If You Were Booking An Act...

[ROFL BOX 6649]

Parameters:

• Memorial Day Weekend 2023 (Friday AND possibly a Saturday night... maybe one band for Friday & another for Saturday - def. not the same band back to back).
• Venue can seat up to 4,500.
• Artist / Act needs to supply their own PA / lights (current sound situation sucks).
• Venue is in Central Texas.
• "Green Room" will be a reasonably nice 30 ft. camper with slide(s).  Artist / act can supply their own bus if preferred.
  "NORMAL" contract riders provided (food, drink, etc + possible meet & greet spaces, security, etc)
• Funds raised are for a 501©3.
• Booking fee would hopefully be $ 25,000.00 or less.

Looking for suggestions on an act that will put butts in seats but not break the bank.  I already know of 2 groups & prices will range for them anywhere from $ 25,000.00 to +$ 50,000.00; one of them already priced is a somewhat well known cover band, the other is a somewhat up & coming but still national touring group with all originals & the occasional cover (filling time is not needed, those covers are for esoteric / fun close the show uses)... for the 2nd, think where the Randy Rogers Band was maybe 10 years ago.
Discuss.

[G650 14278]

Led Zeppelin of course.

 

 

I think the biggest hurdle will be getting a band in that price bracket who legitimately have good enough sound reinforcement for that size venue and their own soundman to run it. Is it possibly to contract out that part to a sound reinforcement operation?

[ROFL BOX 6649]

1 minute ago, G650 said:

Led Zeppelin of course.

 

 

I think the biggest hurdle will be getting a band in that price bracket who legitimately have good enough sound reinforcement for that size venue and their own soundman to run it. Is it possibly to contract out that part to a sound reinforcement operation?

Most bands in the Central Texas area (that I know of) would prefer to bring their own board / sound engineer, especially for a venue with potentially sketchy acoustics.  The "local but well known" band does come equippped with their own intact sound person for that listed price.

*Bring me a Ouija board, some hair from Jason Bonham & 5 tall candles - maybe we CAN get Led Zep.  I think Robert Plant would be somewhat easy to lure back to the Austin area; I did once see him in the "nuts / bolts / screws" aisle of the Home Depot on Brodie Lane... maybe I can find a mud shark as bait?

[Pato del Muerto 52634]

Just because I saw them at a corporate gig recently

https://thebluebonnets.net/

[ROFL BOX 6649]

Just because I saw them at a corporate gig recently
https://thebluebonnets.net/

But what's their following?  Prior to your post, I had never heard of them (AND, based on the name I was assuming it was a C&W band with a tilt towards traditional Texas swing... not a "glam / garage / blues band".)
I am also curious as to what Jimmy Vaughan & the Tilt-A-Whirl Band might cost & again - would he pull the crowd?
 
ADDENDUM:  This act / artist would be AFTER a primary "other" event... not the MAIN attraction, but a definite pull & "another reason to attend", etc.

[G650 14278]

2 minutes ago, ROFL BOX said:

Most bands in the Central Texas area (that I know of) would prefer to bring their own board / sound engineer, especially for a venue with potentially sketchy acoustics.  The "local but well known" band does come equippped with their own intact sound person for that listed price.

 

Yeah I don't doubt this, but I would verify their capabilities. Quality venues a third of that size typically have better sound reinforcement than plenty of national acts. I mean any given band may have enough, or be on the ball enough to rent the appropriate amount for the gig, but I just advise caution you don't get caught out. Doubly so because of the venues flaws which make it trickier.

[Cheeseweasel 26438]

11 minutes ago, G650 said:

Led Zeppelin of course.

You mean Dread Zeppelin, right?

 

[ROFL BOX 6649]

The sound board / engineer thing will def. be part of the conversation.  I did mention the need for providing your own PA as part of the OP so... yeah.

[CooterBrown 18034]

Would it make sense to look at the touring schedule for some acts you think would a fit and see if they have an off date while in Texas? It seems like it’d be easier and more cost effective for a band that is already touring than for a band that would have to get everything organized for a one off gig.

If so, maybe look at venue calendars for the same week in the major Texas cities for bands you think are a fit. You can then check their surrounding dates.

[jimmyjazz 46284]

1 hour ago, ROFL BOX said:

I already know of 2 groups & prices will range for them anywhere from $ 25,000.00 to +$ 50,000.00; one of them already priced is a somewhat well known cover band,

So Skyrocket?

I have a buddy who works in that world, straddling management, booking, product marketing (formerly Yeti), etc.  I can ask what $25K would buy in Austin with sound system.

[tx 3 putt 77594]

Two Tons of Steel, Johnny Falstaff opening 

[Tylerocks 2555]

 

1 hour ago, ROFL BOX said:

Parameters:

• Memorial Day Weekend 2023 (Friday AND possibly a Saturday night... maybe one band for Friday & another for Saturday - def. not the same band back to back).
• Venue can seat up to 4,500.
• Artist / Act needs to supply their own PA / lights (current sound situation sucks).
• Venue is in Central Texas.
• "Green Room" will be a reasonably nice 30 ft. camper with slide(s).  Artist / act can supply their own bus if preferred.
  "NORMAL" contract riders provided (food, drink, etc + possible meet & greet spaces, security, etc)
• Funds raised are for a 501©3.
• Booking fee would hopefully be $ 25,000.00 or less.

Looking for suggestions on an act that will put butts in seats but not break the bank.  I already know of 2 groups & prices will range for them anywhere from $ 25,000.00 to +$ 50,000.00; one of them already priced is a somewhat well known cover band, the other is a somewhat up & coming but still national touring group with all originals & the occasional cover (filling time is not needed, those covers are for esoteric / fun close the show uses)... for the 2nd, think where the Randy Rogers Band was maybe 10 years ago.
Discuss.
 

$25-50K for a cover band sounds like a fucking ripoff.

Looking at various lists, you could potentially get some really solid touring bands for that.

 

What kind of music?

What is the prior/other event they'd be playing after?

[ROFL BOX 6649]

1 hour ago, CooterBrown said:

Would it make sense to look at the touring schedule for some acts you think would a fit and see if they have an off date while in Texas? It seems like it’d be easier and more cost effective for a band that is already touring than for a band that would have to get everything organized for a one off gig.

If so, maybe look at venue calendars for the same week in the major Texas cities for bands you think are a fit. You can then check their surrounding dates.

Yes, that WOULD make sense.
But I need names first.  Bands / artist that would fit the criteria of getting people interested.

- Will most likely attend the event & the band is an added bonus.
- Will be interested in the band / artist & the event is an added bonus.

Not looking for anything like GWAR or Ghost, not looking for Barney, the Purple Dinosaur... even if that would get attendance.

[ROFL BOX 6649]

Just now, Tylerocks said:

 

$25-50K for a cover band sounds like a fucking ripoff.

Looking at various lists, you could potentially get some really solid touring bands for that.

When supplying their own backline, lights, board, etc.?  100% accurate pricing.  Again, this is about getting tickets sold.

[ROFL BOX 6649]

So Skyrocket?
I have a buddy who works in that world, straddling management, booking, product marketing (formerly Yeti), etc.  I can ask what $25K would buy in Austin with sound system.

Either ask for input or maybe provide my contact info.  YES, that would be a definite assist.
 
I don't think Crayon is on Shag² any longer - he might be a good resource for info or suggestions (thinking Cowbell is no mas & knowing he is currently with "Chandler & the Bings").

[CooterBrown 18034]

Toadies are doing a one off date in Austin. They do those one offs a lot. If your audience is mainly Gen X and older millennials, they’d probably work.

[G650 14278]

That takes me back

[Underdog 28807]

But they only play 80s Joel music. 

[Bill Lumbergh 7187]

I know the folks who book for The Toadies, Bowling for Soup, and Blue October.  Any of those could fit your description, although candidly I don't know what they're charging for shows these days.

DM if interested and I can put you in touch with them.

[HeHateMe 888]

You can book Pepper for $50k.  Don’t know what your target audience is but that seems like a better deal than $75k for Kelli Pickler.  In that range 38 special would be my go to.  Check out celebritytalent.net and you can see what the going rate is for different acts.  

[GhostOfTomJoad 9368]

15 hours ago, tx 3 putt said:

Two Tons of Steel, Johnny Falstaff opening 

Jesus, Kevin's still out there with another TToS lineup? Followed the original Dead Crickets/TToS lineup in their St. Mary's days. Hired them to play at my ex-SIL's wedding reception in '96 or '97 for 3 grand, if memory serves.

[Handcruser 2805]

Jimmy is 20k-25k I think for his 3 piece, but drummer retired so not sure.

His full band is 50k and up I think.

Texas tornado guys would be in for 10k. I can call Augie and set you up. They draw a big crowd.

[ROFL BOX 6649]

In that range 38 special would be my go to.


 Check out celebritytalent.net

Submitted something via their site. Lots of stuff we'll out of our budget - let's see what their response is.

Got any contact info for .38 Special?

[jimmyjazz 46284]

I think at this point they're more like 0.22 Special.  (No, I don't think that's a thing.)

[Pato del Muerto 52634]

Would it be rude to book .38 special and then ask them to do a set of only skynard songs?

[Deej 76979]

I'm sure you could get Derka to perform his rap act for that price. 

[CooterBrown 18034]

.38 Special? Who’s your audience? A trailer park time share?

[mininghorn88 2298]

Was recently at an event where the Fabulous Equinox performed. They are a modern “big band” group with a vocalist that covers many genres.

They are out of Georgia with some Louisiana ties.

Edited December 21, 2022 by mininghorn88

[jimmyjazz 46284]

6 minutes ago, mininghorn88 said:

Was recently at an event where the Fabulous Equinox performed. They are a modern “big band” group with a vocalist that covers many genres.

They are out of Georgia with some Louisiana ties.

Yes, that's a good idea.  I'm sure The Fabulous Equinox will fill a 4,500 seat venue in central Texas.

[Gil Bang 26057]

have you considered Gary Patterson?

[DougO 5256]

Surly Guitar Pron All Stars.

8 hours ago, jimmyjazz said:

I think at this point they're more like 0.22 Special.  (No, I don't think that's a thing.)

22 Short, maybe.

[DougO 5256]

Arc Angels have been doing some gigs. Hell yes...

[tx 3 putt 77594]

all you dumbasses are just way off..........................

 

bring in any name Norteno band, up and coming bands will play for practically free for openers

 

#soldout

Edited December 21, 2022 by tx 3 putt

[tx 3 putt 77594]

[tx 3 putt 77594]

norteno shows draw huge crowds

[Underdog 28807]

Joe King Carrasco still kicking around? 

[tx 3 putt 77594]

2 hours ago, Underdog said:

Joe King Carrasco still kicking around? 

Yes, he just toured Europe 

[Kennythetiger 9483]

17 hours ago, Pato del Muerto said:

Would it be rude to book .38 special and then ask them to do a set of only skynard songs?

*Skynyrd 

[Underdog 28807]

It's rude to ask anyone to play Skynyrd, even Skynyrd themselves. 

[tbone_ 14199]

I’ll do it for $7500* for our duo.

Or $10 grand if you want me to scrape together some surlyites for a full band.

*Normally we get $500 for a private gig so the $7500 might be negotiable.

[G650 14278]

46 minutes ago, tbone_ said:

I’ll do it for $7500* for our duo.

Or $10 grand if you want me to scrape together some surlyites for a full band.

*Normally we get $500 for a private gig so the $7500 might be negotiable.

Let me play drums, there's no limit to how much they would pay us to stop.

[ROFL BOX 6649]

17 hours ago, DougO said:

22 Snub, maybe.

.

[ROFL BOX 6649]

You can book Pepper for $50k.  Don’t know what your target audience is but that seems like a better deal than $75k for Kelli Pickler.  In that range 38 special would be my go to.  Check out celebritytalent.net and you can see what the going rate is for different acts.  

I was in contact with someone from their office & we spoke on the phone for a bit (filled out form via their site, got a call back).
This is what they sent & I responded asking for some price ranges on ALL of those acts / talent (didn't ask for a $$ on each one, did ask for "what's the low to high for that entire bunch?") plus I have info from a local bar band friend re: sound person & probable PA rental.  The local bar band friend also has some contacts with Kin Faux & he will get that over to me as well.
I responded that in the Austin area, there is not going to be a problem with a board & PA / light rental from a local vendor.

[tbone_ 14199]

Blackberry Smoke and Stoney Larue out of that list please

[G650 14278]

Blackberry Smoke 100%, but the drummer has had health issues lately I hear. That are fantastic though.

 

Is anyone in Diamond Rio left from the actual band?

 

I am not surprised about the PA comment, that has been my experience with most under stadium sized acts.

Edited December 21, 2022 by G650

[Deej 76979]

On 12/19/2022 at 1:41 PM, Cheeseweasel said:

You mean Dread Zeppelin, right?

 

They would be fantastic.

 

[jimmyjazz 46284]

PA rental for a 4,500 seat venue is not gonna be cheap.  I spent $1K on a moderately decent PA for a ~ 200 person dance hall.

[Gourmand 7774]

Alejandro Escovedo and/or Shinyribs?

[jimmyjazz 46284]

2 minutes ago, Gourmand said:

Alejandro Escovedo and/or Shinyribs?

I tend to agree.  Or Fastball + another band.  It's not as big a budget as one might think.

[G650 14278]

3 hours ago, G650 said:

s anyone in Diamond Rio left from the actual band?

So I went and checked and apparently it's still 100% the guys from the first Diamond Rio album. That's amazing.