Rock~n~Roll Social

March Social TONIGHT!

2012-03-14T04:49:00.000-07:00

A short primer on booking gigs

2012-03-10T18:29:00.001-08:00

When looking for gigs, check out a venue before you contact them, see they types of music that they typically book. Pay attention to the instructions that the venue and/or talent buyer provides on their website. As a former booking agent for a mid-sized club I can tell you that professionalism and courtesy go a long way. Keep in mind that there are a lot more bands/musicians looking for a gig than there are venues, and it's not possible to give everyone the 11pm slot on Friday or Saturday night.

For those of you just starting out, be prepared to start off playing Sunday through Thursday. Try not to be too disappointed if the first night a buyer offers you is a Tuesday night. Do your best to promote your gig (coming to the Social and talking it up and handing out business card sized flyers is one great way to do this). Make sure that you send your show information to the local radio shows at least a week before the actual show. Lots of the local music show DJs program their show based on the bands who are playing out in the upcoming week.

Be strategic in booking gigs, space them out. Your fans/friends will appreciate having some space between performances and will be more inclined to come to your show. The exception to this is if you are playing different markets, it's okay to play shows in Connecticut on Friday and Cambridge on Saturday. Buyers pay attention to this, if they see your band is playing TTs on Thursday followed by Radio on Saturday they will wonder what the heck is going on.

At the gig, be professional, don't be a prima donna, and be nice to ALL the staff at the venue. Folks that work at a venue talk to each other, if you are a colossal jerk to the sound guy/waitress/doorman/bartender they will tell the booking agent. Don't trash talk the talent buyer or venue while at the venue either. You never know who might be listening. Yes, I never booked a particular band ever again after several folks came up to me to let me know their lead singer was gripping about how the venue sucked, right before their performance at the "sucky venue", to his pals. Remember that there is no shortage of other musicians who would love to have the opportunity to play.

After the gig, follow-up with the booking agent to see when you can play again.

Book a gig at a Boston area venue that hosts live music

2012-03-09T16:29:00.000-08:00

Below is a list of Boston area venues that host live music. The links will take you to their websites with information on how to book a gig at their venue.

Wally's Cafe Jazz Club

Venues West of Boston: Booking Information

2012-03-09T15:48:00.000-08:00

Below is a list of venues West of Boston that host live music. The links will take you to their websites with information on how to book a gig at their venue.

Venues South of Boston: Booking Information

2012-03-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

Below is a list of venues South of Boston that host live music. The links will take you to their websites with information on how to book a gig at their venue.

Venues North of Boston: Booking Information

2012-03-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

Below is a list of venues North of Boston that host live music. The links will take you to their websites with information on how to book a gig at their venue.

Me & Thee Coffeehouse

New Moon Coffehouse

Palmers