Tips for local bands on how to book a show at The Crow’s Nest
Sun in your face, salt water in your hair, hundreds of summer lovin’ people ready to shake what their mamas gave them and become your next biggest fan. This isn’t a dream, just a typical Crow’s Nest beach party. Limited to a select few bands every Thursday night during the summer months, the beach party is a coveted gig that has helped transform many a casual listener into a follow-you-anywhere-fan. Like all good things, this gig comes to those who wait.
Opening its doors in 1969, the Crow’s Nest has been supporting local music for more than 40 years—so don’t expect to just walk in and headline the big show. What you can do is walk in and hand the hostess your band bio, photo and CD. Crow’s Nest booker Blaine Neagley doesn’t really want to check out your MySpace, and like the rest of us, gets too many e-mails. Instead, he prefers to pop in your CD and see if the music moves him. If the CD makes a good impression, you could be well on your way to hitting the beach.
The Crow’s Nest features live music Wednesday through Saturday (Sunday is always reserved for comedy). Considering its longstanding history, and dual restaurant purpose, bands that play the Crow’s Nest do have some unique limitations. While the usual weekend faire consists of a steady diet of rock ‘n’ roll, oldies and reggae, Neagley is open to some edgier bands on the weeknights.
If you think you can bring out the crowd on a weeknight, Thursday would be your “test draw.” Bring in 80 to a hundred people and you’ll make a great impression—not to mention a few bucks. Unlike most venues, the Crow’s Nest gives bands 100 percent of the door cover charge, up to $300 on weeknights ($5 cover). A few good weeknight shows and you’ll be moved on up to a weekend slot where your following will be mixed with a nice built in crowd. Keep the momentum and you could just work your toes into the sand.
For more details on how to book a show at The Crow’s Nest, go to http://santacruzrehearsalstudios.wordpress.com/category/how-to/
