April 16th, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
Claudia Cassidy Theater
Chicago Cultural Center
77 E. Randolph Street

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Once you book the gigs – how do you handle all the planning, logistics, and business of playing out of town? How to arrange a tour – yourself or have someone else do it for you. Getting your music and band ready for a gig or a tour date. What to bring on tour. How to pack your equipment for a tour. What equipment do you have to bring on tour? How to "advance" your out of town gig. What should you do when you arrive at the location of your out of town gig? What should you do between arrival, set up, sound check and show time? Why should you and how do you coordinate with other acts also on your tour or play at your same gig. The dos and don'ts of club/crew/staff/merchandise relationships at out of town shows and venues.

March 19th, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
Claudia Cassidy Theater
Chicago Cultural Center
77 E. Randolph Street

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So you want to make a record? This panel will focus on what you need to know and the practical nuts-and-bolts of how to get the actual product made. Learn what are the essential pre-production steps, tips on production and recording, options for how and where to get discs made, tips on how to and when to design and produce the CD artwork, advice on what should be in your insert or booklet, choosing the packaging and jewel boxes, and the basics on designing and producing related merchandise such as posters and t-shirts.

Feb 26th, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
Claudia Cassidy Theater
Chicago Cultural Center
77 E. Randolph Street

» Download mp3 Audio

» Download mp3 Audio

For the musicians and bands just starting, to those making a living from music, learn the best way to set up your music business, and how avoid common money-related problems. Panelists will cover accounting and record-keeping, to how to handle the flow of money coming in and going out for expenses, the best way to pay your band, what are the best form of money to use, dealing with taxes, avoiding penalties, and handling royalties.

Documents for download:
BCA210.pdf - FormPAI.pdf - FormSRI.pdf

November 20th, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.
Claudia Cassidy Theater
Chicago Cultural Center
77 E. Randolph Street

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» Download mp3 Audio (part II)

The second part of a two-part series, this session is focused on getting noticed by the music industry. Panelists will discuss the elements of a press kit and the difference between what is expected for each channel of media (print/broadcast/radio/internet). Panelists will discuss the elements of a promotional package and the difference between what is expected when you market to different segments of the music and entertainment industry - such as to booking agents, venues, record labels, publishing companies, and marketing your music for commercial licensing, television and film production companies. Panelists will also advise on the best way to use electronic media for music industry promotional purposes and building your level of exposure.

October 30, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.
Yates Hall
Chicago Cultural Center
77 E. Randolph Street

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» Download mp3 Audio (part II)

Build relationships with your audience to create fans, and do the marketing yourself. Panelists will advise on the growing array of direct marketing tools artists may find effective to gain fans and attract new audiences.

Panelists will discuss their experiences making the best use of internet sites like MySpace, Email newsletters, Music Downloads/Podcasting, self-distribution and sales of music as well as managing your website as the hub for all of these activities. In addition, the panel will discuss how to integrate the new methods with traditional marketing such merchandise, street teams, flyers, posters, cds, performing live, attracting media coverage and commercial music distribution.

September 11th, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.
Claudia Cassidy Theater
Chicago Cultural Center
77 E. Randolph Street

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All around town there are festivals, private parties, book stores, record stores, cafés, restaurants, special events, and street fairs that hire musicians and bands to perform.

Learn from the experts how to find out about opportunities to play in all kinds of spaces and places that are not the traditional club or venue, including the opportunities with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Mayor's Office of Special Events.
Experts will also advise on how and when to submit your materials, where to look for listings and calls, the proper protocol for different places, expectations in terms of pay or contracts, equipment, staff support, sound quality, and audiences.