7 Ways to Get People to Shows (Part 3: Events)
Ari Herstand’s article “7 Reasons Why No One’s Coming to Your Shows” has a great idea in the third point: make your shows events.
Doing this takes creativity and insight. What will fit your music, your personality, and your band’s interests?
I thought I’d share seven examples of turning a regular concert into an event that might inspire other ideas for you:
A. Folk the Police
Coincidentally, I’m attending this tonight! I love this idea. Folk acts do hip-hop songs. The event sells out the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor, MI every year.
B. Tribute Shows
One of the favorite examples of this is Chris Buhalis‘s annual tribute to Townes Van Zandt at the Old Town Tavern in Ann Arbor every New Years Day. Chris does hours (like six to eight hours!) of Townes’s catalogue, including some Hank Williams tunes as well. No one does a better dedication to my songwriting hero than Chris, who knew Townes and had the songwriter on his own record.
Here’s other examples: Fusion Shows Summer Sing-a-Long events or Alejandra O’ Leary’s Beatles Tribute.
C. Punks vs Pokes
Mixing genres might seem risky, but many styles cross over really well. This punk – country night at Mac’s Bar in Lansing, MI is a cool example. Not only do punk bands and country bands share the same bill, they switch genres for a song or two during their sets!
D. Songwriter in the Rounds
This is a great way to offer a taste of multiple artists to an audience!
Check out this group of friends called the Yellow Room Gang or Ten out of Tenn! Plus, venues have made in-the-round events a part of their calendar, like Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN or Anderson Fair in Houston TX.
E. Shows for a Cause
Like Fusion Shows’s Chris Nance Memorial Shows or MittenFest’s fundraiser for 826 in Ypsilanti, music and philanthropy can create a great event.
F. Pair Shows with Food/Wine/Beer
Teaming music with food is another match made in heaven, and Kitty Donohoe has been doing this as The Wine Gypsy for a while in house concert format. If you are a cook, coffee fan, wine connoisseur, beer geek, why not create a concert around your two passions?
G. Cover Each Other
Bands trading shows are one of the best ways to get into new cities, but it’s sometimes it’s difficult to keep the fans staying for the whole show during three or four band bills. Try having each band cover a song or two of each other!
More tips:
- Part 1: 7 Ways to Improve Band Rehearsals
- Part 2: 7 Thoughts on Gig Frequency
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