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SHOWBIZ TIME MAGAZINE P. 13     Cover of the Magazine       Table of Contents          Highlights       More articles on Page 78

How and where to book your show                    By Maximillien de Lafayette

A  music venue  is a place or an  establishment  that specializes in hosting live music events and offering live entertainment. There are many different types, categories, sizes and styles of music venues, ranging  from small joints, bars, ethnic restaurants, 5 star restaurants, bistros,  indie rock clubs to legendary concert halls. Thus, it is extremely important to know some basic facts about those venues. It is highly recommended to do a little research before hand when booking your show. Very important advice and tips to consider when booking your show at venues:

1-AMBIANCE, REPUTATION, CLIENTELE: The clientele of an establishment dictates and shapes up its whole ambiance, status, and reputation. Learn who frequents this or that venue. Ask questions and inquire about who goes to that establishment. Students, professionals, diplomats, high class, low class, ethnic groups, blue color class, sport fans, educated people, gigolos? Choose venues that enjoy a good reputation. 

2-EXPOSURE AND VENUES’ SUCCESS: Successful venues increase your visibility and offer you a wider exposure. Talk to colleagues, associates, peers, and other artists, singers, performers and ask them  which venues have been successful for them.

3-GOOD SOUND SYSTEM: You got to sound good. That means that the venue must  have a good sound system. A poor sound system quality will kill your performance. It is a suicide.

4-PATRONS’ AND GUESTS’ LISTS:  It is extremely helpful to learn whether the venues have a list of their repeated customers, patrons and guests. Ask the manager if you can use those lists. This could increase the size and volume of attendance, and of course…the revenues.

 5-CONTRACTS AND PAYMENT: Understand all the terms of the agreement and/or contract you sign with venues. Do not rush to accept their terms. Negotiate. Take your time. Consult with a professional, so you can avoid paying a lawyer’s fee. Put everything in writing.

 

 

6-THE COVER CHARGE: The cover charge could be a killer. Meaning, small or low cover charge does not bring enough money. High or expensive cover charge will bring fewer people. You have to assess the situation. Ask about your cut and your share.

7-CAPACITY: How many seats, small bar, large bar, spacious areas, setting, stage size, allowed crowd capacity by the fire department? Those are very important questions you must ask and get direct and honest answers from the venue’s manager.

8-THE COMPS: Very important issue. Your guests list is a trampoline and sometime a necessity. Consider inviting critics, syndicated journalists, reviewers, and other high profile people in the industry, especially if your performance is a debut or a premiere. Discuss the comps issue with the venue’s manager. How many people are you allowed to comp? Drinks? Food?

9-SPECIAL SEATING AREAS FOR HONORED GUESTS AND V.I.P.:  Your VIP guests are important. Especially industry’s executives, records’ producers, studios’ directors and the CRITICS! Inquire whether the venue can arrange a special seating area for these important people.

10-ONLINE RESERVATION AND ANNOUNCING YOUR PERFORMANCE: Ask the venue’s manager whether the venue has an online reservation. This could boost attendance and revenues. Demand that your performance will be listed and posted on the website of the venue.

11-SELLING YOUR CD ON THE PREMISES: Make sure you have the right to sell your CDs at the venues during your performance. Get the consent of the venue’s manager in writing.  And insist! This is an opportunity to sell your CD to customers, old and new fans and those who might enjoy your show. Some hustling and greedy managers try to get a piece of the cake. Meaning, they will ask you to pay them a commission, a share of the sale. REFUSE ! This is your CD, your baby. Your very personal property. Your hard work. Your talent. Probably you had to make lots of sacrifices for that CD…and pay a bundle. Don’t give the manager a penny. Eventually, he/she will cave in and agree.

12-YOUR POSTER: Very important. Make sure that you have the right to have your poster posted and or exhibited at the entrance of the venue, if such facility exists. Attract the public, and people passing by the venue. This is free publicity and a wide exposure opportunity.

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