Tradewinds Weekend Booking Policy
(Breaking into the line-up)
Monday, November 28, 2011
The Tradewinds is, and continues to be the home of live music in Sonoma County. It’s
what we are committed to and what we do best. That said, we receive several hundreds of
booking requests via the web site as well as in person and though regular mail. We book
a wide variety of music with the intention of establishing a high standard and deserved
reputation that says to our customers ‘ If they are playing there, then they must be good’
Requesting a weekend date does not get you one, even if in the past you claim to have
packed the house, and made us plenty of money (we hear this all the time, even though
there is only a handful of bands that truly have)
Submitting a ‘current’ CD or URL is fine in providing a sample of your music
We currently have several bands on a weekend rotation. These bands are proven draws
with the local scene (but not necessarily local bands) as well as bringing in their own
following. This is mainly what we are looking for. The rest of the bands are of known
quality to us and usually have a history of playing the TW
Touring bands get a special consideration, as most are looking for a one time gig. But
they would have to fit into the talent level and class of music we currently enjoy.
In order to break into this line up you need to do the following:
Book a couple of weekday evenings or Sunday nights (Thursdays are not
included)
Promote the dates other than e-mailings by creating and distributing posters,
notify the usual sites, promoting at other venues etc …
Promote and bring people to the Tradewinds to see you. Simply relying on walk-
in traffic is not acceptable
Once that we see you can consistently draw a crowd other than the TW regulars
(as they will be there with or without music) and provide high quality
entertainment, you will be eligible for weekend booking.
Being eligible does not mean entitled. Once the above conditions are met, you will be
invited to perform. The quickest way not to get booked is by demanding a weekend
because you deserve it.
If you do not have enough material to fill a four hour night, and you need to bring a
couple of bands with you, chances are you’re not ready for prime time.
If your band is drawing attention we will notice it