By Jeri Goldstein, Copyright 2006 The New Music Times, Inc.

There is nothing more satisfying for a touring musician, than to arrive at the venue and everything is in order. All of the requested equipment is set up and ready for sound check, the publicity has been done, posters are hanging in the window and there is someone to meet you as you load in. Was it an accident that this occurred? Not likely, probably all can be attributed to good planning and someone spending some time advancing the date. The term means to call ahead to the venue and all other associated contacts prior to the play date and confirm all the necessary arrangements with the appropriate personnel.

If you have left matters to chance in the past, I would like to suggest the following information so that your arrival and performance at every gig will go as smoothly as possibly. Much of the following may fall under the job description of a road manager. If you’re not at that point in your career development to afford a road manager, the tasks will fall to you or someone in your group or on your team. When one person consistently advances each date, it will become part of the routine and you’ll be able to head off any problems before they occur.

Timing is a factor when advancing each date. Allow enough time to accomplish specific tasks prior to the start of the tour. If you are making unique requests of the venue or technical personnel, call far enough in advance of the date so there won’t be a time crunch to fulfill your request. Depending on the level at which you tour, you may need to adjust some the time frames to allow for more or less complicated arrangements...

Jeri Goldstein is the author of, How To Be Your Own Booking Agent The Musician's & Performing Artist's Guide To Successful Touring 2nd Edition UPDATED. She had been an agent and artist's manager for 20 years. Currently she consults with artists, agents and managers through her consultation program Manager-In-A-Box and presents The Performing Biz, seminars and workshops at conferences, universities, for arts councils and to organizations. Jeri has released a 3-hour seminar on CD-ROM, Marketing Your Act. No expensive conferences to attend-learn at your convenience to boost your career. Her book, CD-ROM and information about her other programs are available at www.performingbiz.com or phone (434) 591-1335 or email Jeri at jg@performingbiz.com.

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