Everyone says “support local music.” Very few people understand what that actually means.

In this episode of Between 2 Palms, Derek Clark and Mikey pull the curtain back on the realities of running a live music venue and building a sustainable local scene. They talk openly about Free Fridays, booking decisions, why pay-to-play hurts everyone, and what bands need to do if they want more than a 20-minute opening slot.

The conversation covers:

• Why venues take real financial risks on local bands

• What “support local music” actually looks like in practice

• Why strong EPKs and self-promotion still matter

• How bands move from openers to real bills

• Why mentorship between bands matters more than ego

• The difference between exposure and exploitation

• Why consistency beats talent alone

This episode is required listening for local musicians, promoters, venue staff, and fans who want to understand how scenes grow—or quietly die.

🎶 Learn more about upcoming shows and how to play The Boardwalk:
👉 RockTheBoardwalk.com