GigMasters Delivers on Local Entertainment Bookings

April 19, 9:51 AMBaltimore Band ExaminerJeff Schad

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Baltimore Band Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Squeezetoy was known to rock plenty of private parties                 Photo J. Schad

Who here has had that dream? The one where you're taking in an amazing live show by a local band that impresses you way more than expected. You start thinking huge party on your buddy's uncle's cousin's farm. Book that amazing local act for a reasonable price. 100 or so of your closest friends...It can happen.

GigMasters is a nationwide database of performers in all genres for hire. Reggae, punk, rock, funk, tribute acts, even mariachi bands can be sought, found and hired. The site delivers a number of related offerings (DJ's, event planners, variety acts) but the band-for-hire concept is very interesting. New models in the music industry are rapidly changing things  (4th paragraph), many for the benefit of the fledgling local band.

Think you're ready to jump in and book your local favorite and party with 'em all night long? It could happen, but if they are a local talent they are likely playing a full schedule, driving all over the local area trying to develop and take that next step. Your band will need a lot of time to set up, and you may also need permits to have a concert with a bunch of people attending; highly dependent on local law enforcement codes. Do your homework before hand to avoid show-stopping issues.

Maybe you're feeling more in the mood for a great tribute act? Don't expect to save any money booking a legitimate tribute band that has cut their chops for several years. Has anybody seen Who's Bad at either of their appearances in College Park in the last year? Michael is uncanny, and the rest of the members bring the act to life. They aren't listed on GigMasters, and for a good reason. They and Ballyhoo both work with Union Artists Group for booking, taking advantage of the business acumen and venue knowledge of the agency to put together solid tours. 

That said, don't be intimidated approaching a booking agent about your favorite band. An easy assumption is that the price will be too high, but if your date fits nicely into their schedule, you may be able to work with the agent on price. Remember that a deal is a deal, and once you have contracted a band, it is all systems go. You will be expected to provide full payment by completion of the show. So even if you found out you don't have a hundred friends (at $10 per head) to cover the band expense, you better go crack your piggy bank. Nobody plays for free.

Stay tuned for my top ten picks of bands for hire in the Baltimore area.