A while back I wrote a blog that was 25 commandments that every band should follow. So, I thought it only fair that there should be one that discusses some of the things that venues and promoters should follow. I would be lying if I didn't admit that I have not broken a few of these over the years. However, whenever it was within my control, I did my best to uphold them.

As a band building a professional relationship with venues, talent buyers, promoters and other bands is extremely important. The reality is that anyone who has been the industry for any period of time knows and comes in contact with a great number of people that will affect your future bookings and career. Now, you might think that burning a venue in some small city will not come back to haunt you but the reality is that often that venue, the promoter or the bands will have a relationship with others in the business in the regional area and in some cases nationwide.

It seems like it shouldn't be that import but when you consider most of the successful brands, often the name of the product is second to the shape of the logo itself. A prime example is the golden arches. You see those two yellowish gold interlocking arches and you know instantly what that means. With the internet and success of instragram and emogis, we are increasingly becoming more visually triggered by symbols than words.

The key to every successful event is promotions. It doesn't mater what acts are on the bill, if no one knows who is playing, there will be no one there. One of the most often ask questions I get as a talent buyer is, How do I promote my band and get a bigger draw? The answer is simple, work.

With any local music scene there needs to be space to suck. That space to develop, grow and learn how to promote either as a band or as musicians. That space has had many forms over the years. When I was younger it was small hall shows or house parties. From time to time DIY spaces but when I was first starting to play it was straight to the venue stage.

I've going to shows since the mid 80s and promoting/talent buying off and on since the 90s. There are periods that stand out. Where all the stars aligned and I either saw a great number of shows or booked a number of shows in a short period of time. November was one of the biggest. November 2016 will go down in the history of Des Moines Live music and Lefty's Live Music as a month of incredible music. Oh and this is just the highlights. When you see about 20 or so shows a month often it's hard to remember everyone that stood out. So, if you aren't mentioned here.