Artists and non-profit venues have traditionally thought of themselves as separate and perhaps even antagonistic entities. One hires the other to play, or one puts up with the other to get their music heard. One worries about an artist being able to sell tickets, the other worries about getting paid.
It’s the wrong approach. That simple. Both need each other, and both really only need the same thing: an audience. Working together makes it a lot easier, but in both cases, the ball is in your court. Simply putting on shows doesn’t mean anything to anyone. Putting your band or gigs on Facebook or any other social media doesn’t guarantee an audience.
In both cases, you need to develop a sense of community, a sense of purpose. There are a million venues, a million great fiddlers out there. Why would someone go to your place to watch a show or see you play?
It’s all about community, and we’re the masters at building that. It’s more than a booking agent or manager. Those are only as good as their rolodex, and your ability to fill seats. Unless you already have a great track record, they don’t want to hear from you. The good ones are busy with their rainmakers, and the rest are ignored. The less-effective ones will be happy to sign you, but will your career go anywhere?
The same goes for non-profit venues. How do you expect people to come on a regular basis without some sort of game plan. How much can you afford to lose before you pull the plug? People will come to the first show or two, but how do you build a meaningful program that will make a difference?
We’ve got the experience and the answers. All you need to do is ask.
Contact Charlie Shafer Charlies Email