Bedford Request

[Tony Moore]

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, Regal Room sister venue The Bedford is passionately dedicated to helping discover, develop and promote  the best new music and finest emerging acts.

We are proud to have played a significant role in the careers of artists such as Paolo Nutini, James Morrison, Amy Macdonald and many more.

Over the last 10 years The Bedford has constantly striven to push the boundary of what a small and independent organisation can do.

We developed the Bedford Bandstand as a kind of  "movable feast" to be able take artists to different stages around the country, and so far we have created countless incredible opportunities for unsigned performers to play venues that they would not normally be able to do on their own.

Theatres and Clubs like indigO2 (in the O2 arena), Canary Wharf Summer Gala Stage, Leamington Spa Assembly, Clapham Common Bandstand and Marylebone Summer Faye have all played host to our unique and compelling shows.

Now, The Bedford is about to attempt it's biggest challenge so far, to take 18 UK based acts to  SOUTH BY SOUTH WEST (SXSW) in Austin Texas during March of 2009.

SXSW is probably the worlds most successful and highly regarded music industry conference and performance festival in the world today. Launched in 1987, it has grown into an annual showcase that attracts tens of thousands of key music business delegates from around the world as well as giving performance opportunities to over 1,700 artists, musicians and songwriters.

What was originally a very US centric concept, has now evolved into an essential international destination event that creates an unprecedented opportunity for British acts
to immerse themselves in the heart of both the US entertainment business as well make invaluable connections with other territories.

Traditionally one of the challenges for performers taking part in SXSW is guaranteeing the quality of venue, sound and experience that they will get. This is usually a very hit and miss affair as the organisers try to match specific genres to different locations, but without the ability to be completely focused on each venue due to the incredible volume of artists they have to deal with.

The Bedford has built a legendary reputation for being one of the best places for songwriters to play in the world. Not only because of its commitment to making sure that
the sound is exemplary, but because it creates an atmosphere of respect, inspiration and attention by hosting the show and always supplying a dedicated production team.

For 2009, The Bedford has been invited to Austin,Texas to make its unique and successful formula part of SXSW 2009, and to give 18 Artists the chance to play in an amazing venue, with an incredible sound system and the opportunity to be seen and heard at their very best, in a way that has never quite happened at SXSW before.

The Bedford, with its experienced and enthusiastic team, want to really make a difference for UK Music, to be able to show audiences and industry professionals alike just what
incredible talent we have in this country, to take responsibility for producing the kind of show that will make a difference to artists' careers and to be at the leading edge of
promoting new UK talent to the rest of the world.

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The Challenge for us now, is to find the funds to make this all happen. Although we will be bringing an amazing show of artists and expertise to the USA, there are no fees paid to cover the costs of this, so The Bedford needs to be self sufficient and finance everything itself. That means sourcing the monies needed independently.

We calculate, that in order to do this show properly (3 nights of very intense performance) plus extra events like LETS TALK MUSIC and constant promotion to highlight what we are doing (imagine the Edinburgh Festival and you will get an idea of the kind of event this is) , we will need a team of 6. That will  cover sound engineering, production, stage management, promotion and artists liaison.

We want to show the world what we do best and re-create in the closest possible way, exactly what happens at the Bedford night after night maintaining consistently high standards at all times.

The total cost of what we are going to do comes in at a rough guesstimate of £15,000 (with the fluctuating Dollar/Pound and uncertainty about future flight costs etc we need to do as much as we can before the sterling value drops even more !)

We are writing to you because The Bedford needs your assistance to achieve this spectacular dream. We know that you have been supporting the Bedford for a long time now and that you appreciate and enjoy the  way that we create a magical environment for artists and audiences alike.

Because you have been a part of our highly original experience, and because you have seen the journey of artists like Paolo Nutini and James Morrison as they go from unknown dreamers to Superstars by crucially having the Bedford to believe in them at the start of their careers,  it enables you to uniquely understand why your support will make all the difference.

We are asking you to help us achieve something that very few promoters would undertake, to put your positive energy and belief behind us and to make a pledge for a personal (or company) donation.

After 6 years of free entry and tireless dedication from everyone here in Balham (and also the Regal Room in Hammermith) we believe that you would like to share this adventure with us by making a financial contribution to the cause.

So....Thank you in advance from all of us here, we know that the current economic climate is not an ideal time for anyone, but whatever you feel able to offer, no matter how small, will add up to something special that we will be eternally grateful for.

Please send an email to to...@thebedford.co.uk , and let us know in what way you can support us.


Love and Peace

Tony & The Bedford Team