BOOKING PROCEDURES
The below information is for ”COVER BANDS”.
Booking for our Thursday Original Band night are handled by Ben at ben@daaentertainment.com.
NATIONAL ACTS PLEASE CONTACT tommyj@bar-a.com.
Dear Musician / Manager / Agent,
Thank you for you inquiry. I handle new talent as follows:
Other than during NFL Football season, Sunday nights/evenings are designated for new bands to audition. On Sundays, bands have a chance to prove that the have a following and are of the proper format and skill range for the room. Make no mistake however, the thing I look for first and foremost, is a following.
The landscape of the nightclub business has changed dramatically in the past 20 years. Everything, from the increase to a 21 year old drinking age and drunk driving, to safe sex and the economy, has greatly reduced the number (and frequency) of people that go out. The days of booking bands to entertain a packed house are long gone. Venues that choose live entertainment need the entertainment to attract clientele. Accordingly, the business aspect of the nightclub business dictates that only the bands with the best followings receive return gigs.
I know Sundays can be difficult to get people out. However, every band with a following will be able to get some people out no matter what night they play. As such, I know that whatever you bring on a Sunday probably will be less than what you would bring on a Friday.
You are judged against other auditioning bands, and they all also play on a Sunday, so the playing field is level.
We have a great sound system, lights and house tech. It is an easy gig and the band will sound great. Big Orange Cone, Life Speed and many others started out doing this type of night for me. They brought a good crowd on an audition night and had what I thought it took to develop a strong fan base at Bar A. From there, I booked them on weekends and during high-traffic events at the club. Both those bands now have huge followings and thus make thousands of dollars a gig.
I am NOT looking for free bands. I am an ex-musician and entertainment attorney and do this to help bands that would otherwise not get a shot at playing a big room. As such, only take the gig if you think you have a shot of bringing people and scoring a return gig. I will say this again, as some bands seem to ignore this, only take the gig if you think you have a shot of bringing people and scoring a return gig.
I am always looking for new bands to add to my monthly band roster. I would love to find and work with any new band that is willing to work to be the new “big band” in the area. Bar Anticipation is open, and rocks, all year, 7 days a week.
Please e-mail me at tommyj@bar-a.com if you are interested and let me know what dates you are available. I will then send you additional details and propose a date to you.
Thank You,
Tom Jannarone
Bar Anticipation
703 16th Avenue
Lake Como (formerly S. Belmar), N.J. 07719
