The Local Coffee House












Many musicians complain about the lack of gigs they have, but when I ask them to look closely at the type of venue they are searching, the repeated pattern seems to be clubs, stadiums, concert halls and pubs. What I would like to share with you is this... keep a look out and be totally aware of the possible gig locations so that you're not limiting yourself. How about restaurants, parks, malls or my favorite, the local coffee house? Coffee houses are the next link in the chain of great gigs. Depending on the venue, you can drop in several times and build links with staff and get a feel for the type of customers that come there. Make it your second residence!

Depending on the type of music, coffee houses represent the perfect venue for musicians to meet with their perfect audience, and if they are your right audience, what must your audiences be doing if they're not watching you? Drinking coffee.Coffee houses are great places for people who want a break from both work and home. It's like the middle space, or the third space. I personally like these places because it's nice and cozy, allowing you to build deeper relationships with the crowds.

Something that works day in, day out is the power of repetition. If people see your name several times, they remember it, and create a link in their mind. By placing several posters in the coffee houses where the same people go everytime between home and work, it becomes something they cannot miss, and they will definitely remember it. You can guarantee most of them will be at your event.

So how do you get booked?

Pay attention to the peak and off-peak times at the coffee house as you can use this to your advantage really easily. If you play in the morning when it's peak time and attract many customers for the coffee house, you'll notice that the lunch area may be very low in customers, so pitched correctly, you could ask the coffee house management if you could play in the afternoon, and attract the customers that way.

Don't expect to be paid by the coffee house management, but one way to grow your audience is to collect mailing list signups. This way you can inform them by post or e-mail where you are performing next because there will definitely want to be a part of your music.The most important thing is that you have already built up great relationships so that you can emphasise how you will bring more people to their place.


*** I work at Rick's Coffee House. The owners Rick Hudkins and Ken Campbell will be happy to talk with anyone wanting to play. They have a large stage and upgraded sound system. You can contact them at:

Rick's Cafe'
4725 Woodville Rd #10
Northwood, Ohio 43619
419-691-9900
Rick's Cell # 419-514-6477
www.ricksmusiccafe.com








Deb's Top 5 Songs Of the Day:


Bob Seger, Night Moves
Hamell On Trial, Coulters Snatch
Pantera, This Love
Rebel Meets Rebel, Nothing To Lose
Journey, Open Arms




Local Artist Of The Day:

Tinfoil