Why I Must have the World’s Easiest Job

Published March 5, 2009 at 4:59 p.m.

Why I Must have the World’s Easiest Job

Before I answerthe above question, I guess I should introduce myself. I am Vic Thomas, theAssociate Entertainment Director for Summerfest and Milwaukee World Festival,Inc. This is my first attempt at blogging so I look forward to your feedbackand comments. To give you a quick idea of who I am, I will include my stockintro that I use whenever I do presentations. It goes as follows….

 

Vic Thomas - Summerfest

AssociateEntertainment Director

 

Vic Thomas was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. Started working atSummerfest in 1974 to earn money for college. Graduated from Oberlin College in1978. Spent four years in the USAF in Los Angeles as a 1^stLieutenant.  After the Air Force, Vicworked as a salesman for various companies including Abbott Laboratories.Returned to Milwaukee in 1986, and was named the Assistant EntertainmentDirector for Summerfest on a seasonal basis. Hired to fulltime position inJanuary 1991.  Summerfest is an annual11-day entertainment event, and according to the Guinness Book of WorldRecords, “The Worlds Largest Music Festival”. Vic is responsible for negotiatingcontracts with artist staff and management, booking acts, as well as the plans,procedures and coordination of entertainment staff. 

 

I have been luckyenough to have been involved with SF since 1974. At that time I was graduating highschool and looking for extra money and I happen to stop by looking foremployment. I remember the discussion as if it was yesterday. Me – “I’d like towork here.” Him – “OK you work here, so grab a broom!” Yes, things were verydifferent in 1974. Then again that was 35 years ago.

 

Why I Must have the World’s Easiest Job

Well the answeris obvious - It’s because everybody knows how to do it. This time of the yearis the time that I get contacted by it seems every living band in thecontinental U.S. about performing at Summerfest. If someone is not contactingme about their band then they always have suggestions about bands that I, (SF)should book. This includes all my relatives including my Mother, all of my highschool and college alumni and in general anyone that I meet after I tell themthat I work at Summerfest and book bands. As I was telling some people in the office,I should write about the different places that I have been pitched about bands:

 

1.   Funerals – Andthis has happened more than once.  “OhI’m so sorry to hear about your loss,” I say. “Yes, we are going to miss him / her…. But I just happen to have a tapeof my new band,” the person informs me. “Oh well thanks,” I stammer, notexactly sure how to respond.

 

2.   The Doctor  / Dentist Office – The Dentist, of course, hasmore stuff in your mouth than Grid Lock at Rush Hour –Why do all dentist/hygienists ask detailed questions when you can barely let out more than agrunt. Do they learn this in dental school? Doctors on the other hand tend toask a question when one is at their most conflicted situations – “Now that I’vegot your manhood in my hands can I talk to you about my son’s band?” “Sure, Doc… Anything you say!”

 

3.   And of courseanywhere that the person I’m talking to is aware that I work at Summerfest -the grocery store, the record store, any speaking engagement and so on.

 

The bottom lineis that everyone knows who would be perfect to play at Summerfest and they arealways willing to share that with me!

 

In my next blog,I will discuss what one should keep in mind if you are trying play at Summerfest,The World’s Largest Music Festival.

 

Also in my blog you can referencea paper that I wrote regarding ways to get feedback to evaluate your event.  Howto Avoid a “Spinal Tap” and Have a Great “Post-Mortem”

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