Major Annual Outdoor Music Festival

[AffinityEntertainmen]

Hey everyone,

I posted this last night, and when I woke up, I couldn't find it. I checked my Private Messages and my e-mail, and I didn't receive anything from an Administrator or a Moderator as to why, so I am left to assume that it was an error.

I am hoping to get some advice from experienced people such as
yourselves.

In the Summer of 2007, two friends and I began a concert promotions
company.

Specifically, what we do is quite simple.

a) Reach Out or Get Contacted By a Touring Band and/or their Booking
Agent in regards to playing in our area. We reach an agreement with them
for a specific date and location.
b) Find a music venue that we are able to rent out for the evening.
c) Find/Confirm Local Acts to add to the lineup. These bands receive
the opportunity to play with a nationally known band, in return for
constant promotion and selling pre-sales.
d) The day of the show is quite simple. We just make sure things run
on schedule, the bands are happy, and the crowd is happy. These venues
we use include a sound/light guy.

While we have done many many many "small" shows at rental halls,
small venues, bars, and similar locations, the market, in a way, seems
saturated. These shows are common here, as I sure they are everywhere
else. Something that doesn't happen too often, are big outdoor music
festivals. The big one that happens each year is Vans Warped Tour, which
tours the United States and Canada. Okay, that is great...but as a
Michigan show-goer myself, we don't feel connected to Vans Warped Tour.
We're just another stop on their tour. The feeling of Michigans Music
Scene being risen doesn't exist. The "homey" feel doesn't exist. It's
just...a big festival.

We are looking to do a big annual outdoor festival. One Date. One
Location.

From being a promoter, and going to many festivals such as this, I
know the things that are needed, such as a location, insurance, permits,
security, staging, bands, parking, box office/gate staff, etc. I've been
thinking about doing this for awhile, and if exact figures are
requested, I can definitely type them out and submit them.

Why do I want to do this? Yes, generic shows do well. I can't
dispute that. We break even or profit everytime. However, it's nothing
special. I want to do something special. When this event gains
popularity, and happens on an annual basis, it will be something people
go to each year, and anticipate each year, and it'll do nothing but
grow.

PLEASE give me your thoughts. I would LOVE to hear them. Once again, I have the knowledge, but lack the funds.

Eric Gibbs
Affinity Entertainment
facebook.com/affinityent

[soccerprodigy777]

Hey Eric,

I have intentions of doing something very similar down here in Houston, so I know how you feel about the funding. Have you reached out to local businesses in and around the area that you want to hold the festival for sponsorship opportunities? I dont know how many stages you want, let alone the number of attendees youre expecting, but for stage sponsorships alone, i've seen upwards of $15K-20K paid, not to mention different branding opportunities...Advance ticket sales can be a good funding source as well (as long as you have good bands playing).

(side note) Beyond that, the acts you book are the usually the biggest expense...what kind of bands and what kind of terms do you usually negotiate with them? I know sometimes booking agents ask for up to 50% upfront and the rest when they get off the bus the day of the event... but that may decrease your immediate funding needs...

[AffinityEntertainmen]

Hey again,

My intention is to host it at either a County Fairground or a local Racing Speedway.


The Race Track I am thinking of is even better, and I've planned it out. Ample parking. Entrance with two ticket booths. Fenced in Pit Area usually used for trucks/trailers can be used for Band Parking with it's own track entrance). Restrooms. Concessions. Out in the country so no noise complaints.

What type of companies do you go to for such large amounts? I've thought of ideas such as Main Headlining (COMPANY presents...) or (Brought to you by COMPANY). I've thought about custom scrips on the main stage (top and/or side banners).

I know what I need but I just can't move forward with any of it until I get funding, and it seems hard to get funding when all you have is an idea in your head.

a) Facility Rental
b) Staging (StageLine SL 250 for example)
c) Security
d) Liability Insurance
e) Bands (which you're right, is the biggest expense. and correct, most do want a 50% Guarantee)
f) Clean Up crew, if it's more than just us. I'm sure we can offer free admission to volunteers willing to help.

Definitely need funding assistance though, at least as capital until the day of show.