Band Work

So now that you have a band, where are you going to “play out?” Well, some of the same venues we mentioned earlier (for solo work) are also suitable for bands. If you play original rock, you need to hit the clubs that cater to that world (in Los Angeles, that would be the rock clubs along the Sunset Strip, such as the Whisky and the Roxy). If you play rock/pop/R&B covers, this opens up a wider range of possibilities to play at clubs, bars, and restaurants, particularly on the weekends. “Acoustic” straight-ahead jazz normally finds a home in coffee houses, bookstores, hotels, and jazz clubs/restaurants. Some jazz clubs are what I call “listening” rooms, where the crowd is there specifically to see and hear the artists, and in other jazz clubs, the musicians are there more as sophisticated “background music” for the customers in the restaurant. “Electric” (contemporary fusion) jazz is performed in the clubs specifically catering to this style, and these are normally “listening” rooms where people come and pay attention! My contemporary jazz band (Mark Harrison Quintet) plays at the Baked Potato and La Ve Lee, two of the best-known electric jazz clubs in the Los Angeles area. These venues regularly attract foreign tourists and out-of-town visitors.

Tribute bands can also find work at rock clubs, which will sometimes have a “tribute band night” (often on a weekend) featuring several bands on one bill. Outdoor events such as festivals, seasonal concerts, and arts & crafts shows are also options for cover bands, tribute bands, and jazz bands. These events are often coordinated by “city offices” or corporate sponsors. Do a Google search on “outdoor concerts” and “festivals” in your area, and see what you come up with!

If your band wants to earn some more serious cash by playing at private parties, weddings, and functions/casuals, then you need to raise the bar in terms of your repertoire, stylistic versatility, and appearance. You’ll need to learn a range of pop standards from the 1950s to the present day, as well as some jazz and “classic” vocal standards. At least two (and preferably three or more) of your band members need to be singers, and if you have more than one lead singer (i.e., one male and one female), that is an advantage. You may also need to learn some songs for a particular gig, for example, the bride and groom may request you to play some specific songs for a wedding. You also need to have good “showmanship” and communication with your clients, and be dressed appropriately (normally tuxedos for the guys, and evening dress for the ladies). A lot of this higher-end work is done through agencies or referrals, although I know some musicians (including the sax player in my jazz quintet) who have set up their own agencies and websites specifically for this purpose, putting together bands as needed for their clients. If you’re prepared to do all the work, and compete hard for the gigs, the rewards can be substantial!