Help Booking Gigs

[Mexican Jazz]

Not sure is this is the right folder for this discussion as it’s not funny nor is it a story. It does however have to do with gigs.

I’ve been gigging in my area on and off for years as sort of a back up player for local singer/songwriters. They book the gigs, I show up, stand in the back by the drummer and play. I’m not a regular on the bar scene—unless I’m playing—and I’m not a real social cat so never got to know any of the bar or restaurant owners or regulars.

Well, now I’ve put my own band together and I want to start booking more gigs. There are a couple of less-discerning places in the area that you can simply call and play, with no demo, no interview, no anything really. So we’ve played those places. But we’re pretty good and I’d like to get us into some of the nicer places and there are a bunch in my area.

So, that was a long-winded wind up to ask for any and all advice on how to approach restaurants, bars and clubs where I’d like to book my band.

Thanks,
Brian

[Dekker]

I'm sure Stumbo would have gotten around to posting this anyway...

Originally Posted by Stumbo

~Gigs
Getting gigs
Keeping track of gigs/rehearsals

The "art" of closing the deal
Gig pay
Advertising your band
Business cards

Oh, and perhaps this should be moved to the Band Management thread?

[Richland123]

Well, the good news is that you got your feet wet and the band has started and played out. That helps. People want to know if you have some type of track record. Booking gigs takes a lot of work, organization, sales skills, and professionalism to do it right. I have 41 years experience at it and it never gets any easier.

First, and foremost, you need to have some type of promotional materials such as demo CDs, bios, photos, performance schedule, business cards, website (with sound clips if possible), etc.

Refer to the thread links the previous poster provided for more information.

[bluewine]

[quote=Mexican Jazz;10430793]Not sure is this is the right folder for this discussion as it’s not funny nor is it a story. It does however have to do with gigs.

I’ve been gigging in my area on and off for years as sort of a back up player for local singer/songwriters. They book the gigs, I show up, stand in the back by the drummer and play. I’m not a regular on the bar scene—unless I’m playing—and I’m not a real social cat so never got to know any of the bar or restaurant owners or regulars.

It's not easy and becoming more of a social cat will work to your advantage.

[Mexican Jazz]

Great links, thanks Dekker.

Your definitly right, Bluewine, I wish I could be more of a smoozer in the workplace, too. NOt my strong suit.

BP

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by Dekker

I'm sure Stumbo would have gotten around to posting this anyway...

Oh, and perhaps this should be moved to the Band Management thread?

You've learned well, grasshopper.

I suggest you call all the singer/songwriters you've backed over the years and let them know what you're up to.
While you're chatting them up, ask if they can give you some contact info for the clubs you've played at.

Good luck.