Vocalist/guitarist Dale Boatman is president and founder of The California Jazz Arts Society (CalJAS), which in conjunction with the concert series Boatman-Summers Presents begins its fourth year of presenting jazz to the Southland.
In association with Galli's Piano & Jazz, CalJAS continues to present Wednesday and Sunday night jazz in Rancho Cucamonga. Dale also originated the summer Magic of Jazz series at The World Famous Hollywood Magic Castle and sponsors and co-sponsors workshops and performing opportunities for jazz students of all ages. For a complete schedule of Dale's events, visit the CalJAS website: www.CalJAS.org
A few months back, my friend Evan Stone asked for responses regarding "how to get gigs and maintain them." As someone who has been on both sides of this issue, I thought I might share the things I look for...and take notice of.
TO GET GIGS
For someone new, I prefer a professional, but friendly email introduction. Music samples from websites, and promo packages with a CD are great if I can't listen online. A calendar of upcoming gigs, and a list of musicians and venues they have worked with also help a great deal.
Jazz is a "tough nut to crack." Make an initial offer that might be hard for an owner to refuse...or at least understand the practicalities of the venue.
TO MAINTAIN GIGS
If you want to consistently work for CalJAS, be professional. There are at least two businesses at work; the musician's and the venue's....and sometimes the booker/presenter's.
I'm almost embarrassed to mention these, but here are some that continually occur.
Be on time: Know what time the gig starts and ends
Know the details: Compensation, set times (if any), food and drink perks.
Come with the group that was booked: If changes are made, communicate those to the booker or owner.
Keep breaks shorter than sets: I can't believe the length of some of the breaks.
Keep on-stage rehearsing and chart explanations to a minimum.
Sense the audience.
Eat before or after the gig: Or keep it simple and short during breaks.
Have a genuine concern for the venue/booker: I want to feel that we're all in this together.
Help promote when you can: Again, we all must work together to keep club jazz alive.
In almost all cases that I am familiar with, the most successful musicians are the most conscientious.
Thanks again to Evan Stone! Perhaps the performers have some suggestions for the owners/bookers??
All art is communication of the artist's ideas, sounds, thoughts; without that no one will support the artist.
– Lionel Hampton
The horn section of a jazz combo was on the way to a gig and were killed in a tragic car accident. When they arrived in heaven, God personally greeted them at the front gate and asked each of them what they did on earth.
The first person said: "I was a tenor sax player and I made people happy with my wonderful music." The second person said: "I was a trombone player and I taught people the love of music." The third person said: "I was a trumpet player and I believe you are sitting in my chair."
