Musical Groups

As a club owner, finding musical groups is one of the most important parts of my job. From amateur groups to serious professional acts, the right band will really make a difference in the business I do. Finding musical acts who are going to put on a good show, however, is only half the issue. The other issue is whether or not they're going to bring in a crowd. A great undiscovered musical talent might be pretty entertaining and interesting to see in a bar, but if they don't have the following, they are no use to me. I need musical groups that can bring people and keep them drinking all night.

That doesn't mean that I don't give other sorts of musical groups a chance. Sometimes, it's nice to have an amateur band with raw, unvarnished energy come in and put on a wild rocking show. It's just that these bands can not be counted on to make you money. Usually, I'll just give them a couple drinks and maybe 10 bucks each if it's a good night. Enough to cover gas money, but not cut of the door. After all, if they're not making me any money, I can't really afford to pay them.

Most of the amateur musical groups get this, but a few of them don't. I've definitely had my share of arguments with musical bands who are expecting me to be blown away by their performance and offer them loads of money. I don't know what they think I am. I think in some of these guys heads, club owners are supposed to be waiting there just to see them play. I think they believe honestly that, if they play in the right club, they are going to be made millionaires overnight – or at least get enough money to pay rent. I can't do that for a small, amateur musical group. I'm just trying to make do myself.

Still, sometimes it's good to take a risk. I've definitely paid good money to bring in musical groups from out of town, sometimes with disappointing results. Other times, you find a small band with incredibly loyal followers who will go with them anywhere. You bring in one band from Georgia and they bring a hundred fans, driving across multiple states to come see them play. It's really hard to tell how it's going to go until it does. Basically, as a club owner I just have to trust my own judgment.