Grassroots rock!

[Steve + B]

I am looking for ways to expand the Grassroots beyond what it is now. Look for a new Official Little Feat Grassroots page on Facebook and possibly MySpace in the near future. I know, just what we need, another Feat Facebook page, but this one will be active and be used to notify members of upcoming shows in their area, posting show pics and reviews, etc. I would like to try and make the Grassroots more like a fanclub, similar to the Parrotheads. Maybe have more local chapters or groups that can meet on their own and possibly raise money for local charities. I need everyone's help and input. When I send emails with ideas or suggestions, I expect responses whether positive or negative. Please feel free to throw any ideas around or email me privately.

[Tipi]

Think all your recent ideas are great! Will it be called The Official Little Feat Grassroots page? Can't wait for the wristbands to turn into a pic from the stage of everyone "Lighting it up!" Thanks Steve

[hank(us)]

I would like to try and make the Grassroots more like a fanclub, similar to the Parrotheads. Maybe have more local chapters or groups that can meet on their own and possibly raise money for local charities.

I have to admit, I'm one who has always shied away from "fan clubs"; one of the reasons I found the grassroots thing so appealing (besides the music of course) was the fact that, on the surface anyway, it was focused on practical help for the band; it didn't have the same flavor as what I'd seen in fan clubs. Of course, to some degree or other the grassroots movement did turn into a fan club, at least for some, and that's cool ... whatever blows up yer kilt laddie ... but the parrothead/hat wearing/fin waving thing has never appealed to me.

does the "fan club" idea mean that the practical side (merch help, driving to/from airports, etc etc) will be de-emphasized, or just that there will be a, well, fluffier role for others to play? There's been much made of the idea Little Feat fans were a cut above the average music fan; the whole idea of Feat being a thinking person's music, etc ... most of that is probably just self-congratulations ("hey, we're smarter than the average music fan") but the attitude is there in a lot of fans I've gotten to know; I wonder how the "fan club" thing will be received ...

[Steve + B]

When I say fan club, I am using that as a general term. Grassroots will stay the way it is, primarily as an organization to assist the band. I am just looking for more ways to expand the Grassroots. Right now the GR are advertised as a way to volunteer to help the band and it is misconstrued by many. It is also very hard/confusing to sign up for the GR on the Feat web site. I think many people would like to be part of the Grassroots/fan club without having to volunteer to help. On the other hand, I have looked at the list of POC volunteers available and I wonder how many were ever contacted. I'm sure some people got disenchanted when they signed up and never heard from anyone. The current system doesnt let me know when someone signs up. It seems we have basically the same handfull of people helping out at the shows. Don't get me wrong, this is great, but it would be nice if we could expand a little and maybe do local fundraisers, happy hours/meets, etc within the organization. Its all very difficult and frustrating right now because I was kinda thrown into this and dont really know what my job and boundaries are. I plan on having a long discussion with Bill to see what he desires and expects from the Grassroots. We need to know our limitations and have a clear channel for communication with the band and management. Recently, we were finally successful with getting the wristband idea approved. To be honest, we were about to give up because of management's indecision, but Steve C and I persisted and got approval. On another note, I am looking into getting a "page" for Little Feat for Facebook. Right now, they only have a "group", which is different. All major artists have a "page" which allows for more notices of shows, events, music player, photos, sale of merch, etc. If we go that route I may or may not opt for a Grassroots page. I think we can get more coverage and exposure through Facebook and Myspace then the Feat site. The email list is great but it costs money to bulk email using that list. It amazes me that so many people love this band and its music, but don't attend shows. Many people dont even know they're are still around. When I tell people, I always get the same reaction, "I love that band, saw them in the 70's". As always, I am open to any and all suggestions.