It is our mission at the GMMC to support all aspects of the area music scene. We have been approached by Visit Cook County to act as organizer of the Music in the Park program. In exchange they are funding the program. This is separate from the non-subsidized busking in the park program.
Since we have a very limited staff, we will accomplish this oversight with the use of an online application and sign-up sheet, along with payment through PayPal. In addition, we have promised to deal with any issues that may come up. Such as too few musicians using too many of the paid dates. Also, the issue of musicians blocking out time and not showing up, as well as fielding any formal complaints.
To accomplish this, we are requiring that each individual or group that wishes to take part in the schedule and the payment structure must fill out an application which includes your payment information, and the few rules we have that were developed by the musician community.
We are applying for and paying for the permits for vending your merchandise, accepting tips, and for your use of the park for your performance.
You are all welcome to apply for your own permits for your own shows outside of the dates of this program.
We only wish to increase opportunities for area musicians. Any disputes will be resolved by our board of directors, and in the case that we cannot then those disputes will be forwarded to the relevant city board. You will be required to provide your own sound reinforcement and expected to keep sound levels within reason for the scope of your performance.
- Time slots will be initially awarded on a lottery system. Each applicant may apply for two dates and will specify those dates. Please list the dates in order of priority on your application. (Have a first and second choice of dates). We will award everyone’s first choices and if there are conflicts, we will draw names. If not initially selected, applicants will then get their second choice. The times will be on Sundays and Mondays and will be at 1:30 or 3:00 PM. If there are remaining funds after the first lottery, then we will hold a second lottery for the remaining dates. The amount of the subsidy may vary depending on the available funds and our desire to make sure everyone involved has a 2nd gig if they want it.
- The total number of time slots will be dependent on the total number of participants. There will be one time slot for each interested party. However, any other time slots on the calendar that are won in the lottery will still have an unsubsidized status and the performers do not need to get a vender’s permit and can perform under our blanket vender’s permit and performance permit.
- All performers must text the administrator, not any other person, upon arrival at the gig and upon departure from the gig. From that text a check will be drafted from the GMMC to the performer. The texts need only state “This is John Mitchel, I’ve arrived.” This is John Mitchel, I am leaving”. You may also wish to add any feedback you wish to share. You will not receive an immediate response from the administrator but will receive payment as soon as it can be transmitted or drafted. Payments must be via PayPal, and you must have a single, functional email address.
- Time slots cancelled due to weather will not be paid unless you have shown up with all your gear and ready to load out and play. The first completely missed time slots not caused by weather emergency will be noted. The second missed time slot not caused by weather or emergency will cause the removal of you from the program and your slots offered up to lottery. So, if you don’t play, you will not get paid.
- The vendors permit we have will allow you to sell your merchandise
- You are allowed and encouraged to seek your own gigs in the park outside of this program with your own park board approval and by purchasing your own permit or vender’s permit from the City of Grand Marais.
- Tax Form 1099s will be issued to those paid $600 or more, participants are expected to manage their own tax considerations for any merchandise sold.
Sincerely yours,
The Grand Marais Music Collaborative
And a huge thank you to Visit Cook County!