This book is written from the perspective
of folk performers who have been put repeatedly into the position
of the dual roles of "providers of entertainment," and
"concert production consultants." From my own experiences
the scenario goes like this: An organization calls me on the phone
and asks if I would be available for a performance. After settling
on the date and price I'm asked questions such as: Where should
we advertise the event; How much should we charge for tickets?;
What kind of sound system should we provide? Sometimes I'll receive
several calls before the actual concert date, with various requests
for advice.
I've always felt a bit uncomfortable in this capacity. What if
I recommend a ticket price that is too high, and no one comes?
What if the sound system sounds awful? Performer Holly Near addresses
these issues in the book's introduction: "......the book
I've been waiting for! I want it to be mandatory reading for all
of the producers I work with so I'll know we are meeting on common
ground." From this point the 274 page book proceeds with
detailed information about all aspects of concert production including
event organization, halls, tickets, promotion, publicity, sound,
lighting, childcare, and fundraising.
Several different contributors have combined their expertise in
creating each chapter and the resulting information covers so
much ground that the book would be useful to both beginning and
experienced concert producers alike. Half of the book is devoted
to sample forms, charts, contracts, and worksheets which will
prove invaluable for organizational and record keeping purposes.
Although this book is targeted for concert producers I would also
recommend it for performers so that they will better understand
the various tasks of concert production. Everyone wins when performers
and producers understand each other's jobs and can work together
efficiently.