Band to Business: Venues

Venues

In Episode 5 of Band to Business we’re talking about ‘Venues’.

Understanding different venue characteristics will help you play in the atmosphere that best fits your music, and makes the most financial sense. Here are some things to consider:

1. Consider whether a venue is general admission or reserved seats. That will dictate how to price the tickets, and will generally line up with how expensive it is to produce a show in that venue. 
2. Think about the vibe of the space and the experience your audience wants. 
3. Location is also important, particularly when making a choice between city center and suburban locations.

Even if you have an agent booking your shows, you should understand these big picture factors that go into booking the right band in the right venue. Wherever you end up, play shows as much as you can. The experience on stage will make you a better performer, grow your audience, and prepare you for a sustainable career as a musician. And remember, you never know when your future agent and manager might be in the audience.    

Tune in below to see the fifth episode of Band to Business: ‘Venues’.

Check out the full ‘Venues’ workshops and more Concert Business Basics on Jen Kellogg’s website.

Band to Business was created to help in the business of artistic endeavors, and shed some insight into the behind-the-scenes jobs that make it all happen. See you next time!

About Jen Kellogg

Jen Kellogg has spent over 25 adventurous years in the concert industry as a roadie, talent buyer, educator and entrepreneur. During her quarantine, she’s hosting a virtual workshop series called “Concert Business Basics” to help those starting their career in the concert industry, and established professionals interested in expanding beyond their existing areas of expertise. She crunched numbers as the tour accountant for the Vans Warped Tour from 2009-2017. During that time she co-founded The Entertainment Institute and brought the fan’s unique backstage workshops with artists on the tour. Prior to that, as a talent buyer at Jam Productions, she booked theaters and arenas, and specialized in minor league baseball parks. Her first full tour was with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson and it sparked her love of the road life. Jen teaches Producing and Touring Live Entertainment at Columbia College Chicago and has spoken at highly respected industry conferences including SXSW and Pollstar.