I'm gonna beg your indulgence for a few minutes. I'm having trouble, and I need help.
Booking has never been a strong suit of mine. I put it on the back burner. I should've been booking for the Spring already, and I haven't. So now, halfway through November, I find myself racing desperately trying to setup gigs to cover my arse. The problem is that the gigs I'm looking at are far from home, and again, I'm shite at booking.
I did finally email Sherwood Forest Faire about a return performance. I love performing there, but like all faires, it's not a well-paid event. They typically pay based on the idea that a performer will be there for the entire run. It's called block booking. For entertainers on the circuit, it is Brilliant! You can make a living doing Renaissance festivals. But Ren Faires are only a small part of the shows I do.
In the past, my family was kind enough to cover my air travel. They can't do that this year. With pay and sales, I make a decent income playing two weekends there. Without that air travel and even with a third weekend, my pay sucks. That means, I don't get to see my wife and child for three weekends and still get paid poorly.
That is just not appealing. In fact, I'm not sure it's worthwhile for me at all.
That means, if I'm to do the faire, I have to get creative. I have to either book at least 2-3 additional shows, or I need to skip the show entirely. Oh! I could try crowdfunding…
The problem with crowdfunding is that I already have another Kickstarter campaign planned once I finish Sci Fi Drinking Songs. So I'm not sure what to offer. I guess I could do tickets for a show. And maybe that's the best way to do this, IF I can find a venue.
The problem with additional shows is I still have to contact the venues and book the shows. I don't know what venues there are in Texas any more. I'm a bit out of touch after five years away.
That's where you can help:
- Send me your feedback about venues and who books the venue too. If you can talk to them and tell them I'm awesome, it's even more likely to happen.
- Or offer suggestions about Kickstarter rewards. Would you pay $20 to see me perform? Yes, that's what it might cost for a show in Texas if I can pull together a different venue…
Of course Texas is not the only venue I'm running into this problem. I also was running into the same issue in Denver, Colorado for Starfest. I guess I could run a Kickstarter for both… Hmm.
Anyway, your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. If anyone likes booking bands or seriously wants to learn the trade. Talk to me too. 🙂
If you are, check out this book: How To Be Your Own Booking Agent THE Musician's & Performing Artist's Guide To Successful Touring
Hmmm. I’d love to help as much as I can, but I can’t do much from my location. If ever you find yourself wanting to book in MT or Seattle let me know ;).
I’d definitely pay $20 to see you in concert. I’d probably pay more too, but again, it depends if I’m actually near by and I can’t swing your end of the country for awhile. Still thinking about Denver….
Kickstarter rewards…hmm. Tickets are a good idea. Any other swag and items you’ve offered in the past is always good, if it is cost effective for a reward. Digital rewards… Maybe at the higher reward levels you could have a limited amount that could be tickets to a private concert just for those? …again if you have a place available for it in addition to what venue with nights you are already booking. IDK, just throwing ideas and not much experience in this…
I’m in CO and not TX but I would pay $20 to see you perform live in Denver. I’m not familiar enough with Denver to offer any advice for venues though, sorry.
Why don’t you try IndieGoGo? That way you don’t have to reach a goal to get the money. You could offer tickets but that will only be good for people who can get to your location. You can still offer CDs as rewards or t-shirts and other merchandise. Most of us who regularly support your projects probably do it out of love and loyalty anytway.
I’ll try to see who I have in my contacts who might can help.
Rhetta