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Two Different Bands, Same Venue

jive1

Commercial User
Jan 16, 2003
12,525
4,060
55
Alexandria,VA
www.jivesound.com
Disclosures
Owner/Retailer: Jive Sound
Looks like I'm having a busy week. Have a gig on Thursday and Friday with one band, and a gig on Saturday at the same venue with a different band. Don't see any issues other than the bands possibly competing for bookings at the venue, and wear and tear on my voice. Would like to figure out a way to cross promote this, and maximize.

Anyone done anything like this, and if so was there any issues?
 
+1 to promoting the 2nd night on the 1st night!


I've played in multiple bands on the same night a few times. I think it's fun! Especially if you switch up your role, or if it's a drastically different style!

Case in point... there's a more-or-less punk rock fest coming up soon called, 'Incest Fest', where a total of 22 people are playing in 10 different bands... good times!
 
I am playing with 4 acts right now. I'm always playing with at least two or three. I hold to the rule of not promoting other acts while I am on a job. It just looks tacky and rude to undercut an act you are playing with by mentioning a differing act. I've seen other guys do this and it always comes off poorly. You don't have to hide it. If someone asks a question, answer it. Just don't broach the subject.

Promote the hell out of all dates till you are on the gig. Once there, concentrate on the task at hand.
 
I dont think the venue will mind that you are inviting one band's crowd to come back a few days later to see your second band by leaving some flyers near the door, or at the bar, or on some tables.
Nor should your first band mind that you are casually promoting for a night that you/they are not working.
I see no undercutting taking place.

My $0.02
 
I hold to the rule of not promoting other acts while I am on a job. It just looks tacky and rude to undercut an act you are playing with by mentioning a differing act. I've seen other guys do this and it always comes off poorly.

IMO, if you're playing the same venue the next night but with a different band, what's the downside to promoting it?

You're basically inviting the people at the venue to return the next night. How does that undercut the act you're currently playing with?

I think the venue owner would be asking you to promote the upcoming bands anyways, you just happen to be in one of them. NBD to me. What's the problem with that?
 
I'm in this situation a lot. It's usually no problem, as long as the first band isn't using a sub and also working on the night you're promoting for the second band.

If you're the only member of band #1 appearing w/ band #2, it's best to clear it ahead of time with the other players in band 1.
 
You'll be fine. Pace yourself.

I played in two different bands at the same venue, the same night!! (It was a reunion of sorts for an old band of mine.) I was onstage for 5 hours straight. Apparently I was supposed to be the one organizing stuff, but I never got a break, and the whole thing turned into a big cluster ****.
 
Yup. I've opened for myself before. Long night, but fun. One weekend I played an opener at a local bar with Band A, then had to leave right after to play a frat party across town with Band B. Then played another opener the next day with Band B at he same bar. No issues.