Worcester Promoter Fights Back with “Pay What You Can”.

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Dave Fuller, the instigator of the Music Spoken Here events at the Marr's Bar in Worcester has disassociated himself from ticketing agent Eventbrite following a recent increase in prices.

Dave Fuller has forwarded the following press release;

Worcester Promoter Fights Back with “Pay What You Can”

Wednesday 16 August 2023

At a time when everyone is feeling the pinch and live music is being stifled by rising costs,Worcester promoter Music Spoken Here is charting a different course to keep exceptional live music more affordable than ever.

Music Spoken Here have been showcasing some of the finest original jazz, funk and fusion in the UK at their monthly shows at The Marrs Bar in Worcester for over a year. As everyone was facing an uncertain, economically bleak winter last year, they stopped passing ticketing fees on to their audiences, choosing to absorb those costs from December 2022 to keep their events more affordable.

Earlier this month, their ticketing agent Eventbrite announced new pricing plans that would more than double those fees. Dave Fuller, the Evesham-based instigator of Music Spoken Here was outraged by this proposal and knew it was time for a change.

“Music Spoken Here is a project to connect a new audience with a genre of music that is under-represented in the area. People are reluctant to try something new, especially if it’s going to cost them. But audience feedback indicates what we’re offering is great value for money considering the standard of musicians that come and play for us. Our last event in July was one of our best attended events of the year.”

Although cheaper ticketing options are available, Fuller realised that ticketing was altogether unnecessary. “We’ve never worried about advance ticket sales – we’ll go ahead whether there are 2 or 50 tickets sold. There are always a few walk-ups on the night and whatever happens, I know I’m going to enjoy a night of great music! At this stage it’s about gaining trust with our growing audience. We can’t afford to let people down by cancelling gigs.”

“With a venue capacity of 250 and considering this is jazz, in Worcester, on a Thursday night, I have no concerns about having to turn people away at the door because we’re full. It will be a great day for music when that does happen!”

“I’d been toying with the idea of ‘pay what you can’ and membership for a while. I guess the Eventbrite announcement was the call to action.”

On Monday, Music Spoken Here announced their new, ticket-free model, allowing people to attend their events either by paying what you can afford on the door (minimum £5), or becoming a club member for £12.50 per month.

“It’s a flexible approach that allows everyone to enjoy and support the project at the price that is right for them, with more of their money going directly towards event costs. The response has been really positive and we had two members sign up within 24 hours of announcing the changes.”

For more information and to see the program of exceptional live music lined up for autumn and winter, go to their website https://musicspokenhere.club