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Annapolis Musicians Fund for Musicians, Inc (AMFM) is proud to announce a new venture as the organization has signed a lease for the Market House with the City of Annapolis.
“We are extremely excited for this opportunity to showcase our local talent in this unique, historic venue. Music has always been a way to bring people together and we look forward to making the Market House a gathering place for the entire Annapolis region.
Terms of the lease were not fully disclosed, but a few items were shared by the organization’s leadership.
AMFM plans to turn the space into a music venue. It is being reported that all tables and chairs will be removed to give the venue an arena feel, so it will be standing room only. “Real rock stars play to people standing, not sitting down, and we are planning to give the artists the full rock star experience they deserve,” said Sean O’Neill, the AMFM Treasurer.
There will only be original music played and no cover songs will be allowed. “You can go anywhere and hear some guy in the corner singing garbage like Wonderwall or American Pie, but here we’ll showcase our local songwriting talent,” said board member Michael K.
All televisions will also be removed so that musical acts are not competing or having their gig cancelled last-minute for televised sporting events which often happens at other local pubs.
“It happens all the time, man.” said one local musician. He added, “I haul all my gear out of my car, get it all set up and some jerk wad manager comes in to say ‘sorry dude, but the Ravens or Commanders are playing tonight, so we don’t need you.’ I mean the Monday Night Football schedule was printed months in advance! I end up losing that income and they offer me a free burger for my time. Burgers don’t pay the rent, man.”
The AMFM leadership team is promising no double bookings, either. And if they do make a mistake, they will pay both acts that were scheduled to play.
“We’re going to set a new standard in town: that our artists are not a commodity, but a valuable asset. Let’s pay them for their time,” O’Neill said.
The venture will be a co-operative of sorts. AMFM President PJ Thomas went on to say, “The days of starving artists will be long gone in Annapolis,” as musicians who need work will be hired as shift managers, servers and cooks, too. Musicians will also be provided free parking.
The menu will pay homage to other musicians with items such as the Cheeseburger In Paradise, Phish tacos, Red Hot Chili Pepper chili, Black Eyed Peas salad, The Samples platter and Raspberry Beret sorbet. Plans also include a Jimmy Buffett buffet on Sundays.
A corner of the market will eventually feature Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, but permitting may delay that opening for few months. “Yeah, live chickens. We’re going to have our own chickens to off-set the high cost of eggs. And who doesn’t like to watch chickens dancing around to the music. You watch them dance & it just brings a smile to your face,” said Brian Cahalan, another AMFM board member.
Annapolis Musicians Fund for Musicians, Inc. PO Box 6262 Annapolis, MD 21401 www.am-fm.org
