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I would like to share this article written by: Jared Judge Fulltime Music Academy jared@fulltimemusicacademy.com Hey gigging musicians, Today, we're diving into the ring for an epic showdown: Wedding Gigs vs. Bar Gigs! It's a playful rivalry, but when it comes to your music career, there's a clear winner. Round 1: Paycheck PunchIn one corner, we have Bar Gigs. Sure, they can be fun, but they often pay peanuts. You're stuck with late-night shifts and tips that barely cover your strings.And in the other corner, the reigning champ, Wedding Gigs! These gigs bring in the big bucks. Couples are willing to invest in quality music for their special day. Say hello to fatter paychecks and a happier bank account. Round 2: Working ConditionsBar Gigs might have you crammed into a corner, competing with chatter and clinking glasses. Not exactly the ideal stage.But with Wedding Gigs, you get a VIP pass to elegant venues. You'll be playing in beautiful settings, and your music becomes an integral part of a magical day. It's a win for both you and the happy couple. Round 3: Job SatisfactionSure, Bar Gigs offer some regularity, but playing the same setlist night after night can become mundane.Wedding Gigs, on the other hand, are all about variety. Different couples, unique requests, and a chance to craft unforgettable moments through music. Your creativity thrives, making every gig exciting. Round 4: Future ProspectsBar Gigs can become a never-ending cycle. It's easy to get stuck in the loop without much room for growth. But Wedding Gigs open doors. Satisfied couples recommend you to their friends and family. Your reputation grows, and soon, you're booking more high-paying weddings than you can handle. So, there you have it, folks. In this friendly competition, Wedding Gigs come out on top, offering better pay, working conditions, job satisfaction, and future prospects. Ready to learn how to land your first or next wedding gig? Join us for the FREE Wedding Gig Challenge starting on February 12, 2024. It's your chance to demystify the wedding industry and unlock the secrets to booking those lucrative gigs. Don't miss out! Register now at http://www.weddinggigchallenge.com/ and let's elevate your music career together! To your thriving music career, Jared Judge

When To Book Gigs: The Ultimate Guide for Artists [Editor’s Note: This article was co-written by Chelsea G. Ira and Jeri Goldstein of New Artist Model.] When it comes to booking gigs, a lot of musicians put a lot of effort into perfecting their pitch, gathering all the material bookers could ask for, and improving their live show performance. But all of that planning and preparation could be for nothing if you call up the venue asking for a gig at the wrong time. Let me explain… Different venues follow different booking schedules and calendars. In other words, they have a set time they like to book upcoming gigs. This schedule was created to work best with their workflow, business, and promotional needs. For example, clubs need to stay flexible with their bookings so their booking schedule is a lot shorter-term than say, a festival, which can begin booking a year ahead of time. So, what does this mean for you? Well, if you called up a club trying to book a date a year out, they’d think you were crazy. And if you tried to book a festival a month or two in advance you probably wouldn’t even get a response – even if you had the absolute best pitch ever! It’s all about being the right act at the right time. So today we’re going to go through some of the common venues you may be targeting for gigs and when they tend to book their gigs. If you can call venues when they are solidifying their calendar, you’ll have a much better chance of landing the gig! If you want more information on how to contact each venue type, we’ll be discussing today as well as the things to consider when you do reach out to them, we have a ebook that goes through everything you’ll need to know about booking clubs, festivals, colleges, performing arts centers, and elementary schools right here. When to Book Club Gigs Clubs work on a pretty short-term schedule compared to other venues. This can be both great, and extremely frustrating. On one hand, it’s easy to fill in gaps in your tour last minute by calling up a few clubs. On the other hand, if you’re trying to plan out a tour farther out, it can be difficult to get club bookers to commit to booking a date. So, when should you contact club bookers? Clubs are more likely to be filling their calendars one to two months prior to the play date. Your best bet is to call up a club is as soon as you know you are planning a gig or tour. At this point you can try to get them to place a “hold” on your preferred date. Think of placing a “hold” as penciling something into the calendar. You’ve gotten their attention, but it’s not set in stone yet and it’s up to you to get back to them to check on the date and see if they are ready to firm it up. As you get to know the specific clubs you’re booking, you’ll get a better idea of exactly when in that one to two-month period they begin actually firming up dates and making them official. Armed with this information, you can make sure to give the club a call back prior to that deadline to check on your holds. One thing to keep in mind when booking club dates is that club bookers are always looking for proven acts who can bring a crowd and sell drinks. That means there is a chance your hold may get taken by a hot act coming through the area. If you find out a hot act is vying for your hold, let the booker know you’d be keen to jump in as an opener. It can be a great chance to get in front of a new audience and make some new fans. When to Book Festivals Festivals are a much bigger production requiring lots of planning and coordination to bring together multiple acts as well as other workshops, events, and sponsorships. And that means they book their acts a lot further out. Generally, if you want to get booked for next year’s festival, the best time to reach out to the festival’s artistic director about two months after this year’s event. In other words, about 10 months out. Never call a festival in the two months prior to the event. At this point they are deep in prep mode preparing for the upcoming festival and won’t have the time to talk to you. If a festival gig is a goal of yours, another way to get on their radar and make a connection is through conferences. Often the artistic directors of festivals will attend various music festivals throughout the year to discover new acts. If there’s a specific festival you’re working towards, try asking the staff what conferences the artistic director attends and focus on those. When to Book College Gigs Colleges are another venue that are on more of a slow booking calendar. Depending on the college, they’ll either be booking bands six or 12 months out, coinciding with their academic calendar. So, for example, a college may be looking in February/March to book acts for the fall semester. With the academic calendar in mind, it’s best to schedule all your communications with colleges while school is in session as you’ll most likely be dealing with students in the Student Activities Office. The college booking schedule is also heavily influenced by the various conferences and showcases put on by NACA and APCA. Both organizations hold national and regional conferences, and your best bet for meeting with students booking their school’s activities is through these events. You can see a full schedule of the showcases on each association’s website. Schedule follow up calls immediately after these conferences, as that is when the student activities office is dedicated to nailing down the dates for the next semester or two. It’s also when they have the most budget for gigs. Even if you were not able to attend any conferences or showcases, schedule any outreach calls and send your materials in the time immediately after the events. When to Book Performing Arts Centers Performing arts centers are often associated with colleges but are completely separate from the student activities office. Instead, they are usually booked by a staff member and run by the performing arts department. Similarly to college gigs, the booking schedule for performing arts centers are centered around conferences and showcases held by the APAP, and most of the networking and booking happens around the national and regional conferences. Performing arts centers typically book 18 months to two years in advance, so if you want to play these types of venues, you need to take a much more long-term tour planning approach. Program directors typically do most of their decision-making between October and December and fill in the gaps after the January national conference. Just like with college gigs, you should plan your outreach a few days after the scheduled conferences to you can be on their radar as they’re making decisions. When to Book Elementary Schools Elementary school gigs aren’t for everyone, but if you have an act or performance that can translate into something educational, it can be an extremely lucrative market without all the competition that goes into the typical club scene. As you may have guessed, you need to book these gigs during the academic year. Schools typically book gigs a semester ahead of time. If you want a gig in the fall, you need to be calling in the spring before school gets out. If you want a gig in the winter, you need to call in the early fall as soon as school is back in session. I hope now you can see just how important timing is when reaching out to venues about gigs. If you can keep the bookers’ schedules in mind and reach out at the right time, you’ll stand a much better chance of getting the gig. Darron Leroy Moore is the C.E.O. of 14th Floor Music and Entertainment / EntertainersForHire.net. He is a recording artist with the Band 'Darron Moore and The 14th Floor, and with the tribute band, 'The Luther Vandross Experience ft Darron Moore. He provides a booking platform for various artists, speakers, and variety acts of all genres. Darron has over 25 years promoting concerts performing and event planning. Jeri Goldstein was an agent and manager and now an author and music business and performing arts career coach, keynote speaker and seminar presenter. She provides valuable resources, instruction and coaching to those navigating their way to creating a successful touring career. Having worked with some of the top touring acoustic artists on the circuit for 20 years, she booked national and international tours for artists performing in music, theater, and dance. Chelsea Ira is the Director of Marketing for The New Artist Model.

EntertainersForHire.net is a subsidiary of 14th Floor Music and Entertainment, offering a vast selection of the best comedy acts the entertainment industry has to offer. With a focus on providing top-notch comedic performances, this platform has become the go-to destination for those in search of the funniest comedians for hire. When it comes to comedy, there is something truly special about witnessing a skilled comedian captivating an audience with their wit and humor. It takes a certain level of talent and mastery to be able to deliver punchlines and perfectly timed jokes that leave everyone in stitches. EntertainersForHire.net understands the importance of a good laugh and has assembled an impressive roster of comedy acts to cater to various preferences and occasions. One of the standout features of EntertainersForHire.net is their commitment to quality. They handpick each comedian on their platform, ensuring that only the best of the best make the cut. This meticulous curation process ensures that clients have access to a range of professional, experienced, and reliably funny performers. With a diverse pool of comedians, EntertainersForHire.net caters to all types of comedy enthusiasts. Whether you prefer observational humor, satire, or slapstick, you can find a comedian that aligns with your taste. From clean comedians suitable for corporate events to edgier acts for more adult-oriented audiences, this platform has thoughtfully curated a selection that can cater to any event or occasion. One of the most significant advantages of using EntertainersForHire.net is their extensive network of comedians. Through their affiliation with 14th Floor Music and Entertainment, they have established connections with reputable and highly sought-after performers. This network gives them an edge when it comes to securing the best talent in the industry. Booking a comedian is a breeze through the user-friendly interface of EntertainersForHire.net. With just a few clicks, clients can browse through the diverse range of comedians, read detailed profiles, and watch video clips of their performances. This seamless experience allows users to make informed decisions when selecting the perfect comedian for their event. In addition to their vast selection and easy booking process, EntertainersForHire.net also prides itself on exceptional customer service. They understand that each event is unique and work closely with clients to ensure that their entertainment needs are met. Their team of professionals is readily available to answer any questions and provide assistance throughout the booking process. EntertainersForHire.net is not just a platform for comedy enthusiasts; it is also a valuable resource for comedians looking to showcase their talent. By being a part of this reputable network, comedians gain exposure and opportunities to perform at various events. This mutually beneficial relationship between entertainers and the platform creates a thriving community of comedic talent. In conclusion, EntertainersForHire.net, as a subsidiary of 14th Floor Music and Entertainment, offers the best comedians for hire. With a commitment to quality, a diverse selection, and excellent customer service, they are the premier destination for anyone in search of the funniest comedic acts. Whether it's a corporate event, a private party, or any other occasion in need of laughter, EntertainersForHire.net has you covered.

The The Forum Talk 'I Lived Through All That?': The Temptations Musical Hits The High And The Low Notes By Michel Martin, Gemma Watters, Emma Bowman Up ADJUST VOLUME Motown Acts Motown Acts Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations Detroit, MI, USA Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations and/or its vocalists has performed at various venues across the City of Detroit such as Raven Lounge, Lockeroom, Gaslight Cocktail and Restaurant, Golden Greek Bar & Grill, Andiamos Dearborn, Harbour House, Hollywood casinos, Many, many festivals around Michigan, Corporate Affairs, Motor City Casino, Jazz Cafe, Floods Bar & Grill, Northern Lights and Casablanca Lounge just to name a few. Book Direct: https://www.14thfloormusic.com/product-page/booking-information-for-denise-davis-and-the-motor-city-sensations Read More Motown Acts Darron Moore Atlanta, GA, USA Darron Moore was born an entertainer. One of Detroit's most popular and celebrated performers, the muti-talented, captivating Darron Moore, is an American Treasure. An evening in concert with Darron Moore puts you ringside, where Darron's charismatic stage presence and engaging wit takes you on an unforgettable ride through the spirit of Music. Book Direct: https://www.14thfloormusic.com/product-page/booking-information-for-darron-moore Read More Motown Acts Darron Moore and The 14th Floor Detroit, MI, USA Known as Detroit's Favorite Son and Growing up experiencing and being a part of the Motown sound, ‘The Sound of Young America,” Darron Moore has embedded the Spirit of Motown. It reflects in his live performances. Influenced by artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, The Fantastic Four, Lamont Dozier, Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, and other great performers, Darron Moore has developed his own style and unique flavor. Book Direct: https://www.14thfloormusic.com/product-page/booking-information-for-darron-moore-and-the-14th-floor Read More Motown Acts Kiahyo-The Sweetheart Of Hip Hop!!! Montgomery, AL, USA The sweet music of Kiahyo reflects a tradition steeped in the Golden Age of Motown. With a hint of the Soulful Sixties, and the Sweet-and-Salty Groove of what is called 'Today's R&B', Kiahyo has stayed true to the vibe of Hip Hop and is beginning to establish herself as a major artist in the music world. Kiahyo’s stunning and distinctive vocal style shall bring her to international prominence. As a very talented entertainer, Kiahyo has performed at many exclusive places such as GREEKTOWN CASINO, THEY SAY NIGHT CLUB (DETROIT), THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL, DETROIT LION PLAYER’S SUPERBOWL PARTY, NAACP EVENTS, THE DETROIT YACHT CLUB and more …Kiahyo cover many songs over a number of different genres. Book Direct: https://www.14thfloormusic.com/product-page/booking-information-for-kiahyo-the-sweetheart-of-hip-hop-1 Read More Motown Acts Motor City Beat Ann Arbor, MI, USA Motor City Beat’ is a high energy rhythm & blues, Motown & jazz band, led by multi-instrumentalist Louis Johnson & featuring a stable of top professional musicians & singers from Detroit Book Direct: https://www.14thfloormusic.com/product-page/booking-information-for-the-motorcity-beat Read More Motown Acts Sound Proof Ann Arbor, MI, USA The Michigan-based contemporary jazz band was founded in 2007. known as Sound Proof has enjoyed consistent artistic success by grafting elements of Motown, R&B, and a variety of sounds to their unwavering jazz foundations. This supergroup continues to explore the limitless dimensions and permutations of jazz while at the same time appealing to a broad mainstream audience. Book Direct: https://www.14thfloormusic.com/product-page/booking-information-for-sound-proof Read More Motown Acts The KGB Band Toledo, OH, USA The Lowdown: "Motown is forever," says Gerald Foster, one of just a few Motown tribute bands working in metro Detroit. They're frequent favorites at the MGM Grand Detroit Casino and also heated things up at the recent Motown Winter Blast downtown. The Lineup: Multi-instrumentalist and bandleader Foster plays live keyboards and triggers via laptop tracks he recorded and mixed to re-create Motown hits. Glenn McFarland is the baritone, Keith Dotson and Bruce Sims tenors. Book Direct: https://www.14thfloormusic.com/product-page/booking-information-for-the-kgb-band Read More

< Latin Roster < Previous Willie Ziavino and the COT band Latin Acts Atlanta, GA, USA Next > The C.O.T. Band is a latin band based in the Atlanta area. We play a mix of salsa, merengue, funk, bachata, caribbean rhythms, jazz, rumba, trova cubana and brazilian beats with our own twist. In 2010 Willie Ziavino formed the C.O.T. Band along with Juan Bonini (Panamá) resulting in the fusion of trova, jazz, caribbean / brazilian rhythms and musical influences from each band member. This world music style blends perfectly with the melting pot that is Atlanta. The band quickly became very well known in Atlanta's latin music scenary performing weekly for the last 13 years in the best latin venues in the city. The C.O.T. Band was invited in 2014 to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival and Chattanooga Riverbend Festival. They have also performed for Coca Cola, High Museum of Art, Georgia State, National Society of Hispanic MBAs, Hispanic National Bar Association among others. C.O.T. Band has also been invited to several Southeast music festivals. Book Direct: https://www.14thfloormusic.com/product-page/booking-information-for-willie-ziavino-and-the-cot-band

The The Forum Talk A music director goes public with a secret stash of private instruments By Olivia Hampton , Barry Gordemer Up ADJUST VOLUME Latin Acts Los 3 Latin Acts Los Angeles, CA, USA DO YOU WANT LIVE LATIN MUSIC? DO YOU WANT TOP 40s? OLDIES? SEEK NO MORE! Los 3 is the Party Band you've been searching for. With our personalized repertoire and high-quality music, we guarantee you will have the best time! Read More Book Direct: https://www.14thfloormusic.com/product-page/booking-information-for-los-3 Latin Expression A.K.A. Expression Latina Latin Acts Tacoma, WA, USA This group of 12 pieces is composed of vocalists, winds, a rhythm and percussion section. This combination has turned Latin Expression into a powerful Latin orchestra achieving performances from Canada to Los Angeles filling halls, clubs, dance floors always delighting the dancer and large crowds at festivals and other venues. Latin Expression was once described as "The best kept secret of Northwest sauce", it is no longer a secret. With the international release of the album 9 Días de Rumba, the secret is already out. Read More Book Direct: https://www.14thfloormusic.com/product-page/booking-information-for-papo-medina-latin-expression Son Latino Show Band Latin Acts San Antonio, TX, USA Versatile musical group With a wide musical repertoire. Interpreting all genres, styles and rhythms, musical segments of ballads, Sonora, Norteño, Banda, Grupero, Colombian, Tropical, International, 60’s 70’s 80’s, Texan and more with live musicians. Read More Book Direct: https://www.14thfloormusic.com/product-page/booking-information-for-son-latino-show-band Willie Ziavino and the COT band Latin Acts Atlanta, GA, USA The C.O.T. Band is a Latin band based in the Atlanta area. We play a mix of salsa, merengue, funk, bachata, Caribbean rhythms, jazz, rumba, trova cubana and Brazilian beats with our own twist. The C.O.T. Band was invited in 2014 to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival and Chattanooga Riverbend Festival. They have also performed for Coca Cola, High Museum of Art, Georgia State, National Society of Hispanic MBAs, Hispanic National Bar Association among others. C.O.T. Band has also been invited to several Southeast music festivals. Read More Book Direct: https://www.14thfloormusic.com/product-page/booking-information-for-willie-ziavino-and-the-cot-band Salsa Caliente (Featuring: Alberto Gonzalez) Latin Acts Los Angeles, CA, USA THE BAND HAS BEEN FEATURED ON ABC's HIT TV SHOW "DANCING WITH THE STARS" - SALSA CALIENTE DID A SEGMENT WITH EVA LONGORIA AND MARIO LOPEZ (they loved the band). WE'VE ALSO BEEN FEATURED ON A DIET-COKE COMMERCIAL, AND WE'VE DONE SHOWS FOR MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL, VH1 & MTV TOO!!! Read More Book Direct: https://www.14thfloormusic.com/product-page/booking-information-for-salsa-caliente-featuring-alberto-gonzalez The Rhythm Edition Latin Acts Glendale, AZ, USA Rhythm Edition can provide a 5–9-piece high-energy wedding and party band. With eight lead singers we play a wide variety of musical styles from the 40's, Disco, Jazz Latin, Oldies to R&B, Motown and right up to the Top 40 and Hip Hop. Read More Book Direct: https://www.14thfloormusic.com/product-page/booking-information-for-rhythm-edition