In the world of music, the business end of it is almost just as important as the talent end. If a musician is lucky enough to get to focus their energy on just the music, they are blessed but finding a businessman they can trust is a tough task for everyone. The Lehigh Valley music scene has welcomed with open arms this month’s person to watch, Mr. Daniel “Benny” Benedict of Gig Digger Promotions. I met with Benny to ask how this successful endeavor began.
Benny was the fifth of five children born to Lehigh Valley native parents. His folks loved to have parties and some of Benny’s earliest and fondest memories are of the laughter and fun had at these parties. Fast forward to his high school years where he was a popular athlete who managed to secure invites to all the parties and then to his Rugby Coaching years when he’s having parties of his own, at his house, for the Rugby team – parties so well thought out that he even named them! And before anyone really realized what was happening Benny’s Blues Jam’s became the precursor to Gig Digger Promotions. These music-themed parties-turned-fundraisers, benefited more than the rugby teams it supported. Benny’s Blues Jam benefits Benny and his wife’s post retirement livelihood as much as it does the Lehigh Valley Music scene.
What Benny does with his business, Gig Digger Promotions sounds simple. Find a venue that hosts live music and get a band. We all know that’s not as easy as it sounds – if it were, everyone would do it. Due to Benny’s deep lehigh valley roots, his reputation precedes him in many of his initial meetings, and getting his foot in the door has always been one of his self-professed strengths. Using these tools, Benny works to partner with venues that are open to his negotiations. These discussions include a wide range of topics from band payments, to timelines, breaks, equipment, etc.
He works as a liaison between the clubs and the venues and needs to keep everyone happy. He told me how he may have ruffled some feathers along the way, but all for the good of the industry. The various topics which may be addressed include what provisions are to be made if there isn’t good attendance at the gig, what happens if a band has to cancel, does the band get free drinks or food,and of course, who is responsible for the equipment to be used.
Equipment is something that is almost “behind the scenes” to most fans. The cost of maintaining their instruments and gear can be prohibitive and carrying it from gig to gig is one of the biggest tasks every band faces. Benny, always conscious of the fact that a happy client is a happy venue, decided that he was going to buy a PA system for his gigs. This means he can set up at times so that all the musicians need to do is show up and be fabulous.
I asked him, during the interview if there had ever been any equipment failure during a gig, (having that issue personally more than once) and Benny very nonchalantly said “well a speaker blew at a show but I had one in my car”. Such a simple solution making such a big difference.
Benny works with about 20 local bands ranging from rookie groups who are just getting into the industry to veteran performers who are able to morph into anything Benny needs for his venues. He’s expanded venues already into New Jersey and Philadelphia area and has his sights set on CA when he’s there for the rugby clinic he sponsors. An innate net-worker with a penchant for making you like him, Benny, has contacts everywhere and thanks to his lifetime of learning – he keeps those contacts. Keeps them happy and working with him!
Photo credit to Randy Klotzman
