100+ Places to Perform

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Mary Woods
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100+ Places to Perform 1. Nightclubs There is an endless variety of nightclubs worldwide to choose from. 2. Karaoke bars These are great for practice and exposure.

Lodge dances - Organizations such as the Elks Club, Moose Club, American Legion, VFW etc. often host dances. Many have halls that others hire for parties as well. 5.

You can also purchase a kiosk to set up and perform in and sell your CDs and merchandise. Some will let you entertain without renting space. This is very lucrative during the holidays! 7.

1 100+ Places to Perform 1. Nightclubs There is an endless variety of nightclubs worldwide to choose from. 2. Karaoke bars These are great for practice and exposure. Host your own night of karaoke at a local venue to get the most exposure and get paid for it. 3. Campgrounds These often hire solo entertainers and small groups. 4. Lodge dances - Organizations such as the Elks Club, Moose Club, American Legion, VFW etc. often host dances. Many have halls that others hire for parties as well. 5. Support organizations Groups such as AA and NA often hold dances for their members. 6. Shopping malls - Malls often hire entertainment. You can also purchase a kiosk to set up and perform in and sell your CDs and merchandise. Some will let you entertain without renting space. This is very lucrative during the holidays! 7. Political events They hire everything from background piano players to 20+ pc. Orchestras. 8. Neighborhood block parties These are still popular in some smaller towns. 9. Sporting events There are opportunities to be hired to perform before and after major sporting events. Contact the league, venue and the individual team s marketing departments. 10.Fairs They range from small county fairs to large state fairs and can be very lucrative. You can also set up a tour of fairs. Check out your local Fair Association for contacts. 11.Festivals There is a festival for just about anything you can think of, from ethnic events (e.g. Italian Festivals) to The Garlic Festival in Gilroy CA. These can also be very lucrative Indie Connect Page 1

12. Music Festivals These events predominantly feature a long lineup of entertainers and often cover several days (Burning Man, Bonaroo etc.). There are also countless smaller festivals.

Flea markets Many artists sell a lot of CDs by setting up and performing at large flea markets. 15.Concert halls If you re popular enough you can be the headliner.

2 12. Music Festivals These events predominantly feature a long lineup of entertainers and often cover several days (Burning Man, Bonaroo etc.). There are also countless smaller festivals. Pay varies depending on your notoriety but you can sell CDs and merch. 13. Genre-specific festivals These include events such as a local jazz or bluegrass festival. 14.Flea markets Many artists sell a lot of CDs by setting up and performing at large flea markets. 15.Concert halls If you re popular enough you can be the headliner. If not, it s not uncommon for a concert promoter to hire a local act to open for a major artist 16. Cocktail parties Hosted by businesses, organizations and private individuals, these can be easy and very high paying. 17. Performing Arts Centers These hire acts with a well-rehearsed concert show. Because they are very large, you must have either a draw or something completely unique that will attract an audience. 18. Community Theaters These are smaller than Performing Arts Centers so they are more accessible to lesser-known acts. 19. Retirement homes Some retirement establishments pay for entertainment while others only use volunteers. 20. Retirement villages These are private communities that consist of a large number of homes for seniors. Many of them have seat theaters. 21. Condo associations Many condo associations have a clubhouse and either make it available to the members for parties or host their own concerts or dances. 22.Casinos Casinos use evert kind of entertainer and every size act. Many are perfect for dance and lounge acts, while others also have larger showrooms. Many host outdoor events as well. 23. Weddings These can be very lucrative if you market to an affluent demographic Indie Connect Page 2

24. Other private parties From graduations to anniversary parties and retirement parties to birthday parties, these events can be extremely lucrative. 25.

3 24. Other private parties From graduations to anniversary parties and retirement parties to birthday parties, these events can be extremely lucrative. 25. Corporate conventions These events are extremely lucrative. They use a variety of acts from piano players to headliners. 26.Company picnics These are not as popular for musicians as they are for children s entertainment such as clowns, but some of them are big enough to hire both. 27. Christmas parties From private house parties to corporate parties to large parties hosted by organizations, these events are usually high-paying and a lot of fun. 28. Other holiday parties These include St. Patricks day celebrations, Fourth of July celebrations etc. People are always finding something to celebrate! 29.House concerts These are small intimate gatherings in a person s home and can be very lucrative. The host invites his or her friends who give a donation for the entertainer. It s about as up-close and personal you ll ever get with an audience, and that results in a higher percentage of CD and merch sales Cruise ships They use everything from piano bar entertainers to orchestra musician, and from harp players to full dance bands. They even go all the way up to popular and lesser-known headliners. Often you are contracted for an extended period of time sometimes 3-5 months or more. 31.Hotel lounges Many hotels have either listening or dance lounges. They might also bring in the entertainment for private events in their banquet halls. 32.Colleges They hire all kinds of entertainment for all kinds of events and they pay extremely well. 33. High school and grammar schools These sometimes host dances for the students. They also hire entertainers who can present an educational or cultural program. 34. Fraternities and sororities Both of these have substantial budgets and hire entertainment frequently. 35.Music conferences Chances are you won t get paid unless you re a headliner, but you will gain great exposure to your peers and the industry Indie Connect Page 3

36. Restaurants Many restaurants have attached lounges, and some hire strolling musicians. 37.Military bases They hire acts of every size and style for entertainment and pay well.

4 36. Restaurants Many restaurants have attached lounges, and some hire strolling musicians. 37.Military bases They hire acts of every size and style for entertainment and pay well. You can also tour military bases in other countries. 38.Air shows The promoters of these events often hire entertainment for before and after the show, while companies and individuals hire entertainment for their own team-related events. 39. Nonprofit organizations Depending on the nature of the organization, these sometimes bring in entertainment for their members. 40. Fundraisers These provide great exposure and can be lucrative if you have a draw. You also tend to sell more music and merch at these, especially if you are donating a portion of the proceeds to the organization hosting the event. 41. Dinner theaters Some dinner theaters alternate concerts with theatrical productions 42.Art shows and art walks Many of these hire light entertainment from jazz trios to classical groups. Smaller ones only use volunteers, but it s great exposure to an affluent audience. 43.Opening for speakers Many speakers love to have a vibrant musical act open for them to warm up the crowd before they start to speak. 44. Opening for comedians Many comedy shows and/or comedians hire musical talent to open their shows as well. 45. Airport terminals They often have small stages and hire acts to entertain passengers waiting for planes. Some restaurants within the airport also hire entertainment. 46.Ski resorts A large number of them have lodges and hire entertainment. 47. Cultural arts centers These centers hire acts with a cultural influence. 48. Senior centers These non-residential centers often hire musicians to entertain their members. 49. Vacation resorts These often hire entertainers for the lobby or lounge to entertain guests or visitors. 50. Tourist theaters There are theaters everywhere such as those in Branson MO and Pigeon Forge TN that feature a variety of shows and entertainment. 51. Museums These often have entertainment for patrons, private parties and fundraisers Indie Connect Page 4

Wedding fairs You ll need to pay for this but showcasing at one of these puts you in front of hundreds if not thousands of brides-to-be. 54.

5 52. Trade shows Trade show promoters hire entertainment for before, during and after an event. Individual corporate attendees hire entertainers for their trade show booth to attract attention as well as for their suite parties where they woo potential customers. 53.Wedding fairs You ll need to pay for this but showcasing at one of these puts you in front of hundreds if not thousands of brides-to-be. 54. Youth organizations From Boys and Girls Clubs to Little League, these often hire entertainment either for their members of for specific occasions. 55. Opera houses These often promote concerts and hire both headliners and opening acts 56. Country clubs This is a very lucrative market. The clubs themselves hire entertainers for their events, and the individual members often then use the same entertainment for their events. 57. Yacht clubs As with country clubs, this is an extremely lucrative market. 58.Marinas The pay from these gigs can vary depending on the nature of the gig and the size of the marina, but they can be good. Some have restaurants with entertainment and others have clubhouses (private marinas). 59. State and local parks These sometimes hire entertainers for various events and locations. Some, on the other hand, require you to pay for a license to perform there. In either case, most of your income comes from tips and CD sales. 60.Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs This is a fun and often high-paying private market for the right entertainers. 61.Teen parties These don t often pay a lot but they are great for filling in on an off night. 62. Non-alcoholic teen dances A variety of schools and organizations host these. Some venues are also completely non-alcoholic and open to teens. 63. Class reunions From high school to university reunions, these are often high-paying gigs, especially if you can play the music from the graduating year Indie Connect Page 5

64. Beaches and boardwalks These are similar to state parks. Some hire entertainment and others require you to pay to perform. Income comes mostly from tips and CD sales. 65.

6 64. Beaches and boardwalks These are similar to state parks. Some hire entertainment and others require you to pay to perform. Income comes mostly from tips and CD sales. 65. Rodeos These often hire entertainment for parties before and after the rodeo itself. 66.Outside a business Some musicians are hired to perform outside a business or restaurant to attract a crowd. Try suggesting it to a business or restaurant that is on a street with a lot of foot traffic or in a shopping mall. 67. Amusement parks These venues often hire entertainment for the grounds, for concerts as well as for inside restaurants. Many of these gigs last all season. 68. Theme parks These are similar to amusement parks, hiring a variety of entertainers. Many of these gigs can last for months or even years. 69. Jam sessions These provide great opportunities to meet and showcase for other musicians. In addition, you might find a venue that will pay you to host and market your own jam session. 70. Historical celebrations From refurbishing a historical building to reenacting a historic battle, there are opportunities to perform appropriate music. 71. Grand openings Often when a new business opens they hire festive entertainment for the celebration. 72. Hospitals Hospitals sometimes bring in entertainers for their patients, though they are often not paid gigs. However, they do hire entertainers for their fundraisers. 73. Local variety shows Many local groups and organizations sponsor variety shows, often with a theme (e.g. all senior entertainers). There s often little or no pay but they are fun and good exposure. 74. Large-scale productions and revues Many cruise ships, corporate events and theaters bring in complete musical productions which often include a variety of acts, singing, dancing, large props and more. 75.Your own concerts If you have enough of a draw you can promote and sell tickets for your own concerts. Even if you can only draw 50 people, if they are willing to pay $10 each you make $ Indie Connect Page 6

All you need is a laptop and a fast internet connection. 78. Amphitheaters Many communities have outdoor have amphitheaters that host countless concerts of all sizes and with every genre of music. 79.

7 76. Churches and other spiritual centers Some of these hire artists, and/or they take up a collection or love offering to pay the act. If you are popular enough you can at least ask for a minimum guaranteed base pay. 77.Online concerts if you have a following this can be extremely lucrative. All you need is a laptop and a fast internet connection. 78. Amphitheaters Many communities have outdoor have amphitheaters that host countless concerts of all sizes and with every genre of music. 79.Join a tour There are many of these tours in which the same group of artists perform in a variety of venues over the course of a couple of weeks or more (Brave Fest Tour, Vans Warped Tour etc.) 80.Tribute shows if you can look and sound like another artist, there are shows that feature a lineup of impersonators and tribute acts. 81. Theatrical productions These high-end shows are popular on cruise ships, in theaters and at corporate events. Some are actual musical plays, but many are very high-quality variety shows with every kind of artist, exquisite costumes and professional sets. The pay can be excellent for feature performers. 82.Movies and TV shows Both of these hire musicians or bands when a scene calls for the appearance of a live performer. 83.TV news and talk shows There are often opportunities to perform live on local news and talk shows and national programs. 84. Open houses Many businesses hire entertainment when they are planning an open house. 85. Guest receptions Many businesses and politicians host receptions for visiting luminaries. 86. Civic events These include local celebrations and events of every kind hosted by your city or state. You can even perform on a float in a parade. 87. Local outdoor concerts or concert series Many cities and venues regularly host outdoor concerts. 88.Coffee houses and cafes There are many coffee houses and cafes that hire acoustic, light jazz or other listening entertainment Indie Connect Page 7

89.Dance halls There are some venues that are specifically designed just to host dances. Some hire their own acts and others are only available to renters. 90.

Wineries These venues hire entertainment for both indoor and outdoor events. Some have regularly scheduled entertainment and many have banquet space that they rent out for private parties. 92.

8 89.Dance halls There are some venues that are specifically designed just to host dances. Some hire their own acts and others are only available to renters. 90. Tourist attractions and hot spots At every tourist destination you ll often find a wide variety of entertainers inside and in front of all kinds of businesses. 91. Wineries These venues hire entertainment for both indoor and outdoor events. Some have regularly scheduled entertainment and many have banquet space that they rent out for private parties. 92. Recitals and shows You can put on your own recital/show or be a part of someone else s. There are businesses such as dance schools that host recitals or shows and bring in musicians to back the performers. 93.Symphonies and orchestras If you have a large fan base, or if you are a tribute act, performing with symphonies or orchestras is a huge opportunity. You will need to provide the appropriate charts for the musicians. 94. Radio stations and station events Many stations love having live performers in their studios. Many also host live concerts and dances for their listeners featuring both local and name acts. 95. Opening for other artists This can work in several ways. A promoter might hire you, you might make direct contact with a venue or you can contact a band directly. You might even offer to trade opening spots you open fr them and they open for you. 96. Ice skating and roller rinks Some of these hire entertainers. Quite often they are rented out for private parties with entertainment. 97. Raves These hire EDM performers and disc jockeys. 98. Busking This is the idea of performing on a street, in a park or in some other public place for tips and CD sales. The opportunities are endless and the money can be great if the location has a transient crowd. 99. Riverboat cruises These are very popular in many areas and often have live entertainment. Contracts for these gigs are usually for an entire season. You re almost finished 2015 Indie Connect Page 8

9 100. Networking events - Many Chambers of Commerce and similar organizations host networking events that feature entertainment. These are ideal opportunities to get community exposure, especially if you are looking to be booked at private parties and business events Join a choir, barbershop quartet or other vocal group These are great ways to earn extra money and keep your chops up. Musicians can join specialty groups as well, such as a brass quintet Fashion shows These events often have live entertainment before and during the show itself Battle of the Bands and other competitions This can be beneficial if it is a credible contest. Indie Connect is an exclusive business club for serious singers, bands and musicians. Members receive ongoing career coaching, new industry training every week, networking opportunities, access to the Indie Connect training library and a lot more. For more information visit: Indie Connect Page 9

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