holds the calendar? How would you like to make your band stand out from the thousands of bands that are looking to get the same gig? Damon Brink, former owner of Nectar’s and Club Metronome in Burlington, Vermont, and current owner of Gravy Train Records and IDYAS Communication Company can give you an inside perspective from the ownership, booking and promotions point of view.
The ninety-minute session will take you from the initial steps and preparation to get a gig, all the way to making sure you get invited back, and everything in between. You will hear first-hand what is important to owners of live music venues and clubs as well as hear from the people who actually book music. Damon will talk about the importance of promotion and about the concept of “Becoming the Media”. The music industry is in a state of chaos, and opportunities are everywhere. The live performance is a vital piece of the puzzle, and as a live band you already have an edge. This session will teach you how to maximize this crucial competitive advantage.
Damon was the owner of Nectar’s (for those who don’t know, this was the home of Phish) on Main Street in Burlington for more than six years. He was responsible for the transformation and rebirth of this legendary two-floor venue which received major facelifts in both 2004 and 2008. The ultimate challenge was taking an iconic venue and updating its vibe and technical specs without losing its classic essence. If you go to Nectar’s today you will see the tradition of live, local music in a friendly, edgy, contemporary environment is alive and well. During his time in Burlington, Damon was responsible for overseeing the booking of more than 1000 bands and DJ’s per year, and was the owner/operator of a venue that routinely saw more than 1000 guests per night on the weekends. Before Nectar’s, he worked for Jimmy Buffett in Jamaica, bringing in talent of all types to entertain 20,000 spring breakers on an annual basis. While at Nectar’s Brink also was responsible for producing two Nectar’s compilation albums featuring live recordings from local musicians; “Welcome to Vermont” and “Milk Run.” Damon has also developed relationships with other clubs and talent buyers from around New England and has handled both entertainment and promotions for local and regional bands looking to develop.
Parkway Music
Parkway Music is the New York Capital Region’s most comprehensive independent music store. Whether you’re looking for used and vintage guitars, basses, amps or drums, the areas widest selection of great new brands like Fender, Mesa Boogie, Marshall and Gibson, PA systems and recording gear, or a great repair department, Parkway has got you covered.
Parkway Music is run by musicans for musicians.Their dedicated and knowledgable staff will help ETN members get the sound, tone and performance they’re looking for. Parkway has been in business for 15 years and will work hard to satisfy your musical needs.
We’d like to give a shout-out to Parkway Music for providing backline and the totally awesome Gear Prize Package!
Stay tuned for workshops on: songwriting, vocal technique, entertainment law, marketing, distribution and more!
To suggest future workshops, e-mail us at workshops@
evolutiontalentnetwork.com