Booking A Great Show Out Of Town.
By: Jason Appleton (Manager for 8C8 www.8C8band.com)

Are you a bit tired of trying to book shows by calling venues 15 times in a week just to feel lucky to have gotten ahold of someone who handles the booking just to hear them say..”Send me a package and give me a call in a week” just to start the process all over?

Then when they do decide to book your group for a show, you end up playing on a night with a band that draws about 25 people.. You spent 2 weeks to book this show, you drove 100 miles to get there, only to have to pay a sound guy out of your own pocket because the crowd just wasn’t there.

A waste of your time.

Here is a much easier method of booking shows that will save you time, put some money in you pocket and help you gain guaranteed exposure.

#1. Contact the venue you would like to perform in, then explain to them that you’re an out of town band looking to perform there and that you would like to know the names of the 3 or 4 bands that perform there that draw the biggest crowds. Write these names down.

#2. Ask the venue manager for the contact names and numbers for those bands.

#3. CONTACT THE BANDS. Simply call those top drawing bands and let them know who you are, the name of your band, where your from etc. Simply explain that you would love open for them in an upcoming show. Ask what dates they are currently booked if any and if not work with them in needed to book a show.

#4. Explain to the band that you would like to send a CD and some promo materials and that you would appreciate their help in posting them in that venue or wherever they feel it would help draw more attention to your name.

#5. Explain to the band that you will be more than happy to do the same for them in your hometown whenever they plan on playing out.

#6. Work out the money details and other details…

#7. Now you have a confirmed show, opening for a band where you know people will be there, and more than likely you will walk out with some cash in your pocket and several new fans of your own.

Always respect the bands that you call. This is about establishing relationships as much as it is helping you get a good show to perform. Always keep your word and make sure that the bands know you will support them.

One more thing, DON’T LEAVE right after your set. Stay! Support the band during their set. It is plain and simple respect for the way they helped you. Bands shouldn’t be in competition with each other, they should support each other, always.