How to Organize a Charity Event
With the holidays around the corner a lot of musicians are gearing up to give back. Here are some tips for organizing a successful charity event. Make your efforts count more with a little pre-planning.
- Start early. 4-6 weeks is a good rule of thumb, however when approaching the media for covering your event keep in mind more advanced notice may be needed.
- Get together with 3-5 other musicians and propose the idea of an “independent artists for (insert charity here)” concert event. Possibly rope in a couple of comedians and designate an MC.
- Find a venue and discuss the idea with the promotions people, see what kind of break they will give you on the rental. They may even let you have the venue for nothing.
- Make sure all performing artists are advertised in local newspapers, internet sites etc. Flyer coffee houses and so on.
- Approach music trade magazines and local newspapers and get them to talk up the event. (They will be far more responsive to writing about a charity like this than talking up your unknown band).
- Get t-shirts made up with all artists names printed on them and sell them at the show. If you can afford to – give them away.
- Give away your sample CD’s.
- Host a silent auction before the show. Get people to donate to the cause.
- Try to do a local radio interview announcing the event. Involve the radio station if possible.
- Be as creative as you can about getting the word out about your event.
- Collect names for your mailing list.
Re-posted from MusicBizAcademy.com.
