Chapter 6

Bette’s House – Friday Night: 7 days Until CD Release Party

The band was rehearsing in Bette’s backyard while she filmed them using a handheld HD DVD camcorder. She was planning on uploading the video to the internet to try to promote more attendance for the show next Friday.

The last week was stressfully busy for both Bette and the band. Having landed the Planet account, Leonard had Bette working later than usual to brainstorm the marketing strategy after all the contracts were signed.

As part of the deal to hire KDG, Marina and Bette had a side arrangement for the Planet to receive 25% of the cover charge for the show. Marina was happy to allow Kit and the band to play for free, but Bette had insisted considering the sizeable costs associated with KDG’s services.

Kit and the band had cut a six-song demo within 3 days at the studio. This included recording, mastering, transferring, and duplicating the material digitally with the help of one of Nona’s experienced sound engineers. And none of it came at a small price. Every single band member including Bette had chipped in to cover the cost. But they had produced 1500 CDs to sell at the show.

Max entered the backyard from the side gate as Kit was singing “The Real Thing” one of her older songs. Max smiled at Kit as he pulled his laptop out of his backpack and set it up on Bette’s patio table on the other side of the pool. Bette noticed Kit wave and looked back at Max.

Once the song was finished, Bette stopped recording by fading out the picture.

“Why don’t you guys take five and come check this out.” Bette said walking to where Max was sitting.

“What’s up Max!” Alice called out.

“Hey guys. You sound great, can’t wait to see you guys playing for a huge audience next weekend.”

“Well, I don’t know about huge, Max. But were looking forward to a few peeps checkin’ us out.” Kit was doubting their ability to pack the Planet.

“Don’t be so sure, Kit” Bette said.

“Yeah, Kit. You pack ‘em in for karaoke and Carmen packs the joint when she spins Radar. Add us to the mix and Marina’s gonna need to buy the businesses next door to expand the space.” Shane quipped.