Q. Isn't the bridge already "saved"? Why do we need another Songfest?

A. The bridge has money allocated for the most basic maintenance and repairs, but the current plan does not even include a complete paint job, and the money has never actually been released to do the repairs! Meanwhile the bridge deteriorates with each passing year...

We are working with the City and the State government toward helping supplement any shortfalls in funding, and making sure the allocated funds are used for their stated mission, rather than being re-allocated elsewhere.

Q. Are the organizers of Steel Bridge SongFest making tons of money from this?

A. All the proceeds from the festival go directly into the Historic Trust Fund to help restore the bridge. To help in the outreach and create the songs for the endowment fund, There are expenses for sound, stagehands, promotion, porta-potties, food, lodging, travel, recording studios, and a myriad of other things. The organizers themselves are unpaid volunteers and have actually committed thousands of dollars of their own money and thousands of work hours to organize and plan the event.

Q. How did an old steel drawbridge in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, provide the impetus and center of gravity for such a large-scale musical event?

"The steel-age technological marvel known originally as Memorial Bridge, built in 1930, has long suffered a questionable future. My sister Christie is a bridge lover from way back. We were talking one day about the bridge and hit upon the idea: That old bridge is a symbol of Door County. Its past, its present, and especially its future should be celebrated, not debated. We decided to throw a free concert to raise awareness and donations.

So I asked a couple of good friends for favors. Jackson Browne, great humanitarian that he is, agreed to come play for free. Then Sheila Turner of Great Lakes Yacht Services generously donated the use of her boat yard, a dream-come-true outdoor venue. There's even a roof in case of rain (you can just barely see the roof behind the bridge on the far left hand side of the photo above).

Saturday, June 11th, 2005, The Steel Bridge SongFest was born. The free concert was a huge success. It drew 3,000 people and raised roughly $60,000 in voluntary donations, which financed the event and started a special fund, held by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, earmarked for all expenses related to saving and preserving the bridge.

With the first Steel Bridge SongFest came a dramatic shift in awareness and sentiment. 'Bridge lovers' are now out of the closet and the Steel Bridge SongFest is becoming an annual event."
-pat mAcdonald, Steel Bridge Songfest host and co-founder

Q. What if I haven't heard back yet?
If you have not received a response from steelbridgebooking@yahoo.com and are still interrested in performing, PLEASE WRITE AGAIN!!! We want to be sure to respond to EVERYONE who has so generously offered their time and talent and it is entirely possible that some emails have been lost in the shuffle (We get 100s of them!)
I AM CONFIRMED TO PERFORM WHAT SHOULD I DO RIGHT NOW?!?!??

PLEASE CHECK THE PERFORMERS PAGE AND VERIFY THAT YOUR NAME, CITY, GENRE AND WEBLINK ARE CORRECT.
Any problems or corrections, please email me at steelbridgebooking@yahoo.com
Also, please take a moment to get familiar with the other artists who will be joining you this year!!!



Q. What should I list on my website?
PLEASE ADD "Steel Bridge SongFest” with the corresponding date of your performance (once you have it) to your websites, Facebook, myspace, reverb nation, etc. with a link to www.steelbridgesongfest.org. 
We ask that artists NOT list specific venues or times but rather refer people to www.steelbridgesongfest.org for the most accurate and up to date calendar of events. VENUES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Q. What can I do to help promote?
In addition to adding to all of your gig calendars, please also send out to your email list. Also, if anyone is willing to hang posters in their area, please write to melaniejane at steelbridgebooking@yahoo.com and she will put you in contact with someone who can send them to you. If any of you have connections to the media (radio, newsprint, blogs), please let them know about Steel Bridge!!!

Q. Where do I check in at the festival?
All musicians need to check in at the Holiday Music Motel (30 N 1st Ave @ Michigan St.). A “Band Check-in” tent will be located in the parking lot. Please check in between noon-4pm on any day of the festival. Here, you will receive your musician passes, guest passes, drink tickets and confirm your location and time of performance. Bands may send 1 person as a representative of the group. If you are NOT able to check in between noon-4pm, please make prior arrangements with melaniejane (414-254-2299 or steelbridgebooking@yahoo.com).

Q. Are performers' passes valid for all four days of the festival?
Yes, they are!!! Please check in early and come for all 4 days!!!! Support your fellow musicians! So much great music to see!!!

Q. Can I have an extra pass for my mom's friend's sister-in-law who will be traveling with me?
Yes, we will provide a limited number of guest passes for performing musicians.

Q. What time should I arrive at the venue?
Please arrive approx. 1 hour prior to your performance time and check in with the venue stage manager. Not only will this help the stage managers by letting them know you’ve arrived, but you will also be supporting the other musicians as well! If you do not check in within a reasonable amount of time PRIOR to your scheduled performance, your spot may be given to another group. Any problems, call melaniejane ASAP (414-254-2299)

Q. Will there be a PA in the venue I'm playing?
Yes! We are setting up all venues with appropriate PAs. It is always a good idea to bring your own mic and mic stand if you require more than 2. Please bring your own cables (and always a good idea to clearly mark your gear!!!)

Q. Is there a backline provided in the venue I'm playing?
Please plan on bringing your own equipment. We appreciate anyone who is willing to share any of their equipment, particularly drum kits and bass amps. Shared equipment also means shorter set time change-overs which means more time for everyone to play!!! If you are willing to share any of your backline, please let melaniejane know so we can let the other musicians know… and please know how much your generosity is appreciated!!!

Q. How long do I get to play?
Unless other arrangements have been made, bands are typically given 40-45min sets allowing for a 15 min changeover for teardown and setup. Solos and duos typically get a 3-4 song set (10-15 min). Times and set lengths are subject to change and will be regulated by the venue host/stage manager. Please be flexible! There are just basic guidelines to help you to better prepare for your performance.

It is important to run on schedule AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE to the scheduled set times so that everyone gets their full set length. PLEASE be willing to be flexible and supportive of the other musicians.

Q. Can I play cover songs at the festival?
Please be prepared to perform your original material. People come here for the love of discovering new ORIGINAL artists and music!



Q. Do you provide accommodations for all musicians?
No. We regret that we cannot provide accommodations for all musicians. If we have been able to arrange something with you , you will have had clear communication on this with melaniejane through email exchange. We appreciate everyone who has been able to make their own arrangements! For those of you looking for accommodations, please visit the "Accommodations" page of the website.
Here, we have listed all of the local hotels, bed and breakfasts, camp sites, RV Parks....

Q. I'm flying into Green Bay Airport.  How the heck do I get to the festival?!
Our volunteers help to provide transportation to and from the Green Bay airport for all performing musicians. Please send your flight info at least 10 days in advance to steelbridgebooking@yahoo.com

Q. Will I be paid for my performance?
Please know that this is an ALL VOLUNTEER festival 
and although we would LOVE to pay all of you for your generous contribution of time and talents, 
we simply do not have the budget. 
NO musicians are paid for their performance at Steel Bridge.
We will, however, gladly provide you with passes for the weekend 
and a limited number of guest passes for those traveling with you.
Again, we THANK YOU for your generosity and as you look out upon the Steel Bridge, 
please know that it is largely due to YOUR EFFORTS
that the bridge is finally saved!
This year is a celebration!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Q. May I bring CDs and other merch to sell at the festival?
Yes yes YES!!! PLEASE bring your merch with you and feel free to sell it whenever and wherever! SBSF does NOT want any commission or percentage of your sales!!!! (Also, be sure to look at the website for info on the instrument re-sale consignment booth! Looking to sell of an instrument you don’t use anymore, perhaps this is your chance!!!!)

Q. May I book other gigs in Door County the week of the festival?
We ask that all performers NOT book other gigs in or around Door County during or leading up to the festival. We want to encourage your fans to come to see you in Sturgeon Bay and experience the amazing energy the Steel Bridge has to offer!

Q. Who are the people running the festival?
The core of volunteers is actually quite small and for them this is a labor of love for which they set everything aside to dedicate to bringing inspiration and music into this amazing community. Without our volunteers, none of this would be possible.

In addition, a HUGE THANK YOU to all of the performers, our BIGGEST core of volunteers, for donating your time and talents to this cause. You have helped to save a bridge and now are helping to enrich and inspire an entire community. The effects of your contribution are long-lasting and deeply meaningful.

Q. Will there be transportation between the venues?
Yes, there will be free trolly service and discounted taxi service. We want everyone to get safely around to all of the venues. It also helps that most all of the venues are within walking distance!
DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!!!
Although the Sturgeon Bay Police Department is extremely supportive of our efforts, their presence is increased drastically during the festival and THERE IS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR DRINKING AND DRIVING AS WELL AS ANY KIND OF OTHER RECREATIONAL SUBSTANCES!!! So just don't do it!
Also, please make sure your plates are current, headlights working, etc.
Do FULL AND COMPLETE STOPS!!!
PLEASE help us to maintain our record of only 2 festival related DUIs in 6 years!!!! Pretty incredible considering the tens of thousands of people who have come here for the festival! Remember, you are a guest as well as an ambassador SBSF. We want to maintain a positive image in the community!!!

Q. Will I be able to park my car/van/Airstream trailer?
YES! There is ample street parking and free lots all throughout the downtown area!



Q. What should I do RIGHT NOW?!?!??
PLEASE CHECK THE PERFORMERS PAGE AND VERIFY THAT YOUR NAME, CITY, GENRE AND WEBLINK ARE CORRECT
AND RETURN THE REQUESTED CONFIRMATION EMAIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED TO melaniejane!!!  If there are any problems or corrections, please email mj@melaniejane.com.  Also, please take a moment to get familiar with the other artists who will be joining you this year!

Q. What should I list on my website?
PLEASE ADD "Steel Bridge SongFest JUNE 9, 10, 11 and 12 TO YOUR WEBSITES, FACEBOOK, MYSPACE, REVERBNATION, ETC. WITH A LINK TO www.steelbridgesongfest.org.   We ask that artists NOT list specific venues but rather refer people to www.steelbridgesongfest.org for the most accurate and up to date calendar of events.

Q. When should I arrive?
Please check in NO LATER than 4pm Sunday June 5th.  You MUST be able to be here Sunday night (6/5) for the opening dinner! If there is some reason why you can’t be here Sunday night, please let us know as soon as possible!!! Reception at 5pm, dinner PROMPTLY at 6pm. THEN LET THE SONGWRITING AND RECORDING BEGIN!!!!!

Q. Can I arrive BEFORE June 5th??
YES!!! If it helps with your transportation needs, we welcome you to arrive early but we MUST KNOW in ADVANCE in order to secure accommodations for you and be ready to welcome you!

Q. When should I depart?
The festival ends Sunday June 12th at 5pm. We need all songwriters to be available for the entire performance on Sunday. If for some reason you must leave earlier, please make arrangements with us on an individual basis IN ADVANCE and ASAP!!!! It is VERY IMPORTANT that we know this for scheduling purposes!

Q. Can I stay longer than June 12th?
Yes!!! But you must let us know immediately so we can secure your accommodations for you!

Q. Is SBSF providing accommodations for all of the songwriters?
No. In a perfect world, we would provide rooms for everyone but we are just unable to afford it! We are extremely grateful to those who were able to seek out their own accommodations! IF WE ARE PROVIDING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR YOU, you will have already had clear correspondence with melaniejane on this. She will provide you with your hotel assignment when you check in on (or before) the 5th.

Q. Where do I check in when I arrive in Sturgeon Bay?
Everyone should come directly to the Holiday Music Motel at 30 N 1st Ave (& Michigan Street). Here, you will be given your hotel/room assignments (if we are providing accommodations for you), receive laminates, further instructions, etc. Please check in prior to 4pm. If you need to check in after 4pm, please make arrangements with melaniejane (414-254-2299).

Q. Are meals provided during the week?
YES!! In fact, the nightly dinners for the registered Construction Zone writers are REQUIRED Sunday-Wednesday and Friday night. These dinners are not open to the public.
Light breakfast and lunch served daily.  Alcoholic beverages will not be provided.

Q. Are pets allowed?
The short answer to this is NO… We must consider the overall comfort of all the participants. Exceptions to this will be considered on an individual basis and must be worked out directly with pAt well in advance of your arrival.

Q. What is the closest airport?
Green Bay! If you are flying in here, we will pick you up! Please send your flight info!!!

Q. Should I come with songs already written in whole or in part?
NO!!! Remember, this is a COLLABORATIVE songwriting event. The goal is to start from scratch with the other members of your group and to build up from there!!! This is where the TRUE magic happens!!!!

Q. How many recording studios will there be?
Right now, we are looking at 3, possibly 4 full studios (2 studios at Holiday Music Motel and 1 or 2 studios at Beach Harbor). HOWEVER, due to the sheer number of songs that get written here and the limited time to record, we encourage anyone who is so inclined to bring their protools rigs, garageband, etc. It’s a great way to document your work in progress, save a rough mix, maybe capture a gem… we want nothing to escape!!!!! All songs recorded here will be considered for the Steel Bridge Songs CD compilation.

Q. Do I retain my rights to the songs I write at SBSF??
YES!!! You retain full ownership of your contribution to songs written at the event. If your song is chosen to appear on a “Steel Bridge Songs" CD, you contribute only your performance as an artist (we can’t pay session fees) but you retain full ownership of your share of the song. (Contributing your mechanical royalties to the Steel Bridge Fund is appreciated, but optional!)

Q. Can I bring CDs and merch to sell at the SBSF??
Yes yes YES!!! PLEASE bring your merch with you and feel free to sell it whenever and wherever! SBSF does NOT want a percentage of your sales!!!! On Saturday and Sunday during the outdoor performances, we will also have a booth where SBSF volunteers will sell your merch for you throughout the day and DO NOT take any commission!!! Also, be sure to look at the website for info on the instrument re-sale consignment booth! Looking to sell of an instrument you don’t use anymore, perhaps this is your chance!!!!

Q. Can I book other gigs during the week of Steel Bridge?
NO!! In order for this to work, everyone needs to commit to being available for the entire week! Aside of disrupting the flow and chemistry of the week everyone is making the sacrifice of passing up paid gigs to be here, we simply cannot make exceptions here!

Q. Can my band join me on the weekend to perform?
YES!!! Of course!!! But we must know ASAP so we can arrange for a performance time and venue and try to figure out accommodations, if they are needed.

Q. Who are the people running the festival?
We have a huge core of volunteers who make this all possible! Please take the time to get to know those who are here to help out. Many of them have been dedicated since the inception of SBSF 7 years ago and without them, it simply would not be possible!!!

Q. Am I allowed to bring outside guests into the Holiday Motel?
Due to security issues, those with “Construction Zone” laminates ONLY will be allowed in the Motel and in the studios.

Q. Will there be transportation between the Holiday Music Motel and Beach Harbor?
Yes, we want everyone to get safely around town and to the studios. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!!! Although the Sturgeon Bay Police Department is extremely supportive of our efforts, their presence is increased drastically during the festival and THERE IS A ZERO TOLERANCE FOR DRINKING AND DRIVING AS WELL AS ANY KIND OF OTHER RECREATIONAL SUBSTANCES!!! So just don't do it! Walk, carpool with a designated driver, taxi (DISCOUNTED RATES FOR SBSF MUSICIANS!), etc. Also, please make sure your plates are current, headlights working, etc. Do FULL AND COMPLETE STOPS!!! NO JOKE! Do NOT give them a reason to pull you over!!!! And PLEASE help us to maintain our record of only 2 festival related DUIs in 6 years!!!! Pretty incredible considering the tens of 1,000s of people who have come here for the festival! Remember, you are a guest as well as an ambassador SBSF. We want to maintain a positive image in the community!!!

Q. What amenities does the Holiday Music Motel and Beach Harbor have?
Please check the websites for more information. Most rooms come equipped with refrigerators, microwaves, cable TV (not that anyone will WANT to watch TV!!!!), A/C, etc. http://www.holidaymusicmotel.com http://www.beachharborresort.com