The Live from The Coffee Bean concert series will be performed live from Coffee Bean stores and will stream exclusively on StageIt.com, where fans will get an intimate, front-row-seat experience with indie bands and musicians.
StageIt solves a problem the music and tech industries have been working on for a couple of years: How can musicians make money online beyond just selling tracks and merchandise? The startup lets fans and "superfans" purchase virtual tickets for webcam-based performances that include live chats with the artist.
StageIt aims to create special experiences for fans, and also aims to let artists find and speak directly to the fans who care most about them. The platform also has a built-in tipping system for fans who want to show a little extra love -- and they often do.
StageIt solves a problem unique to the music industry and does so very well. We're sure the company's provenance has a lot to do with its early successes; founder Evan Lowenstein is one half of Evan and Jaron, the pop group behind the 2000 hit, "Crazy for This Girl." Sometimes it takes a musician to come up with good tools for fellow musicians.
The Coffee Bean lineup kicks off May 16 with indie-pop singer Lelia Broussard and alt-rock artist Terra Naomi, who will perform from a Coffee Bean store in Beverly Hills. Both artists are particularly known for their popular YouTube clips.