Promoting a Show

1. Playing a show isn't as simple as showing up and plugging in. You should promote your shows, at Sonnet’s – for that matter, any time you play. We'll do our part, but ultimately you're responsible for bringing patrons to your show.

2. Make posters, flyers and/or handbills at least a month before the show. Bring some to the Sonnet’s: Put them on our bulletin board. Then flyer everywhere else in town: grocery stores, music stores, pizza shops, etc.

3. Word of mouth is the best promotion there is. Tell everyone you know to come see you play. Make sure your show is listed on your website and link to our website while you're at it. (You don't have a website? You should get one. We can help you with that too!)

4. Contact the local press! Email your promotional materials to us.

5. We list shows on our website on the Live Music page, on myspace.com/sonnetscoffee, and on www.acousticohio.com. We send event schedules to our own mailing list and to the media. And we print a monthly calendar which is available for taking/distributing at Sonnet’s. Email other promotional questions to booking@sonnetscoffee.com.

HOW MUCH DOES THE BAND GET? You must provide your own sound equipment. We prefer shows to be $4 to $5 unless you're a proven draw – then you can charge your fans whatever you want. The first $1 is retained by Sonnet’s to go toward our BMI / ASCAP licensing fees. You get 75% of the balance of all paid cover charges. Ie: $1.00 fees - $2.25 Entertainer - $.75 Retained by Sonnets.

WHAT TIME IS THE SHOW? Shows start at 7:30 pm and last 2 hours unless noted.

BYOB – Bring Your Own Bottle

CAN WE BRING A KEG OF BEER? No. You CAN bring in six-packs or bottles of wine. Paid bands that are performing are NOT exempt from our corking fee. But this is something you might want to let your friends know about: We charge a flat $4 corking fee per person for BYOB. (This is on top of the $4 to $5 show fee.) We do require ID and follow all the same rules as any other establishment serving alcohol. We reserve the right to deny service to anyone for any reason. Aside from our small percentage of the door, it's Sonnet’s only source of income at a show – if you're drinking your own beer, you probably are not drinking coffee, tea or pop, so be cool and support the cause!

WHAT CAN I DO TO GET A RECURRING GIG AT THE SONNET’S? Get people out to your shows. Bring in as many people as you can! Presale tickets are encouraged. Live music is a money-losing venture without liquor sales. Keep that in mind and promote yourselves, as any self-respecting band should.

CAN WE HAVE DINNER? Yes, scheduled entertainers may order one entrée from the regular menu at no charge. Depending on how busy we are, it may take some time to fit you in. Coffee, tea, and soda are free. All other beverages and pastries are regular price. $4 BYOB also applies to performers.