Starting to Book Shows

[Jake Denning]

I'd like to eventually start booking actual tour packages, but for right now, i'd like to learn the ropes so I can achieve that goal.

What do I need to book shows? Stuff I should know? Good programs to make design flyers?

I have a small venue in mind that doesnt have shows there, there is a campus musicians guild that holds practices there; the place has a pretty good PA system and with a $350 rental fee, you get a sound tech working it in addition to being able to use the venue.

Is it a bad idea to ask 4 bands to sell about 15 tickets a piece for $7 a piece so I can cover rental fees, and anything other tickets that they sell they get to keep profits as pay for the show?

[remoteCONTROL]

dont make bands pay to play there. hire bands that you know can bring kids in the first place. i just came back from a house show in the middle of nowhere tonight and it was donation only and each band made $75 above and beyond. if you dont know what programs to make flyers on, have one of your friends design the flyers for you that know what they're doing.

i've never booked a show i wasn't playing, but if i were to book one, i'd find an awesome local headliner (or any band that can bring kids on their own) and have them chose a couple bands they'd like to play with. then if there's spots left on the bill, put your friends' band on there because you know they're going to ask to be on it anyways. if you can throw down $25 and get 5 pizzas from little ceasers too, that helps.

[DevinRosni]

It's not a bad idea to have some bands sell some tickets, but don't make them pay up if they don't, and if they do sell them make sure you pay them for it. I know what it's like to lose your ass on a show because none of the bands care enough to promote, but I also know how bad it sucks to be stuck paying for a bunch of tickets that I didn't sell because of a poorly run show.

Every band obviously wants to play shows, not have to sell tickets, get paid, and get food, but realistically that's really, really difficult unless you're sure that the bands have good draw. Don't cheat the bands, but don't put yourself in a position to lose money. It's really your call.