Alternative Venue Performance Opportunity: Six Flags' "Live & Local" Music Series

Playing at alternative venues is a tactic overlooked by many new artists, but when the right venues are selected (based on the psychographic profile of an artist’s target audience), its power cannot be overstated.

Sure, you may not make any money from ticket sales (depending on the type of performance and on the type of venue), but playing at alternative venues can put you smack dab in front of your target customers while they are out living their lives. This is important for all artists, regardless of their stature; there are many major artists who occasionally perform at alternative venues. However, it is an especially important means of promotion for new, unsigned artists since they don’t have the benefit of heavy airplay and other media exposure to get their messages out to people.

With this in mind, I want to share with you a great alternative venue performance opportunity that was brought to my attention when I saw a favourite up-and-coming band of mine, Shytown (www.myspace.com/shytownmusic , www.twitter.com/shytownmusic), take advantage of the opportunity itself: Six Flags’ “Live & Local” music series. (Check out the video of Shytown’s “Live & Local” performance on the band’s MySpace page to see the series in action.)

Most of the Six Flags parks in the U.S. participate in the series. In addition to providing artists with a platform to get their music heard by hundreds of people, Six Flags allows artists taking part in the series to sell merchandise at their performances and to retain 100% of the merch sales. For a more in-depth overview of “Live & Local”, here is an announcement from Six Flags Great America (the Chicago park) concerning the series:

This past season, Six Flags nationally launched the Live & Local music series. Live & Local gives musicians a chance to be heard by thousands of potential fans. Six Flags Great America is among the many parks to participate in this exciting series. Some of the bands that graced the stage included: Leo, Dramatic Visions, Comic Book Heroes, and many more.

Whether you are a single artist with a guitar, a new band just trying to get heard, or a cover band that likes to sing the great songs of our generation, Six Flags may have a spot for you.

Music of all genres is accepted. Six Flags will choose those artists which reflect diverse and family friendly material. The performance stage is located inside the park at the Mission Stage in the Southwest Territory, or the Beach Stage located in Hurricane Harbor.

Please note: Adult language is not permitted and will not be tolerated. Performance days are available in April, May, and all throughout the summer. Artists will play 5 half hour sets throughout the afternoon starting at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4:00, and 5:00. This is an unpaid performance, but 10 free tickets shall be issued upon completion of 5 sets. Merchandise sales are allowed, and artists shall retain 100% of their profits. Items must be family friendly, and in good taste. Six Flags retains the right to review and approve/disapprove of any merchandise.

Six Flags Great America will provide an adequate stage and power. Bands will provide all sound and needed backline equipment, and will also do all the setup and load-in themselves. Stage hands will not be provided. It’s suggested that you bring a push cart, as you cannot pull your car into the park or to the stage due to safety concerns. The band and one technician will be escorted into the park free of charge for their performance only. There is a discounted ticket available if the band or guests wish to enjoy the park before or after the show.

Many of the parks are still looking for artists to take part in the series over the summer. If you’re interested, look into your local park for more information.

And remember, when playing at an alternative venue, just like when playing at a traditional venue, you must maximize the opportunity! Putting yourself in front of people who end up liking what they hear is not going to do you much good if there’s no way for them to know who you are, to stay connected with you, and to buy your music/merch. Make sure your band name, site, and mailing list are all promoted during the performance. If the venue allows for it, make sure your music/merch is available for purchase on-site. If the venue doesn’t allow for on-site sales, make sure your audience knows where your music/merch is available. You may also want to have free download cards or sampler CDs to hand out to people. These, of course, are just a few of the many things you can do to maximize an alternative venue performance.