Hey guys, this might be a dumb question, but I don't know where to start. The Temple Bhajan Band has asked me to brainstorm and get ideas for new gigs. They said they would like to do festivals and raves. They did Lollapalooza once...

I was trying to remember some of the cool websites I've seen mentioned here and I can't remember any of them! Is there a good resource for me to find festivals and things in the making that we can get in on?

Thanks!

Around here (South Florida) planning for events and festivals take place up to 10 months in advance.

First you need to find out all the festivals for a particular city/town. I've found that the local chamber of commerce is a good source for this. They usually handle all the logistics of the event and have to work with the city commission and law enforcement when you have to close streets and rent space. They are supposed to be "In the Know" on all of these events. Should be the best place to start.

Second, Find and talk to the event committee. Most of these festivals have their own committee behind it that do all the planning year round. You'll usually find the "entertainment coordinator" within that committee.

Third, hound that person with your stuff until he adds you to the list. You'll usually have a contract involved to secure your spot for the event. This is where it can get tricky, especially if the event has been around for a while. Sometimes these guys keep bringing their "friends" back year after year and getting new acts in is a little harder. This is where you can offer some volunteer time in to help the event plus secure your spot. Kinda like "trade value". I do a bunch of stuff for the Streetpainting Festival, so my opinion and suggestions weigh a litte more.

Beau had a great thread a while back that touched on some of this. I wish I saved that puppy in my favorites.

Your in Cali so you should have a lot going on in your own neck of the woods to start.

But ... A lot of what goes on around here, pulls in outside talent for some of these events. If you target places outside your driving zone, name your price and factor in your travel expenses and start your festival shopping.

E-mails to these chamber and event committees wouldn't be a waste of time. Maybe do a google search on India Festivals. We have one down here, I believe. They asked me to do their logo and website for them but later found someone internal to do it. I think I would have liked to do that job.

Thanks Yamomma!