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Here's the deal: 

You and you're buddies have practiced your ass off, you've got a sound that's hot, and everybody is starting to talk about "We gotta play live!!  We gotta get on stage!!"  And then you think to yourself, "OK, now what do we do???"  ...

Its cool, don't worry, because at some point in all our music careers we start to notice these words,

"For Booking call ...... @ xxx-xxxx"

We usually see them in the local paper that lists all the great shows, who's coming to town, and who's hot right now.  There will be a name and a phone number behind it.  And there it is.........your first show, right at your fingertips.  All you have to do is call and you're on you're way to being a rock star.  It's just that simple, right?!?

Well, yes and no. 

Being that I'm big on live performance and I've got a little experience booking music, here's a few tips I've picked up along the way that might help when you think you're ready to book that first show.

1.  Places to see, People to do......

When I first started booking music, I was booking my own solo acoustic act up in Colorado.  I didn't know anybody at any venues and had very few friends.  So I found every open mic night that existed in Summit County, Colorado.  I played in front of people that could barely understand southern and sure didn't know anything about Polk Salad.  It was scary and I was nervous, but after playing my second or third open mic night, I gained some confidence and people started to recognize me.  Especially the people that owned the venue.  And that's what you want.  Go out and test your music in different venues and find the people that like your sound.   The place where you get complimented the most, needs to become your home venue.  Try to play there as much as you can!!!

2.   Why can't we be friends....

Once you've got your home venue, become friends with the owners or the booking agent.  This is the person in the "For Booking call ........  xxx-xxxx" line.  Call them up or meet them at the venue.  If you're of age, buy 'em a beer and talk music.  Really find out what type of music the venue likes to book.   If you have a demo disc or a recording of a live show you've played, put that in their hands.  These are typically good people and they really like music.  Tell them you want to play at their venue and you'd like to book a date for a Thursday, Friday or Saturday Show.  Why those days, because those are typically pay days, and if want to play something other than that guitar your dad gave you when you we're 10, you gotta get paid!!

(** 1st Life Lesson in Music**   Do not be surprised if they do not immediately talk to you or book your show!!  And don't take it personal.  There's a possibility that your sound still needs some work.  That's why Little Rock Jams is here to help.  Call us and lets work on it.)

3.  Deal or No Deal

But if they say yes......Oh my god, they said yes!!!  First, remember to breathe, act cool, and then get ready, because here comes the "deal"  (My favorite was free draft beer and a hamburger for everyone in the band). Trust me, there will always be some sort of a deal.  Music is a business at this level and that's the bottom line.  Every venue is different, and every deal is different, but if you're just starting out, you'll probably open for someone else.  Plus, you might only get paid 50 or 100 bucks (and maybe some free beer), but that's cool.  Remember, places to see..people to do!!  You gotta start somewhere.  But at the end of the day, it's your call.  When they give you the terms for you to play, they're basically saying:

Deal or no Deal!!!


(**2nd Life Lesson in Music** When it comes to money, every musician will get screwed at some point.  It's in our genes.  Learn from every experience and try not to make the same mistake twice.  Remember two things.  First: Every venue/club owner is not out to screw you.  Second and most importantly:  Remember that music is an art and that it is fun.  Play because you love to play.   Plus, for the club owners that screw you....Karma's a bitch!!!)





Thats all the lesson for today.  Now hit the road and find some good open mic nights.  Get out and get live!!! 

Next time we'll concentrate on how to promote your show now that you've got a show to promote.  Call me or write me if you have any questions.  Better yet, come by the studio.  Thanks!


Compton
Little Rock Jams
















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