About Segment of Society Promotions/Booking Info
A little bit about me, Robin, Segment of Society: I'm just a music fan really and I do this for fun and cause I just love spreading the love ! I don't expect much in return. Just some great music, new friends, possibly a new cd and maybe a few bucks. Some ask how I got started in all of this. Well, I used to go and listen to great indie music a couple times a week at a place called CATH Coffeehouse, run by Nora Spitznogle. In September of 2004, CATH closed. It was the typical story of a big guy kicking out the little guy(girl) cause the big guy wanted to build a new big store on that spot. At the time I was taking guitar lessons at Indy's Music House. IMH, built a stage and I said to Kevin, the owner, that I could probably find some musicians (telling him the story of CATH) who would be looking for a place to play. Next think I knew, I was booking the music there and they put me in charge of the open stage too ! Then in December of 2004, IMH closed it's doors and I was left with musicians booked into the new year, but no venue. It's then I started approaching music friendly places around town. I started out booking at just two coffeehouses in town and now book with as many as six different venues in town! This offers us a choice of setting for a gig based on different things such as, draw, bar type setting, or even a house concert setting. Many times, I've made a weekend out of one act, booking them in more than one venue during that time. I like being creative and try to give the best opportunities to expand your fan base and reach new folks with your music.
In 2006, SOS was listed in the top 5 music events for 2006 by NUVO Newsweekly in the folk/singer-songwriter category ! Musicians contact me from all over the country just wanting a place to play. I'm not an expert and I learn by doing. I do have quite a bit of "experience" though. I've been a volunteer with Women In the Arts (www.wiaonline.org) and The National Women's Music Festival since 1991. During this time I've worked in performer care, festival sales, fundraising events and dances and even sat on the Board of Directors for a period of time. Additionally, I've worked front of house and coordinated volunteers for Branching Out Productions, sold merch for various local and touring artists, belonged to many street teams and just plain been a grass roots music supporter for years. This is my passion.
Below are a few details about what I do and the venues that I currently work with. Once we make contact and begin discussing a possible gig, I'll provide more details.
What I do for YOU is:
4Secure the venue and negotiate a cover if needed
4Post your flyers around town and make up handbills
4Promote show via my website, and other websites and e-mails
4Sell your merch during the show
4Provide a PA if needed
4Take photos and post them on my website & can e-mail to you if you like
4I also have the ability to record your show if you like.
4A comfy couch to crash on (or floor if there are more than one of you) and I have free Wi-Fi.
**Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee a fee for you at this time but I hope to be working with other venues and/or promoters in the future to where that would be possible. Some of the venues will allow us to set a cover. ***
I like to ask for 10% of what you take in. this does not include your merch sales. You keep 100% of that ! I do a lot in promotion and securing a venue, I distribute posters/handbills, post on several music/event websites, send out to my e-mail list, provide a PA if requested, offer a place to crash. Under certain circumstances I may decide to waive my 10%. Also, I like trying to bring in a local singer/songwriter to open or do a round robin type thing for out of town musicians. This can help with the draw. Set lengths are generally 60-90 minuets or two 45 minute sets. Depending on the venue, that may be flexable.
***Important***Indianapolis, Indiana is now back on daylight savings time in the EASTERN time zone. Please take that into account when planning gigs in Indy ! ****
The Venues
(more venue details will be discussed upon contact)
Lazy Daze Coffeehouse located at 10 S. Johnson Ave: Located in what is known as Historic Irvington. Small neighborhood coffeehouse with a great feel. There is plenty of outdoor seating, including a deck. But of course living in Indiana that's pretty much seasonable. www.lazydazecoffeehouse.com
Studio 7 Concert Series: This is a new concert series started in 2009. The concerts are held in the office space of local LGBT thereaptist, Michele O'Mara. Located on the westside of Indianapolis, this series will showcase women musicans, many from the lesbian/bi communty.
The Indy Hostel located at 4903 Winthrop Ave: Indy's only Hostel. Offers rooms to travelers and musicians, located south of Broad Ripple. It's a fully functional old house with all the comforts of home and then some. This space offers a wonderful house concert setting. I tend not to book first time to Indy musicians in this space because we don't have the benefit of walk ins or a traffic flow. Acts that have a local fanbase or are regionally popular or unique are more suited for the hostel. You can visit them at www.indyhostel.us
New in 2009 ! In addition to the Studio 7 Concert Series, SOS also books and promotes Folked Up Wednesday at Big Car Gallery in Fountain Square, south of Downtown. This series occurs on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Also, SOS is co/promoting the Ever So Slightly Music Series at Big Car Gallery. This series occurs the 4th Saturay of the month.
Additionally, I have booked shows at Locals Only, which is a bar with a lively music calendar throughout the week and well as some open stages. Generally I try and book a bit of the rockier folk/rock to rock stuff here. www.localsonlyindy.com