Rock concerts are fun, but planning can be a lot of work.
Planning a rock concert is never as much fun as attending one. Yet to have an amazing concert, you must spend time and effort producing it--a daunting task to many. If you are methodical about following the steps below, and luck is on your side, you too can put on a great concert and make the process as rewarding as the event itself.
Instructions
Plan a Rock Concert
1. Find a headliner, a band that already draws a strong fan base to its shows and feels comfortable with their instruments and songs. Any good rock concert has two or three acts on stage a night, so you will also need an opening act. If your headliner is a country act, it doesn't have to be the next Hank Williams, but probably shouldn't be a punk performance artist, either. You do want a range of acts--two torch singers in one night could get boring. It's a tough balancing act. Just remember to book acts that you like, are reliable, and have a fan base that is willing to come to the show.
2. Book a venue. Take into account your band and audience. Do you manage a punk rock band that plays in basements to other musician friends? How about a metal act that sells out stadiums to legions of fans? Whatever your band's audience or ethos, choose a venue that is reasonable in price, offers the right size, and has workable acoustics. For a band that is looking to move out of the basement, a good place to start is a community or recreation center. Often overlooked, these spaces will rent out to locals. They may have a rental fee, or you may have to make a deposit, it depends on the center.
3. Find the right sound equipment. The venue may have its own sound equipment, which is a plus. Even if the hall's manager says they have speakers and instrument amplifiers on hand, you will want to check out their claim before the day of the concert. If the venue does not have equipment, you will at least need some speakers, a couple of amps and a mixing board so you can make sure the instrument and vocal levels are acceptable. There should be local equipment rental companies that can accommodate you. Shop around; prices are generally variable.You want the most affordable deal as well as quality service.
4. Decide how you are earning money. You may or may not charge admission. If the concert is free, there are other ways to make back your investment. You may want to buy refreshments before the date of the concert; you can sell these at the show. You may also want to print a couple of CDs and take along some merchandise like T-shirts to put on sale. Remember, this is the way many bands earn money.
Promote a Concert
5. Use the internet to tell your audience about the upcoming shows. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are especially valuable for getting the word out. Myspace Music, another great resource, offers free pages for bands where you can find "friends," update these friends about the band, and put the upcoming show on an events calendar.
6. Use word of mouth to promote the concert.This is the best way to ensure people come to your show. Find your audience. If they are audiophiles who hang out in independent record shops, go there and pass out fliers and talk to people. If they are college fraternity kids, join up with a couple at the cafeteria and tell them about the upcoming show. In terms of promoting your event, nothing beats face-to-face contact.
7. Use the press. You may think that the media only covers famous bands, but they are always looking for stories. With the proliferation of online blogs and entertainment websites, there are a plethora of reporters always on the prowl for things to write about. Reach out to anyone and everyone you know who is a journalist. Call the local paper. You will be surprised. If they do not feature you on the front page of the Arts section, they may put your concert listing in the events calendar.
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