Well, there has been a whirlwind of activity since my last blog update. Website changes, marketing changes, educational guidance, bookings at new venues. It’s just been crazy. Throw in some travel, some shows and some relaxation time and you know how these last few months have been for me.
Let’s start with educational guidance. I searched out and found some really good information on how to book “higher end” venues (as opposed to bars, restaurants and those gigs that are overhead expenses to the customer's bottom line). It all comes back to “marketing”. Where you advertise and how you advertise and who you talk to are all keys. Upon review, it became obvious to me that my website was more dedicated to supporting the current and next gigs as opposed to “marketing” me and my music as the musician that is a perfect fit for your next big event.
From that, you’ll already see some minor changes already incorporated into the website. A standalone tab directed towards booking inquiries. Various buttons have been added to start the booking process. The current show setlists have been moved off the home page and on to the “shows” page. Upcoming changes to be implemented soon include home page improvements that speak more to how I am the musical solution to what your event needs, addition of a “partnership page” which will list the venues and businesses I have cultivated a “preferred performer” status with. Enough said about webpage changes. Look for the changes; they’re ongoing!
New venues added this year:
Sit & Stay Winery – 2 shows booked here this year. Great little place right in downtown Kalamazoo. Wines are excellent and they really know how to throw a party. Lots of events going on all throughout the year.
The Grill House – 2 outdoor patio shows booked this year. Recognized as one of the premier steak houses in Michigan. Located in Allegan, The Grill House has been featured on a couple of restaurant review shows on various TV cooking channels. As an aside, they purportedly have a ghost which inhabits the old house in which this steakhouse operates.
Final Gravity Brewery & Distillery - Located in Decatur, Michigan, I just completed a show here opening their summer Suds & Sounds patio music program. Right in the heart of Decatur, MI, their craft beer is great. The food is over the top and the musician list for this year is looking like it’ll be a rocking year in Decatur.
But now I have a few weeks off until the next show. Going camping, which in musician terms, means a great time to learn new songs or try new arrangements. I’m sure it’ll be a mix of both. Might be a few “adult beverages” thrown in as well.
Hope to see you soon at a show! Till then – Be well!
Tom