1. Know Who Your Customers Are

Before you even look at bands, ask yourself: who are your regulars? Are they in their 20s or 40s? Do they like rock, acoustic sets, or dance music? Are they locals or tourists? Do they come early or late?

You want to book acts that match what your crowd actually wants to hear—not just what you like personally.

Here’s how to figure that out:

• Look at what music nights have done well in the past.
• Ask your staff what music the regulars talk about.
• Watch bar sales and vibe on different nights of the week.

When you book music your customers enjoy, they stay longer and spend more.

2. Set a Real Budget—and Plan to Make a Profit

Don’t guess what you can afford. Before you book anyone, figure out all the costs involved, not just the band’s fee.

Include things like:

• Artist payment
• Travel and hotel (if they’re from out of town)
• Food or drinks for the band
• Any promo costs (social ads, posters, etc.)

Then ask: how much money do I need to make from this show to come out ahead?

That could come from a mix of:

• Cover charges or ticket sales
• Extra food and drink sales

Make sure you’re booking shows that don’t just fill seats—they actually bring in money.

Quick tip: If a band will cost you $1,000 total, aim to generate at least 3x that in extra revenue from the night. That return makes the effort, planning, and risk of live music worthwhile.

3. Book Bands That Help You Succeed

There are plenty of talented bands—but not all of them are right for your bar. You want acts that are easy to work with, fit your space, and know how to help you bring in a crowd.

Here’s what to look for:

• They sound good live (not just in studio recordings).
• They promote themselves online and have a following.
• They show up on time and are easy to deal with.
• They’ve played at similar venues before and done well.

Watch a full live video, not just a short highlight. You want to see what they sound like in front of a real crowd—not in a polished promo video.

Bonus: Call another bar they’ve played at and ask how it went. That five-minute chat can save you a headache.

4. Put It All in Writing

Even if you’re booking a local band you know, always write down the agreement. It helps avoid confusion and makes sure everyone’s on the same page.

At minimum, include:

• Date and time of the show
• Set times and how long they’re playing
• Payment amount and how/when it’ll be paid
• What gear they’re bringing
• What food or drinks you’re providing
• What they’ll do to promote the show
• Any rules about noise, start times, etc.

You don’t need a lawyer—just a clear, one-page agreement.

Tip: Email is fine. Just get confirmation in writing so there’s no mix-up later.

5. Promote the Show Like It Matters

Don’t assume the band will bring a crowd on their own. Even great acts need help getting people in the door.

You should:

• Post on your bar’s social media 2–3 weeks before the show
• Put up posters in your bar and other local spots
• Get your staff to talk it up with customers
• Ask the band to share the event on their pages
• Use short video clips or photos to grab attention
• Boost the post with a small paid ad if you want more reach

Promotion doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be consistent.

Tip: The more people who see your event promo, the better your turnout will be. A single short video from the band can often get more attention than five plain text posts.

Final Word

Live music can boost your bar’s energy, reputation, and revenue—but only if it’s done right. When you book the right acts, manage your costs, and promote each show properly, live music becomes a reliable way to grow your business—keeping your regulars engaged and the atmosphere exciting!

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