Gigs & Performing??

[Flip1]

I'm planning to book a paid gig singing Jazz(in mid March) but I am not sure how to go about it. So far I have a Quartet (3 violins & chello) and possibly drums and Bass Guitar. I have the sheet music. Do I need a press kit? How many songs? Can I use violins in Jazz? If you have any ideas or steps as to how I can pull this all together I would be so grateful.

Thanx

Flip1

[casualtyfigure]

well...

Since you know so little about the whole process...
dont expect to get paid cash...but in experience.
Sounds dumb..but trust me. Learning how, and what to do,
will pay off more in the end.

Plus badgering a guy for the money
he owes you when nothing went right, and the performance sucked all
balls...will be a sure way to not play there again...and depending on the guy, that "booked" you...you may have a hard time finding another venue.
Because of the badgering.
(a friend had this happen...but she's also stupid.)

I know normal bands, get something recorded, then take their cd's
to bars, comm. centers, open mic places (a week or two in advance),
If the owners, decision makers, like it...they will contact you,
or tell you right on the spot. Its a basic business proposition...

"hey can i have/do this?"
"what can you do for me?"

So, if you have a following, and can bring people into a bar,
that means the bar sells more drinks...its a double win.
But community centers, Ive seen this in my own experience,
are a nice place to play, as long as the people who run it
arent complete fucking flakes. (90% are)

also...

Ditch the sheet music...
If your planning to play a "JAZZ" gig...DO NOT have sheet music.
It kind of defeats the point of jazz. Also, depending on the style...
I wouldnt even sell it as Jazz. Most live instrumental Jazz, is improvised.
(the live jazz performances ive seen anyways) Maybe Bass Maybe Drums?
nope...not jazz. Selling it as jazz, will set people off, They'll expect,
Drums and Bass, trumpet, sax, guitar... Not a string tribute to miles davis.
Know what i mean?

Press kit?
Just build one online, and pass out discs.
All people really care about is the music, and how many people you
could possibly bring in. (to sell drinks, errr whatever.)

How many songs?
Expect to play for 30 minutes.
Depends on the venue.

The last show i booked, i had everything set up to play for 30-45 minutes.
But the band i opened for, only had a 15 minute set. That was a bit discerning. (a let down as well.)

Which is another thing...try to get attached to other bands bills, if possible.
Or get an opening act. Its not a good idea to only have yourself
as the only act...that sets up ALOT of momentum, and expectation.
And if this is the fledgeling gig...not a good idea.

Practice Practice Practice
Memorize the stuff so you dont need the sheet music.


anyways...

I think...before you work toward the show,

Do alot of thinking, before anyones name becomes attached to a horrible
performance.