Playing special events

[Doug R]

What kind of price should we bid for a big event? This is an annual 50s show and rally, oldies trio, about 70 miles. We do small local stuff, $300 - 600 range. This would be city center in nearby town. Bid usual range, or expect bigger compensation?

 

[hsech]

IMO it depends on your location. Most bands around here are doing good to get $300. If you can get a guaranteed $600 that would be a good start. You don't want to price yourself out of the running. Most promoters or owners could care less about your gas or other expenses. This is just my opinion based on what my area is like.

 

[modulusman]

How big of crowd? Is your regular PA going to cut it or will you need to rent? Here in Northwest 70 miles is local.

 

[Doug R]

Email today says it's a large, new entertainment venue, indoor, capacity is 500. No sound sound system installed yet. Stage lights not mentioned. Music would be "after the parade", probably 7:30 to midnight.

Not sure of our regular PA for small/mid-size clubs will be enough. We have stage lights if we need to bring them.

I'm thinking about asking $600 which would be a fairly normal price to "take the show on the road". If they bring-in bigger names, it'll be a lot more, right? Is it better to keep the bid down for the best chance to get the gig, or should we be a little bolder and bid higher at the risk of not getting the job?

 

[jmattbassplaya]

Email today says it's a large, new entertainment venue, indoor, capacity is 500. No sound sound system installed yet. Stage lights not mentioned. Music would be "after the parade", probably 7:30 to midnight.

Not sure of our regular PA for small/mid-size clubs will be enough. We have stage lights if we need to bring them.

I'm thinking about asking $600 which would be a fairly normal price to "take the show on the road". If they bring-in bigger names, it'll be a lot more, right? Is it better to keep the bid down for the best chance to get the gig, or should we be a little bolder and bid higher at the risk of not getting the job?

Might want to throw in the cost of renting a PA. For a venue of that size you're probably going to need a pretty big one.