If you are someone who performs traditional folk music, we'd be interested in hearing from you. It's always best to phone or e-mail us before sending your promotional materials. We will respond to all queries and listen to all submissions. If, in the future, we become inundated and can't do so, we'll post this on the website.
Here are a few guidelines:
We're interested in traditional folk music. We have nothing against rock, pop, singer-songwriters, etc. but this particular venue is traditional. That's because we feel there are so few venues for traditional folk music - we'd like to keep ours dedicated. That said, we welcome all styles of traditional folk music. Are you a calypsonian from Trinidad, a fado singer from Portugual, or an old time banjo picker from right here in Virginia? Send us your info! If you perform traditional folk music but also write some of your own songs or do a few covers, that's okay; but your traditional material is more important to us.
We want performers who will educate people as well as entertain them. Tell us about the songs or tunes. Why did you choose them? What do you know about the origins? Don't turn the concert into a dry lecture, but do give a bit of background.
Ideally we want to book a mix of established performers and lesser known but talented folks. You don't have to be famous (one of our aims is to nurture and encourage new or undiscovered talent), but we prefer that you have some performing experience under your belt and we'd like some indication that you'll perform well. This could include a press kit, a list of venues that have booked you, etc. It would be nice if we had the opportunity to see you in person, so if you're not too far from Richmond, let us know and one of us will try to catch your performance. We'll definitely need to hear you (sound clips on your website are fine) and the simpler the better. We actually prefer a home recording, or a recording of a live performance, as opposed to a studio production. Don't worry, we won't be put off by the lack of bells and whistles.
We have a Fender Passport Model 250 PA and several good mics which you can use.
The usual format is two 45 minute sets, beginning promptly at 8:00 pm and finishing by 10:00 at the latest. We would ask that you be at the venue between 6:00 and 6:30 for a sound check.
Richmond Folk Music is strictly a non-profit venture. Not only have we (the organizers) not made (nor do we expect to make) any money, we have subsidized the entire project using our own funds. Nevertheless, we believe in paying performers fairly and will work out a reasonable guarantee or percentage of the door (we must keep some to cover the expenses of putting on the concert). We'll provide you with a table to sell your CD's, T-shirts, etc. and we don't take any percentage of the sales. If you're from out of town, we'll help with lodgings and meals.
For more information, please contact us. If you have a website, send us your link and we'll take a look. If it tells us what we need to know, it might save you a press kit!