When it comes to putting on a great show, there are a few things you can do to make sure your guests have a good time. Make sure your sound and lighting are top-notch, look for entertainment to hire, and keep the band’s setlist varied and interesting. Make sure to find the right venue, too – one that’s the right size for your audience and has good acoustics. Finally, market your event well in advance so people know when and where to find it. With a little bit of effort, you can make sure your gig is one to remember!
If you want to ensure that your gig is truly awesome, follow these tips:
1) Look for the perfect venue
The venue you choose can make or break your gig. Make sure it’s the right size for your audience and has good acoustics. For example, if you’re hosting a metal gig, you’ll want to make sure the venue can handle the noise level.
Additionally, pay attention to the lighting at the venue. Good lighting can make a big difference in how your audience perceives the gig.
2) Make sure you hire the right entertainment
Make sure to also fill out a full lineup of entertainment. Not just your band. Having more artists will bring in more attendees and more potential fans. You are planning an event, not just a practice with some people to watch it.
Your entertainment should be professional and skilled. They should also be able to keep the audience engaged. If you’re hiring a comedian, for example, make sure they’re funny and appropriate for your gig’s demographic. The company you choose, as the folks from Greenlight Booking note, needs to understand the difference between a good musician and an entertaining show. The same goes for any other type of entertainment you might hire. Choose wisely and your guests will thank you.
Plus, it’s important to have a mix of music so your guests don’t get bored. For example, if you’re booking a rock band, consider adding a few acoustic songs to the setlist. This change of pace will keep things interesting and give your audience a break from all the headbanging.
3) Make sure your sound and lighting are top-notch
Your sound should be clear and loud enough to reach the back of the room. The lighting should be bright enough to illuminate the stage. But you don’t want it to be so bright that it’s blinding.
Additionally, use lighting to create different moods during the show. For example, you might want to use colored lights during a slower song to create a more intimate atmosphere. On the other hand, you might use strobe lights during an upbeat song to get the audience moving.
4) Market your event well in advance
Give your guests plenty of notice so they can clear their schedules and make arrangements to attend. The more time you give them, the more likely they are to show up.
Start promoting your gig at least a month in advance. But if you can start sooner, even better.
You could, for example, create a Facebook event and invite all your friends. You could also send out email blasts to people who have signed up for your mailing list.
5) Have a backup plan
No matter how well you plan, something might go wrong on the day of the event. That’s why it’s important to have a backup plan. For example, what will you do if the power goes out?
It’s also a good idea to have a contingency fund in case of emergencies. This way, if something does go wrong, you’ll be able to cover the cost without breaking the bank.
For example, you could set aside a few hundred dollars to cover unexpected costs. This way, if the power does go out, you can use that money to pay for a generator. Additionally, if one of your entertainers cancels at the last minute, you can use that money to hire a replacement.
The most important thing is to have fun. If you’re not enjoying yourself, your audience won’t either. So relax and let loose. Your gig will be all the better for it.
6) Get feedback from your guests
After the event is over, take some time to get feedback from your guests. You can do this by sending out a survey or simply asking people what they thought of the gig.
This feedback will help you understand what worked and what didn’t. It will also give you ideas for how to improve future events.
Also, don’t forget to thank your guests for coming. A simple “thank you” goes a long way.
Hosting a great gig takes a bit of effort, but it’s worth it in the end. By following these tips, you can make sure your audience has a good time and remembers your show for years to come. What are you waiting for? Get started planning your next awesome gig today!