We have some time now for some practical planning for our new reality as performing artists. As so many artists are jumping on the live streaming platforms to hurry up and schedule shows, put out tip jars, ask for donations on various social crowd funding platforms, I thought I’d lend some additional ideas for how to spend this time. Certainly, all the above are great options to help build your brand and share your talents with your people. In addition, let’s think strategically so we can plan for now and for later. Here are some general strategies that you might…

Report: Performing Arts Industry Joined forces Wednesday, March 18th where 900 performing arts professionals came together to face the COVID-19 impact on our industry. I've included the replay of this webinar link below as well as a survey from the Association of Performing Arts Presenters gathering data about lost of income due to cancellations. Please fill it out as they are building a case to take to Congress. Speaking and participating were independent artists, small and large arts organization, agents, managers, presenting organizations, arts councils, arts advocacy organizations and regional and national arts organizations. Some speakers shared their stories of…

COVID-19 Resources for artists are being collected by many of the Arts Agencies and organizations. I’m passing them along as I receive the info. For Artists hoping to stream live concerts, Bandsintown has created Bandsintown Live streaming on twitch. Get the Bandsintown App or the twitch App And check out Bandsintown.com for updates and info about live performances and their partnership with Music Cares. They want to help you promote it: Contact them at: livestream@bandsintown.com Here is an LATimes Article with more resources: Lost Your Music Related Gig: Here's What You Can do Here is a Collection of National Resources  American…

Getting your foot in the door is a constant struggle for so many artists who want to open new markets. Building that elusive “buzz” regionally is so important and really lays the groundwork for getting your foot in the door. Here are a few ideas to begin incorporating into your booking process. When beginning to expand further out into your region, make it a habit of inviting the bookers at the venues you want to play, to come see you at a gig you are already playing. It’s quite likely they won’t take you up on the invite, but that…

As we all begin to face the current health pandemic, COVID-19, performing artists and the entertainment industry are forced to make difficult choices and deal with drastic cuts to income due to cancelled live gatherings. I've received some helpful information from various arts advocacy organizations who are addressing this on behalf of the performing arts community. I am sharing this information with you so that you are up to date with resources and thoughtful ideas of how to navigate this challenge. Folk Alliance in collaboration with The Alliance of Performing Arts Conferences, have offered the following resources and are hosting…

I’m overwhelmed by to dos! I hear it all the time-there’s too much to do and not enough time to do it all. How many minutes ago did you say that one? This is especially true when you are managing your own career or running your own business. When you are overwhelmed by tasks, you are less effective-right? But did you catch the word tasks? That’s right, most of the time we are overwhelmed by tasks. This could be a clue to how you are prioritizing where you place your attention. Let’s make a few lists so we can see…

Here’s a cool strategy to use mid-week dates to build booking momentum. There are two potential strategies that can be considered. The first suggestion that I highly recommend, is to look at mid-week and early weekdays as potential optimum dates. As you do your research of venue calendars, pay attention to days like Monday through Wednesday. These days are often left either unfilled, used for local or regional acts or are saved for national touring acts that might be heading to another market and happen to have an off night. These are choice nights to line up recurring gigs that…

Are you waiting to start your career? Who or what are you waiting for? I've run into this often. Artists waiting for something else to be in place before they can really get serious. There's always something else that might need to happen, could happen or should happen before you can really get started, isn't there? What is it in your life? What do you need to be perfect before you get moving? Here are just a few things that I've run into lately that might get in your way before you do what is necessary to move your career…

Consider these 3 top factors to get great gigs and increase your income. These three career-changing factors are the difference between struggling to book your tours and booking great tours with ease. # 1. You must know what you are offering. It's not enough to simply put it out there that you are an artist. It doesn't matter what type of artist you are, whether you are a singer/songwriter, a classical pianist, a storyteller, a dancer, an actor, a juggler, a comic or a writer. You need to know what you are presenting, and the various ways you can present…