Music Industry Discussion

I tried to post before but I think I messed it up, so here goes again. I book for a few bands and one of them is a teen band (15 & 16 year olds) that is VERY VERY good. Better than a lot of adult bands I have heard. However, I am having problems in finding places to book them because of their young ages. Anyone out there know of some teen band venues in Pennsylvania - particularly Central PA. Would really appreciate some input on this! These kids need to be heard and seen!

That's a problem that many areas I've visited & lived in have in common. Out here in my area of WV, there aren't that many places, either. I've gotten my student's band playing at the local town fest, & they've also played at the HS, & they even organized a sort of Amateur Night Competition at their HS that's been done twice a yr for the last few yrs. There are coffee places similar to Starbux, too that let acts play if they aren't too loud. Summer & fall are pretty good around here for outside events as well. But that's about it if they aren't going to play at church.

There have been several attempts at starting up teen places, which only sell soft drinks & pizza & charge at the door when they have bands, to pay them, but they've invariable gone under in a wave of indifference.

It's tough for the under-21 crowd, that's for sure!

Most states or regional areas have an association of fairs, festivals, and expositions. There are some national and international associations as well. These are usually high pro-file engagements with a very broad audience and usually pay very well. Age is not a factor in these situations. Most of these associations have an annual convention and talent showcase. You may have to become a card carrying member of the association and there may be annual dues to be payed to be a member. With the membership comes a directory of fairs, festivals, and expositions with contact information for entertainment directors. The conventions are great venues for a trade show booth and networking which could lead to receiprical annual events. The material should be squeaky-clean and suitable for all ages.

Hello and there is a problem with young bands trying to find a place to play. I even thought about it myself. I am a drummer and someone who managed bands in the past it was not hard years ago. Now there is very few places. I have been approached by several bands. I would like to talk to you further about this. Let me know if you are interested.

There aren't any places that do all-ages shows? When I was in high school starting out playing in bands (I was around 15 or 16), bars in Baltimore booked us just fine. You might have to try finding events like that if you're looking to introduce them to that kind of scene, or start creating your own concert events with other younger groups in the area.

Laws vary from state to state, but many venues allow minors into nightclubs as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian, do not drink alcoholic beverages, and do not sit at the bar. While some clubs have a policy of "no one underage after 8:00", others see the advantage to having a well behaved minor who can perform well on stage. It should be discussed with the manager on duty of the establishment well in advance. They don't like surprises. This is probably better suited to "open mic" nights and week nights when business is a little slower as opposed to a busy Saturday night.

I love a really good young rock band. This is where some of the best music begins and I tell my classical studetns to follow intheir footsteps. i tell them to do their quartets and other ensembles in the garage.

Does your band ever do any acoustic selections...if so, contact the library. Libraries are often providing music. They pay quite well. A lot of clubs with older adults ( women's clubs, book clubs etc ) are actually #1 rock fans. I saw on YouTube, a kickass version of Black Dog, performed by middle schoolers.