How to Book a Gig at Stevie Ray's Bluse Bar

Booking in Louisville Ky

Monday, 21 September 2009 13:40 Written by Paul

How to Book a Gig at Stevie Ray's Blues Bar

This week we spoke with Todd Webster, the General Manager at Steive Ray's about getting booked and you may or may not be suprised at what he had to say. The more research we do the more we are finding that it pays for any artist to do some self promoton and to have their EPK ready and current! Well, Heres what Todd had to say.

First steps…send us a bio/photo. Let us know what kind of music you play and where in the last six months you’ve been booked. Provide us with a set list of your latest show.

Second, let us know what you are looking for, as far as days and rates.  Typically we do (3) 1 hour sets during the week and as the closing band on the weekend. If you are billed as the opening band on the weekend it will (2) 1 hour sets.  Keep in mind, we will not deviate from our format. Wednesdays and Thursdays are an open music format, Friday and Saturday we are a Blues/ Classic Rock bar.  We have 13 years of history with the Blues and have only in the past 2 years begun to open up to other forms of music.  We need entertainers…tight musicians and people who understand the business.   We have a bar in which we sell drinks; at this bar we provide live entertainment.   We are not a live entertainment bar that happens to sell drinks.   We do not and will not host hard core rock bands or rap artist.

Thirdly, we have a rather large stable of bands that have proved themselves here…it will take a lot for us to take a chance on a new band booking.  In my entire time here I have never been contacted by a band that wasn’t great…or didn’t have a great sound…or didn’t win any awards or honors.  We expect that level of entertainment.  What gets new bands in the door…is how are you’re going to promote the show, what kind of a following do you have. How many emails are you going to send?  Sell me on why we should book you…the business end of it.  We know that where you are from your band commands “X” amount…but if it is your first time here…that probably won’t happen.  We have a small room that seats about 143 people…we know the market around here. If you are working to get in the mix for the long haul…then work with us on guarantee.  If it is a passing through gig…work with us.  The Blues market in this town is down; hence we started other types of music, so telling us how great you are doesn’t sell us on why to book you.  I know this sounds harsh, but it is reality for booking bands here at Stevie Ray’s. Keep in mind that the economy is down and there are not that many places left in Louisville that provide live entertainment, we are trying, but we get at least 25 -30 requests a week for new bands to get gigs…we maybe try 5 new bands a quarter. Two years ago we didn’t accept any first time acts…now we do, but it takes a lot of self promoting and organization.

You may also play at Stevie Ray's on most Mondays and some Tuesdays, during their open mic/jam.

Send Request To:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
230 E Main St
Louisville, KY 40202-1214
(502) 582-9945
www.stevieraysbluesbar.com