“We only book acts we’ve seen…”

It’s so annoying! And it’s not always TRUE, even though it’s not a lie*.

A LOT of hosts/venues insist on seeing an artist before they book them, and that makes complete sense. They’ve spent months/years building an audience, and earning their trust that the concerts are always great. And MAYBE, they once had an experience where they were impressed with an artist’s online channels, but were disappointed/embarrassed by the concert that took place.

That’s when they create the new RULE: Must see you play in person before booking.

So what is a touring artist to do? With the help of our REMINDER button, you switch to the long game. Here’s an example::

I’m booking a tour of Florida in September because I like mosquitos and hurricanes. One of the hosts I want to approach says they must see me before booking. OK. On their profile, I set a reminder that I want to reach out to them 4 weeks before my Florida shows, with a message like

“Hi Host, since you only book acts you’ve seen, I have booked 3 shows in your area in September, and I’d be delighted to put you on our guest list for any of the three shows… [list of dates, nearby cities.] It would be so great to meet you and to see if our live show connects with you like we think it will. Please let us know if you can make one!”

Ninja move: If no response, try again 10 days later.

Shaolin Master: If no response, try 2 days before the first show.

Buddha: Rest. Enjoy the tour as it was meant to be.

USE the reminder button. It can be super-effective.

*Not a lie? – I’ve seen more than one host break this rule when the right act with an undeniable video reaches out.

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LRFest Recap – March 2023!

Showcase at the Palladium Theater, March 10th 2023. Photos by Phil DeSimone.

Our 13th Annual Listening Room Festival was a celebration of music, intimate venues, and our growing community of music fans.

We had a wonderful festival, and managed to please a fantastic group of performers – Ariella, The Rough & Tumble, Jeffery Straker, A Tale of Two, and Peter Mulvey.

When we started LRFest in 2012, it felt like a moonshot. I wanted to create a gathering to celebrate house concerts, and to create a music showcase opportunity in the middle of a profitable tour. Most importantly, they build a base of friends, fans and potential gigs in Florida that will pay dividends for years to come.

As is the case with house concerts, the sweet, listening vibe and profitability are the obvious rewards that mask the more important developments of community and connection. On this front, each year, we see more hosts and fans travel to Tampa Bay area to attend shows and make new friendships. We see them cooperate for routing, lodging, and even for volunteer help at each other’s events. The festival community is creating a rich, cultural tapestry of music support in our region.

For me, the biggest thrill is the growing number of hosts and fans who travel to St. Petersburg for this event. They come from different cities, different states, and even different countries – to take in a music vacation filled with house concerts and time with their tribe. Thanks to Christine and Michelle Goguey, Jim and Brenda Michienzi, and Alice Schaefer for making the trip this year!

We hope you’ll join us for this one-of-a-kind festival next year!

HUGE thanks to our volunteers, our hosts, and the generous contributors who helped us bounce back from a couple of challenging years!

House Concert Photos from LRFest 2023. Photos by Fran Snyder.

Will you apply as a performer? 
Will you host a show in Florida or the southeast?
Will you join your music tribe for a music vacation?