Preparing to Perform at Festivals, Venues, and Community Music Series: What Artists Need to Have in Place
- Patrick Amunson
- Dec 2
- 3 min read
For many emerging and independent artists, performing at concerts, festivals, and community music series can be a pivotal part of career growth. These opportunities—whether it’s something like the FORWARD and Riverside Music Series or any similar regional showcase—offer far more than stage time. They provide exposure, networking, and a chance to develop your live-performance identity in front of real audiences.
But before you submit an application anywhere, you need to ensure you’re fully prepared. Most selection committees, event organizers, and booking teams look for the same core indicators of professionalism and readiness. Understanding these expectations puts you in a much stronger position no matter where you’re applying.
Below are the essentials every artist should have in place before pursuing live performance opportunities.
A Complete, Confident Setlist
Any serious venue or event will expect you to comfortably fill a 30–45 minute slot without stretching material or repeating songs. This means:
A rehearsed set with enough songs to perform confidently
Smooth transitions between songs
A performance arc that keeps an audience engaged
Even small showcases or openers typically require you to demonstrate that you can carry a full-length performance.
Your Own Backline and Gear
In most local and regional events, backline is not provided. Artists are expected to bring the gear required to execute their show properly, including:
Instruments
Amplifiers
Pedals and accessories
Drums and hardware
Any unique performance elements you need
Showing up self-sufficient signals professionalism and minimizes stress for the stage crew.
A Clear Band Structure and Musical Identity
Organizers want to know who you are as an act. This includes:
Your lineup (names and roles)
Your genre and stylistic lane
What makes your music distinct
Whether you’re a solo performer, duo, or full band, clarity helps booking teams understand how you fit into a lineup and what audience you appeal to.
Strong Regional or Community Ties (When Applicable)
Many community-driven series prioritize artists connected to their region—even if loosely. These ties can include:
Birth or upbringing
Schooling
Long-term residence
Meaningful involvement in the local music scene
Even if the requirement is soft, telling the story of your local connection often strengthens your application.
An Emphasis on Original Music
While covers have their place, most curated stages want to highlight artists with original voices. Featuring mostly original material:
Demonstrates artistic identity
Helps event organizers differentiate acts
Aligns with the larger purpose of many community music series
Make sure your originals are central to how you present yourself.
Commitment to Inclusion and Representation
Many organizations prioritize showcasing a diverse lineup that reflects the community. Artists are encouraged to be transparent about their backgrounds so organizers can build inclusive, balanced events.
You don’t need to over-explain—just present your band authentically.
Professional Materials That Show You’re Ready
Your application or inquiry should give organizers confidence that you can deliver. Helpful materials include:
Live performance videos
High-quality audio recordings
Artist bio or one-sheet
Links to active social platforms
Press photos
A brief description of your live show
These are standard expectations across the industry, whether you’re applying to a festival, a city-funded series, or an independent venue.
Need assistance to know where to even begin? Book an audit today.
Demonstrate You Can Handle the Logistics
Every event team wants to know you can show up prepared. Make it easy for them by clearly communicating:
You can bring your own backline
You can meet technical requirements
Your band responds promptly to communication
Your schedule is flexible around the show date
It sounds simple, but reliability is often the deciding factor when choosing between otherwise similar acts.
Why This Preparation Matters
Getting your materials in order does more than check boxes—it positions you as a serious artist. Opportunities like regional music series, festival openers, and curated showcases can:
Expand your fanbase
Connect you to other musicians and industry contacts
Build your resume for larger bookings
Give you experience performing in a professional environment
The artists who succeed at these events aren’t just talented—they’re prepared.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to step onto bigger stages, the best thing you can do is get your foundation in place: a polished setlist, solid original material, clear identity, self-contained gear, and professional supporting materials. With these elements ready, you’ll be equipped to apply confidently to any performance opportunity—from local music series to full-scale festivals.
Invest the time now, because when the right opportunity opens up, you want to be ready to hit “submit” without hesitation.
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