Hello folks,
Chris French here at Modern Midwest Entertainment. As the manager of the band 4 Stroke, I have been working to get them some shows booked here in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Some of you are familiar with concert booking and have understanding of what all goes into a concert. I am still learning this, myself, as I have only helped so far with a show or two of 4 Stroke and am now in the process of setting up future shows. Let's look at what one performer, Michael Cooney, a folk singer with over 40 years of experience in the music business, has suggested we do when putting on a show.
The first thing that Mr. Cooney places emphasis on is attention to detail. Little things done right can mean a great deal to a performer when they have little time from the time they arrive to the venue, until the show starts. An at ease performer is a great performer.
Publicity is the greatest single element that can make or break a show. Having good publicity for a show, mist times, will bring in a good audience and make the performance that much better.
As far as staging, sound and lights go. Big names carry big equipment. Lesser known names can, and have gotten away with venue lighting and sound, or minimal lighting and sound. Most venues have a stage in them, so staging shouldn't be an issue.
During the show, care should be taken to make sure no-one is recording the show, as the show may be recorded for future release. Space should be made available for the band to sell recordings, DVDs, etc. of their work, somewhere in the venue. If the band takes a break, and music is played between sets, make sure the music is "background" music, as bands do not want to hear the next song they were planning to play being played by the venue PA during intermission. Start the show on time and keep opening acts limited to 4 songs or 15 minutes, whichever is shorter. One last suggestion Mr. Cooley makes for the performer who is going on too long. . .ask them politely once to make it their last song. . .if they still go on, pretend you blew a fuse.
Now the concert is over, but the job's not done yet. Hospitality is very important both before and after a concert. You want the band that you just hosted to come back to your venue, right? Then treat them like it. Before the show, have refreshments for them. After the show, do what you can to make them feel taken care of. If you can, have them over for a nice home cooked meal, or treat them to a nice meal at a local eatery. If you, as the promoter, have the money, put the band up in a nice hotel, so they can get some rest after the show, before heading back out on the road.
This sampling of tips of what to do when putting on a show can be used as a guideline for putting on your own concert production. I hope this has been helpful. Thank you Michael Cooney, for your website and the well thought out tips you have helped me share with a larger audience. Keep smiling, keep loving life, and keep looking ahead to that next concert!
SEE YA!
Reference
Cooney, M. (ND). Suggestions for Concert Presenters. Retrieved from
http://www.michaelcooney.com/MC1P011.html
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