Help! Anyone got a sample gig contract they could share?

[adouglas]

My band, Cool Shoes, just got our first gig. It's for an outdoor festival next summer in Agawam, Massachusetts, put on by the town. Expected crowd is anywhere from 1200-3000 (ulp!). This is going to be the biggest thing I've ever been involved with. They're even providing FOH and lights.

The parks & recreation director is new at his job and knows he'll need a contract for accountability purposes, but doesn't know if he's supposed to prepare it or if the band is.

I have no experience along these lines. It's always been cash for me, when there's been any payment at all.

Anyone got a sample contract they'd be willing to share with me, or a source where I might find one?

Thanks!!!

 

[andynpeters]

If you were in the UK I'd suggest the Musicians' Union.....no doubt Google will show you the USA equivqlent.

 

[Sonnyonbass]

We do have our own contracts. But that's more for payment issues, parking, dressing rooms etc. and when bandmembers get run over by a truck or something on the way to the gig.

Over here it is normal that the organiser of the event/festival makes the contracts if he or she books a band.

Maybe do a google search on sample contracts or entertainment contracts.
Think you'll find something there.

 

[mrpackerguy]

Personally, I'd draft me own and propose it to the organiser.

 

[TheAntMan]

Personally, I'd draft me own and propose it to the organiser.

Genius!!!!

I second that one!!!

 

[tombboy]

The organiser should provide the contract. If you have any requests (keep them reasonable) then issue them with a rider.
Above all, enjoy the day, try and cope with any mishaps (there will be some), DON'T RUN OVER TIME - DESPITE BLOWING EVERYONE OFF STAGE... ie, if you're ten minutes late on a half hour set - play for twenty minutes.... more chance of being remembered and respected by the organisers and invited to more gigs), be gracious to all and don't get drunk until after you play.

 

[koogie2k]

Usually the promoter/organizer does a "contract". If you have requests...and remember...that is only a request...make that known in a rider.

Our "rider" is really simple.

1. 4 guest tickets
2. Band price on beer - no mixed drinks (and only band members get the band price....that is very important to make known!).
3. 4 pitchers of water for us on stage
4. Place to get ready (dressing room, kitchen or whatever)
5. If we get the door cover charge...we get to place someone at the door.
6. Special pricing on food for the band.
7. Set up area for merch.

Not all of these will be met of course. Most of the time though...we have no issues.

Like it was said earlier, respect the time you have to play and don't go over, go get drunk before the show, be professional.

All places are different. We are playing at a big venue soon and they have an established set of "Band Rules". We have to read and sign. Respect the rules of the house. It is not only professional....it will get you invited back to possibly bigger shows and a better time slot.

 

[mynan]

Don't forget to have them separate your m&ms...

 

[mrpackerguy]

I'd add some sort of cancellation provision for both parties' protection.

 

[MK Bass Weed]

Van Halen's Legendary M&M's Rider - December 11, 2008

The official Van Halen Brown M&Ms contract...

 

[Freddels]

My band, Cool Shoes, just got our first gig. It's for an outdoor festival next summer in Agawam, Massachusetts, put on by the town. Expected crowd is anywhere from 1200-3000 (ulp!). This is going to be the biggest thing I've ever been involved with. They're even providing FOH and lights.

Agawam, MA! You'll have to keep us updated. That's not too far from me. If I can make it, I'll try to attend.

 

[pbass2go]

Van Halen's Legendary M&M's Rider - December 11, 2008

The official Van Halen Brown M&Ms contract...

That is awsome...

It sure sucked to be VH back in the day, didn't it?

 

[DrGonzo5150]

We get Artist Worksheets/Booking Sheets, but it's nothing we actually sign. More a verbal agreement we print and present to the venue. Usually on a letter head and stuff but this is all we include:

ARTIST:TOY BOX

DATE OF PERFORMANCE:
FRIDAY 23RD JANUARY 2009
SATURDAY 24TH JANUARY 2009

PLAYING TIMES: 8.30pm – 12.00am

MONEY TO BAND: $2 300-00 + $230-00 (GST) = $2 530-00 (incl GST)

PICK UP OR ACCOUNT:
SLIM JIM ENTERPRISES WILL FORWARD
PAYMENT TO THE ACT ASAP.

VENUERIORY RESORT HOTEL

VENUE ADDRESS:11 ST DOMINICS ROAD, PORT DENISON

LOAD IN: PRIOR TO PERFORMANCE

OTHER DETAILS:

PA TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE ACT

MEALS & ACCOMMODATION x 6 WILL BE SUPPLIED BY THE VENUE ON THE NIGHT OF PERFORMANCE. VENUE CONTACT: XXXXXXX

THE FOLLOWING DRINK RIDER HAS BEEN REQUESTED:
1 x Bottle Scotch
1 x Bottle Bundaberg Rum
Soft Drinks and Beer

ARTISTS TO COMPLY WITH THE REASONABLE
REQUESTS OF THE MANAGEMENT.

 

[backagain1]

Back in the old days, when I was actively gigging, we used to have our own one- or two-page contract that we would try to get people to sign. It usually worked with individuals and small bar owners, but the larger establishments often had their own contract that they forced us to sign.

I don't have a copy anymore. Try Google to get the basic format and then modify it to meet your needs.

Best wishes,

backagain1