re: What is the best path to play a show at Freds

“Played out” is exactly what the br bar owners demand of their cover bands. If they’re not playing all the same crap swamp pop, 80’s, or 90’s covers as every other cover ban, they look at you like you’re from Mars and throw your press kit in the trash.

The only reason we get away with it is because we have a minor celebrity frontman, so they put up with the Gary Clark Jr covers and originals so long as we still give them Purple Rain.

Big fan of both, but good luck getting gigs covering that kinda stuff. You might be able to get by with a couple of mild black keys songs like “Gold on the Ceiling” since it was played in so many advertisements. Not going to get many bites from bar owners playing “Into the Black”

On the other hand, if your acoustic duo’s setlist consists of Jumper, Semi-Charmed Life, Roll to Me, Desperately Wanting, and Closing Time, they won’t hesitate to book you.

As for full bands, those boring bar owners just can’t seem to get enough of bands playing Don’t Stop Believing, Pour Some Sugar On Me, and Living on a Prayer.

While they don’t do it well, I do at least have to give Neutral Snap some credit for playing something different, doing more pop punk covers.

I thought lot of black Keyes songs could be played at a brewery. Damn

Where do bands even start playing gigs on this town?

Open mics and blues jams.

During non-Covid times:
Fat Catz or Brickyard on Sundays, the Basin on Wednesday, Phil Brady’s on Thursday. LaDivina does an open mic on Fridays. Henry Turned Jr.’s listening room on Fridays.

Once you’ve got some experience doing that kind of stuff, you network with musician friends to play with other bands at house party shows or DIY shows at Southside Arts Center, Phil Brady’s, or Mid City Ballroom. Once you have a decent following and setlist, some live videos, then you can start trying to book bigger bars or do 3 hr cover band sets.

The keys are:
1. Be good And tight as a group
2. Have a fun setlist with well-known covers
3. Network like crazy with other bands by constantly showing up for blues jams and at other people’s shows.
4. Promote promote promote! Don’t be afraid to spam your friends and family because they will be your first fans and turnout at shows plus social media following is everything

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well, that is a long road. Have yet to find a reliable group. I have wanted to jam but the guitarist has been a no show. Need a drummer, keyboard. I met this great singer back in Florida. I guess the best bet is to try to do this open mic. Thanks Bob

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Be sure and post some video for us.

iv seen shows at mid city here they have 10 people at most. white light night ,highland street fest are others