Fort Myers, FL? In November/December?

[Jason Divad]

I have seen a few comments on Fort Myers, FL. Some same it's gone sour, other say it's great. I need to hash out the truth here, if possible, for I have never been.

Anyone out there currently? What can I really expect, going out there in November/December? Can anyone point me in the right direction? I typically do a big fire oriented circle show but I can do smaller versions if need be.

I understand there is a permit system and certain restrictions too, like no amps and no fire. I've heard it's hard to get a big pitch. True?

Please and Thank you!

Jason
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JasonDivad.com

[Troubador222]

Ft Myers is the sh&t hole of the recession affected cites. Unemployment is high. All the benefits have run out and if you have any metal, like copper as part of the props for your act, I suggest you put an armed guard on it, while in Ft Myers. Crime is up 11% since the start of the year and the really exciting new hobby is robbing banks and/or shooting people. We've had more bank robberies this summer than in the last century.

[Jason Divad]

Wow

Okay, well, I guess that pretty much sums it up.

I already had a bad feeling about it... especially with all the rules they have for street performers.

Thanks for the heads up. So it sounds like you live there?

[Troubador222]

Yes I do live here and I am lucky to get paying gigs here, but they are few and far between. I have played on the street here, in the past. I play once a month at an art show in Naples(just south of Ft Myers), where the tips average 15 bucks a show. It is really bad here right now. Thats the bottom line. And people who do come out and listen, tend to be really hanging on to their money.

[Dallas]

Times Square

There is a permit and it can be quite lucrative. The beach is very nice and the pitch is surrounded by eateries and shops.

[miquee]

i've never worked in the states.
i've never met dallas.(but he seems to know very well what the fuck he is doin)
i've done huge shows on supposedly "shit" pitches.
i've done the shittiest shows on the "best" pitches.
try it.
if it goes horribly, you'll learn something.
if it goes great, offer dallas a beer if you meet him.
i've found that the poor sometimes pay better than the rich.
if the city is full of bank robbers then someone has got a shitload of money.
and if you allow me to quote the butthole surfers...
"the funny thing about regret is.... it's better to regret something you have done, then to regret something you haven't"
and as a linquistical note- in italy there are two words for regret.... one that means regretting something you've done.... the other something you haven't.
only experience will clue you in...
go for it... what the fuck!
maybe you'll get raped sodomised and beatin up....
maybe you'll get rich.
maybe you'll make no money but meet the hottest chick or dude of your life and spend three days in orgasmic delight...
maybe it'll just be shit.
i'd listen to dallas... having never met the dude...
but i've made lots of stupid decisions in my life.

[Dallas]

Thanks Mike.
One thing I do know and that's where to go in Florida.
Don't get Ft. Myers and Ft. Myers Beach mixed up!!!!!

It's a great beach. Lots of great bars and food to be had.

The pitch is at the city pier in a pedestrian mall known as Times Square.

Here in Clearwater, show length can not exceed 25 min., however in Ft. Myers thete is no limit. So several of my friends perform there instead because they do 45 minute shows.

Birdie McClain and Joey &Julie Hopper are the local performers down there. Talk to them and they will help with any questions you may have.