We have been pretty active playing out.
Here is my experiences booking shows in Chicago (miles may vary, etc, etc)
The Hideout is really odd now, we have played there twice in the last year or so. First show was totally smooth, second show (done through a different booking person) very rocky. That said, we were paid well both times and treated great when we got there.
The Empty Bottle has different folks booking, while I have not been able to book a show there, it has been us not being available on the dates they had open for us. They seem to like it if you pitch a bill or half a bill to them. Took them a bit to respond.
SubT (upstairs and down)/Beat Kitchen: have been great to us, I think one of the talent buyers digs us. They have been great about putting us on a bill vs. us having to create a bill and pitch it. We have gone through the folks at Kickstand productions.
The Burlington/MPshows: Brian is great, always communicates with us. If something makes sense to him he will book the show. Pretty reliable in getting a week day show with some lead time. I also think The Burlington sounds pretty good. He seems to like you having a bill if you want Fri or Sat.
Cobra Lounge: We played once, we were added by an outside promoter. Seth who does the booking, responded pretty quick when we needed a show after that. The date was full, but at least he talked to us. They did a great job promoting the show, the room was pretty full on a Thursday with two locals and a touring band from Louisville with no real names on the bill.
Bottom Lounge: I'll let you know, we are playing there for the first time next month. They let me put together the show, and were pretty friendly about how they dont expect us to fill the place (main room) and just want to get some fresh blood in the room. Kind enough to give us a Friday date for a first swing.
The Sleeping Village Responded nicely to our demo, but the dates we wanted were full. Said to check back at the end of Summer. I have not got a response to the follow up email.
Gman Tavern Talent Buyer seemed to really dig our demo "I really like this", but has turned us down every time we have asked for a show with a "polite no" and I just reached out again because some friends just played there, and now I'm not getting any sort of response. Same dude, weird.
Cole's Bar I used to live a block away from here. They have never responded to any email I have sent.
Cafe Mustache We got added to a gig by another local band for a gig in two weeks. Never played there before, but so far so smooth.
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