By: Kevin Manieri
George’s Music

A customer recently emailed me and asked if I could get him a gig somewhere.  While I didn’t have a go-to venue or contact for his particular style, I did have some tips to help this musician get some more performances under his belt this year.  Read on for my suggestions.

1. Market Yourself – My first idea for any performer is to create a little postcard-sized ad for yourself, stating that you are available for parties and other events, and put it up at music stores and other public places.  Most of our stores have a bulletin board that you can use, and people do stop in and ask about entertainment.  Websites like Craigslist can work, too.  Of course, once you do start playing out, you’ll want to consider a simple website or email list to let fans know your schedule.
2. Go Where the Music Is – You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to get a gig.  Chances are, there are probably plenty of restaurants and bars in your area that offer live music.  Contact them!  Tell them a bit about your “act”, who you are, and what you’re looking to accomplish.  If you make a good first impression, you could even secure a recurring gig.  Remember to take note of the establishment’s style.  A quiet, upscale restaurant that featured an acoustic duo last week may not be interested in your Iron Maiden tribute band, but the late-night roadhouse with a big sound system may book you right away.
3. Give Them a Preview – Whether you’ve got a restaurant or an individual looking to book you, they’ll probably want more than a description.  Have a demo ready.  A video of a recent live performance may be even better.  Even a simple list of the songs you play can be sufficient – just be prepared to give them something so they can make an informed decision about your performance.
4. If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em – If you have trouble securing steady gigs for yourself or your band, try to meet and work with other performers.  Two individuals could create a duo act, or trade gigs at different venues.  Sometimes two bands on a bill can draw much better than just one.
5. Get Creative – Some bands have a lot of success doing performances that are a little out of the ordinary.  For instance, your band could host an open mic night, where you encourage other players and singers to get up and perform with you.  You could even bill this type of gig as “live karaoke” – just make sure you know plenty of songs!  I’ve seen some bands cultivate a large following using this method.

There you have it – a few simple tips to get out there and play.  I’ll see you on stage!