Promo Pack

[Chris S]

Hey All,

I'm managing a professional big band this summer and I'm hoping to book some gigs in the greater Denver area. What should I include in a promo pack? I assume a CD (which we'll have to make tomorrow-our first rehearsal), some nice glossy photos and a bio. Question Number 1: What should be included in the bio? This is a seventeen piece big band that we're talking about, I don't know that a club owner is going to spend the time reading seventeen bios. Maybe the leader and the lead player from each section? Question Number 2: What else should be included, I'm hoping to get a gig at one of the premiere jazz clubs in Denver, Sambuca, and I need for them to be wowed by the papers, I'm not at all worried about the recording. This band is amazing, they can read anything. Please post replies, I'd be very appreciative.

Chris

[sax rookie]

I managed a band for several years. It was a dance/funk band and not a big band, but here's my $.02 anyway.

Club owners want to be sure you will pack the place. I have found that they are more confident in booking you if you show them a track history.

What do you do for yourself to promote gigs? Flyers, Emailers, website? A club owner likes to know that you can and will promote yourself.

Include a gig list to show that you are dedicated and play regularly. This will also show that you are returning to clubs on a regular basis and will bring a fan base with you.

Throw in a few testimonials. It never hurts to ask a happy client for a recommendation.

Include gig highlights. Who have you opened for? Good press? Awards?

Bios are good but keep them brief. In your case with so many players, touch on the more impressive ones. (i.e. "Players have graduated from...played with etc.)

A current song list

Reassurances that you are all professionals and making everyone happy is your first priority. Let them know that you are flexible and are willing to consider any reasonable requests.

In the end, look at your promo pack and ask yourself "Would I hire this band?"

Don't be afraid to 'toot your horn'...but be honest and just a tad modest.

I don't envy you having to round up 17 players. Managing 5 thirty-something players just about drove me nuts.

Good Luck
Mark

[gary]

And I would consider putting up a web site. It's a way of reaching a lot of people and, moreover, a way of keeping fans and potential hirers up to date without having to send periodic mailings by snail mail at a cost you might not want to absorb.

Our site has professional photos of the band, photos and a few bigraphical words about each performer, photos of recent gigs and press reviews. You can announce at a gig "Check out or web site at Doowhackers of Funk.com", which most listeners will remember, to stay up to date and save yourself a lot of flyers, too; which also have their place, just differently.

[JL]

I'd reconsider recording your demo on your first rehearsal. Even if the band is full of amazing players, I doubt you'll be showing your best at the first rehearsal. If that was the case, why have any rehearsals? Generally it takes some time for a band to "gel," no matter how good the players are, especially with 17 pieces. All the best in your enterprise. I'm with Mark; managing 17 musicians would be a herculean task, at least for me.