TalkBass Tour Network: A Crazy Idea...but is it just crazy enough to work?

So my band has aspirations, but they are realistic and ultimately rooted in the reality that none of us is going to quit his day job to pursue them full time.

But what if we wanted to put together a mini tour? We'd need a trailer, all our personal gear, a PA, extra insurance, and a bunch of other stuff that would make this post longer than it already is.

Or would we?

I'm sure many TBers are in similar situations where we have a musical project we are passionate about, but real limitations on time, money, and other resources. We have everything we need to play any festival or venue within a day's drive of us, but if we wanted to play a festival in Nevada, how would we make that work? Do we fly with just our instruments, show up for that one gig, and fly home? If we drive we could carry more gear, but we'd have to stitch together some shows along the way for gas and beer money.

So what if we created a Talkbass Tour Network? Here's what I'm thinking:

A collection of TBers who have access to 1) Gear, 2) Sound, and 3) Venues to trade services. If you are coming through the Philly/Harrisburg/Baltimore/DC area, I can provide a PA and backline and run sound for you, or your band could hop on a bill for a show we already have, something like that. Then, when my band comes through your area, you can return the favor or pay it forward to another member of the network - strict quid pro quo would get messy pretty quickly.

This way, a band who will never have label support can put together a smaller tour in another part of the country without having to haul every last piece of equipment for a DIY gig. Pack your instruments, pedalboards, and asses in the van and drive to the next town. The cost savings would be tremendous, and horizons ever more expansive.

This would require commitment, obligation, and investment in the community, not just a list of numbers you can call. If you join the network and someone calls, you'll do what you can to help them out (within reason, naturally).

There are a thousand details to work out and rules to craft, but it's an idea, right? Does something like this already exist and I just need to know the secret password to be granted admission?

 

You would definitely have to limit the scope of what is expected in this arrangement. I think it would be:

1) Host agrees to provide PA equipment and run sound for the night for a Band-friendly fee. This is about helping each other out, after all.
2) Backline. I know drummers are reasonably concerned about other people using their stuff, but that's something you could work out case-by-case.
3) If Host has a slot on a show already in the works, plug 'em in
4) A list of contacts for venues to call in your area

What would not be expected in this arrangement:

1) Host promotes, coordinates, or otherwise "puts on" the event - unless, of course, it's your show to begin with
2) Host provides Band with a place to stay

The Band is responsible for booking the show and working with the venue on promotion. Host shows up to run the sound for the night. The way I see it yes, the Band and the Host would talk ahead of time about what gear the Host has, and it's up the Band to agree to it and work with the Host. If you say you have a $20k system and show up with a Bose stick, then...you're a terrible person. I don't think of it as gambling, I think of it as trusting. But I am generally a trusting person.

Obviously this isn't necessary when you are working with a venue that provides sound, but in our neck of the woods, those are difficult to just call up out of the blue and book. But I know about ten bars that'll let you come in for $200 and set up your own thing. If I don't have to haul a six-piece band's worth of gear and PA, that low number is suddenly at least doable.