Post by Grape on Feb 19, 2009 20:09:29 GMT -5
In this post I'll be going through everything you need to put on a successful show production.
I hope you all enjoy and have the experience of getting to be the host of a show!
Step 1: Choosing the venue.
You need to find a place to rent out before doing ANYTHING with the bands or else they will get mad. If you dare book any bands before getting the venue 100% confirmed, I'm going to shoot you in the foot. (not really)
What I recommend is finding the Myspace/Facebook of a big show booking company, looking at where they book most of their shows, and directly contacting the building through phone/email.
Be very personal, friendly, and social.
This is where the knowledge of building rapport comes in useful.
Step 2: Getting the bands together.
Find 4-6 bands that you'd like to have play the show. For the small local bands, asking through Myspace is fine.
But for the bigger State/Regional/Touring bands, DO EMAIL!
Most bands post their booking email on their myspace, so use that!
The bands will ask for a guarantee, tell locals $20-40 depending on attendance and tell the touring bands $60-120 depending on how much people they will attract.
Remember if you're going to invite 20 bands at once, only ask if THEY'RE AVAILABLE. Don't invite, just ask if they're available.
Then invite the top 4-6 that you want.
Step 3: The sound guy and the lights.
You'll need to find a great sound guy if you want a great show.
Goto your local shows, meet up with the sound guys, talk to them about your show, and tell them you'll pay them around $80-120 depending on how well the show goes.
It's all about being a friend.
As for the lights, either use GOOD lights that the venue already owns or rent some from guitar center for $50-100.
Step 4: The crew.
Make sure you get people you can really trust for these jobs or else you will get screwed over.
You'll need:
- 1-2 Light workers
- 2 Door workers (they'll be handling about $1000-3000 cash.. so yeah)
- a big bouncer.
Step 5: The promotion.
Now is when you start spreading the word. This is when you get a friend who's amazing with graphic design to make you a flyer to post all over Myspace/Facebook, all over the school, and all over the local shows.
You'll want to send the flyer to each band that is playing.
Also goto big events and hand out flyers personally, it really does help.
Step 6: Welcome everyone at the door!
I usually have doors open 30 minutes before the first band plays.
I'll greet everyone, meet up with people I haven't met, etc.
Enjoy the show! Make sure people aren't smoking in the bathrooms or drinking outside. Kick out people who are being real douches.
And DON'T PISS OFF THE BUILDING MEMBERS!
<33 Grape
I hope you all enjoy and have the experience of getting to be the host of a show!
Step 1: Choosing the venue.
You need to find a place to rent out before doing ANYTHING with the bands or else they will get mad. If you dare book any bands before getting the venue 100% confirmed, I'm going to shoot you in the foot. (not really)
What I recommend is finding the Myspace/Facebook of a big show booking company, looking at where they book most of their shows, and directly contacting the building through phone/email.
Be very personal, friendly, and social.
This is where the knowledge of building rapport comes in useful.
Step 2: Getting the bands together.
Find 4-6 bands that you'd like to have play the show. For the small local bands, asking through Myspace is fine.
But for the bigger State/Regional/Touring bands, DO EMAIL!
Most bands post their booking email on their myspace, so use that!
The bands will ask for a guarantee, tell locals $20-40 depending on attendance and tell the touring bands $60-120 depending on how much people they will attract.
Remember if you're going to invite 20 bands at once, only ask if THEY'RE AVAILABLE. Don't invite, just ask if they're available.
Then invite the top 4-6 that you want.
Step 3: The sound guy and the lights.
You'll need to find a great sound guy if you want a great show.
Goto your local shows, meet up with the sound guys, talk to them about your show, and tell them you'll pay them around $80-120 depending on how well the show goes.
It's all about being a friend.
As for the lights, either use GOOD lights that the venue already owns or rent some from guitar center for $50-100.
Step 4: The crew.
Make sure you get people you can really trust for these jobs or else you will get screwed over.
You'll need:
- 1-2 Light workers
- 2 Door workers (they'll be handling about $1000-3000 cash.. so yeah)
- a big bouncer.
Step 5: The promotion.
Now is when you start spreading the word. This is when you get a friend who's amazing with graphic design to make you a flyer to post all over Myspace/Facebook, all over the school, and all over the local shows.
You'll want to send the flyer to each band that is playing.
Also goto big events and hand out flyers personally, it really does help.
Step 6: Welcome everyone at the door!
I usually have doors open 30 minutes before the first band plays.
I'll greet everyone, meet up with people I haven't met, etc.
Enjoy the show! Make sure people aren't smoking in the bathrooms or drinking outside. Kick out people who are being real douches.
And DON'T PISS OFF THE BUILDING MEMBERS!
<33 Grape
