Re: [dcab-l] Looking to book gigs, but have a conundrum....

Since your sets include a variety of acoustic music, you might consider some of the folk venues.
I play in a 9-person Americana/Contemporary folk band, Shenandoah Run.  We've played at about
10 different local places.

You asked about MoCo - we played at El Golfo restaurant in Silver Spring as part of the
World Folk Music Association showcase.   We also played in Annapolis at London Town
Gardens and have an upcoming gig at Maryland Hall.

The list of venues is on the first page of our website, maybe one of those places will work for you too.
www.ShenandoahRun.com

- Mary

On Wednesday, April 3, 2013 3:03:54 PM UTC-4, Matt wrote:

Here's my plan-

Dont play too frequently. Over exposure is a concern, IMHO.  I figure that my crowd would be diluted if I played any more than 1 time per month in a given area. Every other month is more like it. Last year when I started off with Gravel Road, I had a weekly gig. It turned out it was great for working the wrinkles out (such as they have been) and taming the slide.  Realistically, it was a disincentive for folks to come out to, because they knew I would be back next week. I tried to work in guests, too, to change things up.  GR is a trio, so theres lots of room for that (musically, if not actually on the stage).  It was also 3 blocks away from home. 

I look for larger capacity bars to play in. A place like JV's is on the small side. If I'm not going to be performing in an area frequently, I want a spot that can handle the bodies. 

 

I dont really play bluegrass, so I mix up the repertoire.  That gives more options for venues, and an audience. Its all acoustic tho (blues, some grass, jazz- tho I'm not really a jazz player-R&B, folk, Irish. A wide range of material. A bunch of originals. Requisite BG content: blues and bluegrass are the same, really, just from different sides of the tracks. I include standards (Walls of Time, Little Sadie, among them, but rearranged for bluesy sound. Wayfaring Stranger, Cash on the Barrelhead anyone?)

I include cover gigs with other bands, like By and By, Stick Mob. Iota in Arlington, Jammin Java in Fairfax. These aren't easy to pull off but are a blast once it happens. Lissy has a good thing going with these shows. 

I need to expand- hence the original post. Looking for a place in MoCo and Annapolis/Balto area that would work. 

I know and interact with a bunch of folks in those areas. It would be good to add them to the rotation.

Your thoughts appreciated!

Oh, yea, one more thing- a house system would be great!

On Tuesday, April 2, 2013 5:32:56 PM UTC-4, Howard Parker wrote:

Michael and Tim do present a fairly accurate picture of a part of the
music scene. Like Michael I really haven't been part of a bluegrass band
for a number of years, moving on to alt.roots.whatever..

Let me offer this. There are fewer venues that focus exclusively on
bluegrass, agreed. We do have a number of venues that offer bluegrass
along with other types of roots based music. In the DC area I'm thinking
Iota, Birchmere (dance hall), Ramshead, Velvet Lounge, Hill Country BBQ,
JV's and others do present _strong_ regional talent.

Speaking only in generalities I think that it's tough for local
bluegrass bands/artists to approach some of these venues because they
are way behind the promotion/technology curve. Many venue owners these
days look for fully formed "professionally" produced audio, video and
print promotion material as "proof" that an artist has at least a
fighting chance of attracting an suitable audience.

IMHO the days are gone where you can walk into a venue, hand over a self
produced CD and hope you'll get a gig that will pay a 4 piece $200-250.
Technology has changed so dramatically that some venues expect that
you've shelled $1,000 or so on a decent three tune demo and can provide
a Soundcloud link to said demo and, oh those YouTube links of the artist
in action, in_front_ of_ a_ crowd entertaining. There's nothing like a
good video that tells the venue that you can help their bottom line.

I accept gigs when it helps me reach a goal. I do bar gigs because they
lead to private jobs. Some bars do a better job then others with
promotion. For what I play these days JV's is tops. Lorraine is an
astute business owner, effectively promotes using social media and if
you let her she'll tell you how the artist can improve. Get to know her
and she'll talk about the business and her challenges. That is valuable
info for an artist.

BTW..Not familiar with JV's? Lorraine books nine bands/week. How's about
THAT?

<ramble mode/off>

h

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