asking for a date in the promo pack

[gitrokr]

ok-my band has got a bio, a glossy, our demo. but how do we actually ask the venue for a show? we have a time frame and a list of lvenues. so, how and what do we actually ask the bookers so we end ujp getting a show? do you guys have samples of what you have used? thanks alot

[johneeeveee]

... include a brief cover letter introducing yourself and including your itinerary and the date(s) you are looking for a gig. you can follow up with an email (which i actually send before i send my promo pack out), or a phone call to confirm a date. check the venue website to see what protocol they prefer... it varies.
good luck - jv

[ChristopherM]

When I first read your subject heading, I thought that you meant the booking agent was cute and you wanted to buy her dinner!

[distortedrumble]

dont ask for a date in a 3-day section like "the 13, 14, or 15" one month ahead of time and expect to get it.......2 to 3 months in advance is better...i'd have a good chance of getting a band in that way. especially if your an out of town or out of state band and no one has heard of you before in that general area. i also agree with sending the email first....if I have talked to you through email, then I'm more like to listen/look at your promo when i get it in the mail vs. just sending me a promo pack.

calling to confirm a date or finding out what other dates are open is also good....being flexible with when you play will get more shows. and sometimes it can get you on a better bill than just you and some other band that no one knows on a tuesday night.

[zekthedeadcow]

heh I had the same thought as chris

I would call a place and get the name of the guy who does the booking. then I would mail our presspack to him ... I'd wait a bit for it to be delivered (week or two)... then I'd call and ask for a opening about 3 or so months away (most places I've worked with booked 2 months ahead solid.. and double booked if they thought they could get away with it.... nothing like having a gangzta rap show 5 minutes after a metal/punk show :S

If we liked the place we would set up another show before we left. Usually played a place once every 2-3 months... just don't sit in the same bar...

[lykwydchykyn]

I wouldn't put that kind of thing in the promo pack. That's stuff you should be discussing with them on the phone. The promo pack is a reference for them to decide if they want to book you and what artists to package you with. If you want shows the phone is where it happens. Mailing someone something with no followup is sure to get you nowhere.