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

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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