I started booking bands in 1985 under the name Sweet Songs, and that work now goes on as Verve Booking. I keep it small on purpose, I book the music I know best, and every act I take on is one I've listened to carefully myself.
Now booking string bands
The venues
I keep a researched list of more than 400 venues across New England, from the Pioneer Valley out to Boston, Providence, Portland and northern Vermont, and I check each one before I pitch an act to it. The rooms that suit this music best are listening rooms and folk clubs where people come to hear every note, volunteer-run coffeehouse concert series, and Irish and Celtic cultural centers with their pub nights, sessions and festivals. Beyond those there are small performing arts centers and historic theaters, folk song societies and house-concert hosts, libraries and town halls with free concert series, and summer festivals and fairs. Some want a polished touring act with a draw, and others are glad to give a good local band its first real night out. Part of my job is matching each act to the rooms where it will actually land.
How it works
Submitting is free, and there are no upfront fees. Send me your music and I'll listen. If it's a fit, I'll get in touch to talk about where you want to play and what you need from a gig. You approve every booking and every fee before anything is agreed, and venues pay you directly. If it isn't a fit right now, I'll tell you honestly rather than leave you guessing.
Sign up
Bands, duos and solo players can submit through the Verve Booking artist submission form. A Bandcamp page or another place where I can hear your recordings helps a great deal.
Questions? Email me at verve413@gmail.com or use the contact page.
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