Bar Gig - Best Approach

What is the best way to approach a bar regarding late night DJ entertainment? I would like to find a night gig one or two nights a week. I can send out postcards or visit the bar in person. What has worked for you?

Shoot the resident DJ and slip your card in his pocket.

:)

(Sorry, can't help you any further than that as I don't do bars.)

Visit the bar in person, speak to the manager. Just don't do it when everyone is dancing to the jukebox ;)

Have a demo cd with you to give to the manager/owner.

My experience is that it is really hard to get into a club that has a dj or dj's that the club is happy with. You have to convience them why you would be a better choice for them.

I used to send out resumes to all the clubs in the area and hope that maybe at that time a club was in the market for a new dj and would give a call to interview you.

Also be prepared for them to ask you to audition for them, even if you give them a demo. They want to make sure you know how to spin and you didn't have someone else make the demo.

What are you going to do that will get folks to stop at that bar on a Wednesday night?

What are you going to do that will have them folks buying drinks?

This is what goes through a bar owners mind.
Paul

Sneaky little trick-- I wasn't always so morally sound, and a DJ buddy of mine taught me this...


Use your business cards, and leave lying around bars. Not just a nice stack on the bar, but crumpled up with guys & gals facetious phone numbers and names, maybe some little "thanks for a great time - call me" notes.

Not only will the bar staff and managers see them, but so will the clientèle. Do this in every bar and convenience store in town, and barber/beauty shops.

You will soon find yourself working every night, if you so desire.

You just made yourself into an overnight sensation. Marketing is a wonderful thing :sqwink:

freakin' genius....

Many of the bar managers I've worked for were not oriented to spend much time with resumes unsolicited letters, post cards or promotional materials. The face-to-face thing is your best bet. I would call ahead to be sure the manager would be there and I tried to be there when nobody else was there, just before noon if their hours allowed that, so I got as close to undivided attention as possible.

It did not work every time but often enough so I was working 6 nights a week when I wanted to.

Many of the bar managers I've worked for were not oriented to spend much time with resumes unsolicited letters, post cards or promotional materials. The face-to-face thing is your best bet. I would call ahead to be sure the manager would be there and I tried to be there when nobody else was there, just before noon if their hours allowed that, so I got as close to undivided attention as possible.

It did not work every time but often enough so I was working 6 nights a week when I wanted to.

Sometimes after dinner rush too....
10 or 2 is great timing. And just as bill said, get an appt. and make your presentation brief.

I agree face to face is the only way even then djs have such a bad reputation of ruing house equipment, no/late show or just plain sucking. If you have your heart set on a particular place offer the owner a "Free night" to show them what you can do. But this is not a sure bet either.

What are you offering? spinning, Karaoke, something else?

Paul

What are you offering? spinning, Karaoke, something else?Paul

Spinning - Use to work at Bobby McGee's and Black Angus many years ago and all ways had a good time.

Spinning - Use to work at Bobby McGee's and Black Angus many years ago and all ways had a good time.

The best advice I can give, having not worked in a Bar/Restaurant, but having Insured some of the largest Restaurant's in our area; the key as several have said is :

1. A Face to Face.(meeting)

2. Contact in "Off Hours" (usually best before or after lunch crowd).

3. Have a plan to attract Business.....Why does he want to pay you money to play music, what will you bring to him. Such things as Demograhics of the age group, occupation types, locations etc...nuts and bolts as to "who, what, where & why"

Make any sense..??

A cheap price will give 99% of bar owners whiplash.....................

That usually helps get a foot in the door

Are you planning on approaching an establishment that does not have a dj at the moment? Or are you trying to get into a club that has a dj?

Are you planning on approaching an establishment that does not have a dj at the moment?

Sue,

Yes, I'm looking for a bar that has no entertainment.

You're going to have to convience them that you will bring in more business for them and have a strong business plan that will prove to them that by having you there it would increase business and $$.

All bar owners are concerned with $$

As was mentioned previous, I would offer a free night or one that is deeply discounted. I would then have some flyers made up and saturate the area with them - bulletin boards in markets, stores, laundry mats, schools, convenient stores, post office. Some newspapers offer free listings of upcoming events in the area. If you draw a big crowd and the owner makes some decent money, he will likely keep you around.

I need to find out one question before I begin my quest. Is a dance permit required for a bar? I wonder which dept of the state could answer the question.

It is the responsibility of the club to get the dance permit.

Ruben the times I had at Bobby McGees when on leave during the 80's. A very cute hairdresser who wore Red shoes and you guys were playing Lets Dance the memories were made from there. Oh and the awesome genius format Angus used during those times were time tested and true. Lots of memories of thos Sactown Carmichael and Citrus Heights visits from 1975 to 1989 were some of my favorite.

Back when I did bars, we would offer bars a discount for 4 weeks to show them how we can increase business.(usually came out to the same as 1 free show)
The other thing i focused on is letting them know I am there to sell drinks.

Back when I did bars, we would offer bars a discount for 4 weeks to show them how we can increase business.(usually came out to the same as 1 free show)
The other thing i focused on is letting them know I am there to sell drinks.

Exactly........If you put yourself in his (Owners) position why would you want to hire a DJ.........As Scott said "to sell drinks".........You get the ladies there the Men will follow................A good way is to be at the bar during the hours you want to work it, and show him how you can sell drinks............. with Music.....by offering to discount your rates,and anything else you observed as to the demographics of the crowd..............