Thread: Non-mainstream performance venues?

okay - I joined our Chamber once and it was a waste of money for me. It cost about the same, and they did NOTHING for me. NOTHING. Oh well, they published my name in the list of "new members" and that was IT. Then they kept coming back to ME wanting me to donate time and money. (!)

Our arts organization publishes a directory of performing artists. FREE listings for members. Free ads in the community arts newsletter. It costs $30 a year to be an artist member.

Serving as a board member for organizations lets me run free ads in their programs, newsletters and stuff. And I get to help recommend new classes (like bellydance!) lol.

Re: Indian restaurants. One of the best in town is opening in a new gorgeous building. It's going from hole-in-the-wall-at-a-sketch-stripmall to a large stand alone building with a beautiful Indian-inspired facade.

I think I am going to approach them--I'm waiting for them to open, but I would like to dance at their grand re-opening. Thanks for the tips!

Originally Posted by aziyade

okay - I joined our Chamber once and it was a waste of money for me. It cost about the same, and they did NOTHING for me. NOTHING. Oh well, they published my name in the list of "new members" and that was IT. Then they kept coming back to ME wanting me to donate time and money. (!)

Our arts organization publishes a directory of performing artists. FREE listings for members. Free ads in the community arts newsletter. It costs $30 a year to be an artist member.

Serving as a board member for organizations lets me run free ads in their programs, newsletters and stuff. And I get to help recommend new classes (like bellydance!) lol.

One of the keys is that becoming a member is just the beginning. You really have to continue to get your name out there through the organization. This includes things such as contacting other organizations which are part of the chamber. It's called working it.

{{{HUGS}}}

Sometimes you can go to a Chamber event to do some mingling/networking before signing up.

Originally Posted by aziyade

I ended up talking to the band's director and he thought it would be a fun idea, but they needed sheet music. I never really followed through on that because at the time I didn't know where to get sheet music for Arabic music, but I may pursue that again this year.

..g.:..g.:There are reviews of 5 sheet music books on my web site at Reviews of Books That Are Related to Middle Eastern Music

I didn't join the Chamber but I did join my local business association and I haven't regretted it. One of the other members who owns a lovely tea house invited me to do a salon and it went wonderfully...she didn't pay me to be there (I performed and talked about the history and myths of belly dance), but I did pick up 4 new students. She's already talked to me about doing it again and I definitely will be.

I've gotten mostly new students from belonging to OMBA, but I'm starting to have gigs come my way. Even have a member insurance agent who is going to talk to one of his restaurants about hiring me on a regular basis. (He's very friendly with the owner, who is already somewhat familiar with me). I also have the opportunity to have a booth, perform, etc at every event (our group is very active). I have access to co-op advertising that I wouldn't be able to afford otherwise. The other members think that I'm "just awesome" (LOL that's a quote!) and tend to talk about me to lots of people as a result. I've probably gotten a gig or two off of it that I'm not aware of as a result. Its also nice to have other small business owners to talk to...and to have some political clout in our small town. Our active little group can make some things happen!

I think that it depends on the group. I'm more of a fan of Business Associations rather than the Chamber because Assns seem to be more active...and activity is where I'm going to get my benefit. Its like a club where everyone takes care of each other...a weird extended family. And I pay around $150 a year to belong and mostly get asked to chair committees or otherwise commit time and skills rather than contribute $$$.