There are many things that we, as promoters, can and should do to assure a concert will be a success rather than a disaster.
1. Do not book an artist just because you like them. Be sure that you book a group that is popular in your area. How do you determine the popularity of a group? A good way is to check with your local gospel radio stations and ask what they are playing and which groups are requested most. Remember to book with your head rather than your heart.
2. It is important that you do not overpay an artist. Again, remember, promoters set the fees. Artists have their asking price and also their taking price. We can and must negotiate a fee. We should negotiate in good faith.
3. We need to be careful in not overloading our programs. More is not always better. One thing I have learned is that fans do not appreciate listening to local groups opening the programs. While there are some good local groups, I have found that the people buying tickets want and deserve quality artists.
4. Advertising over the years has become more and more expensive. Nevertheless, we must use this tool along with radio and newspaper. Some use flyers and posters, that I have not found effective in my area. However expensive, I feel we should take advantage of the Internet. In fact, you should have the artist that you are using to post your event on their website as well as email their fans.
5. Give the pastors in your area free tickets and recognize them from the stage at your events. You will be surprised at the difference it makes with the pastors behind you. More than likely, they will encourage their members to attend.
6. When your event begins, you should keep it moving. Have an emcee that can adhere to your time schedule. An emcee should be knowledgeable about gospel music and the artists. It is not the emcee’s job to entertain but to introduce the artist in a professional manner.
7. Last, but certainly not least, you should provide a good venue in a safe area with sufficient parking. The building should have handicap accessibility.
I invite you to visit our website at http://www.sgpromoters.com. UNITED WE STAND!
God bless,
Jim Hefner
http://www.sgpromoters.com
Author: SGN
| Author's Website: http://sogospelnews.com/
Written: 04/01/2007
| 
Category: Southern Gospel Promoters Association
Comments: 2
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Jim, I am concerned (but not surprised) about your comment #3.
You did two things in this one paragraph; first, you told ALL locals, that, although they are or may be good singers and communicators of the gospel in song, they are not appreciated by the fans that buy tickets to your concerts; and second, that in your not-so-humble opinion, that a local is not a "quality artist"
Why then, do you, as President of the SGPA, even allow locals to be in your showcase each year? Why do you advertise in the SG periodicals about the showcase, and tell them that "all the promoters will be there and you will get a lot of publicity....."
Shame on you.
Exactly! This type of statement shows a little ignorance on his part. I understand that some local groups can't hack it and people plunk down 20 bucks to hear the booth brothers.....that is who they should hear. But his total slap on "locals" is stupid. Frankly The biggest promoter in this state uses us beacuse he knows I will sell several hundrerd tickets to EVERY concert we are on. He knows when he hands me those tickets he will only see cash....not tickets returned.
To say something like this shows several things...1. he must not know how to tell quality from garbage.
2. he doesn't realize that his best form of advertising would be to find 1-2 GOOD local artists and give them 10-15 minutes on his program. Why? Beacuse those local artist will be in 20 - 30 churches in the 3 months preceding his concert and they will talk it up, passs out flyers, ask the pastor to announce, give the pastor 2 tickets, sell tickets...ect. That will bring far more results than an ad in the local paper.
I am sure he has decent concerts and has a heart for concerts but I am suprised he has so little respect for other artists.
Again.....I know there are some "locals" that mess it up for some of us.....but there is a place for it.
I do agree a local artist should have a small amount of time unless the concert is billed as equal time with the national artist.
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