History & Scope
In The Beginning / Performing Ambassador Program
Columbus musician, promoter and agent Myke Rock founded the MultiFestival Showcase Series in June 2003 with the idea to help greatly talented, yet under-exposed artists gain performance and networking opportunities by staging 7 to 10 act showcases on a regular basis. The original geographic scope was to be central Ohio only and the series would do a few events and fade away. As these first few events were booked, it was apparent to Rock that there was a seemingly endless supply of soloists, duos and bands of a rainbow of styles that wanted to get in on events that were already fully booked. It was at this time Rock realized he had the makings of an upstart showcase series with unlimited potential. The inaugural MultiFestival event was titled SoloFest and received excellent performances and one great turnout, held on Friday, August 2nd, 2003 at Cafe Bourbon Street in Columbus. The initial 12 Central Ohio events, through December 2003, caused bells and whistles, fireworks and an illuminated lightbulb to dance in Rock's cranial confines. But whatever would happen, he was steadfast in resovle to emphasize variety and diversity as a setting for the vast majority of events. By January 2004, Rock had decided to take the series statewide, booking events in Akron, Athens, Bowling Green, Cincinnati (and Northern Kentucky), Cleveland, Dayton, Delaware and others. Rock collected media, clubs and musicians information for each of these cities and was set to take on this huge and most unique challenge, erecting today's only, ongoing, statewide showcase series in the world. Early 2004 also saw the unveiling of MultiFestival.Com, the online home of the series. Essential in publicity, promotion and the dissemination of information for events and the artists taking part, MultiFestival.Com was (and is) key in making detailed information readily available to all parts of Ohio and beyond. With this new statewide scope came the ability to book the best showcase artists from all over Ohio into showcases in cities other than the their home base. Thus, the Performing Ambassador Program was born. Today, it is typical to attend a series event and see artists who have traveled to play for localized fans. The series' generally produces SoloFest (a showcase of soloists) & MultiFest (bands, and soloists through bands). MultiFestival produced 45 showcases in 8 Ohio cities, showcasing over 1000 musicians in its first year, and 55 Ohio showcases with over 1000 musicians in its second!
What's New?
Despite the successes, the series is always looking for ways to improve. In the near future the series hopes to gain alliances with management, labels, and independent touring artists, bringing acts from all over the Midwest and the country to Ohio showcases. (Also See "NEWS")
More information? Please contact Myke Rock at mykerock@multifestival.com, 614-291-1513, or toll-free at 866-250-9993.
RELATED LINKS:
Artist Orientation
Venue Orientation
Myke Rock Bio & Information
