Information for Performers
FYI -- seating is for 24-30 people, and very modest sound reinforcement is all that's needed. The space is approx 16 X 16 storefront. There is no food/beverage served in the performance space, but attendees can purchase those in the coffee shop which is attached.
The series is advertised in the store, and via email, as well as online with The Chicago Reader, Rogers Park Happenings and our site, and in print in The Chicago Reader (not guaranteed), The News-Star, and The Evanston Review . Hopefully, you will notify your fan list and any media you wish to notify as well. There will also be a blackboard outside the shop on the sidewalk café advertising the show.
The performance room is isolated from the café by a door that closes completely and a ‘screen’ that closes off the hallway behind the performance space. The room is acoustically very ‘live’ and some are able to carry it without amplification, but we prefer you have a ‘touch’ of reinforcement for the softer dynamics.
We would suggest you bring a small amp or one small PA speaker and small mixer set up, which would be plenty. Even then you won’t need anywhere near a ton of volume from it, but it will allow for a little more dynamic range. A full room would dampen the ‘liveness’ just a little bit. So basically you don't need much but a little sound reinforcement is what I recommend. A small PA, even one PA speaker vs. 2 is sufficient, or an 'acoustic' amp.
Music performers agree that door donations go to the monthly beneficiary of the counter tip jar. Also, the musicians agree that their benefit from performing would be threefold:
- perform for an audience,
- sell their CDs and keep the proceeds from that and
- the satisfaction of assisting a local charity
Performers must agree that all material is 'family friendly' meaning that the lyrical content is not obscene. We don't mean to limit material that offers challenging ideas socially or politically or otherwise, but you'll want to keep the material ok for teens, kids, etc. since the place is an 'all ages' venue
Admission can’t be charged to the music series, because we do not buy annual licenses with performing rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC), so there will be a ‘suggested donation’ at the door. As stated above, you can sell CDs and other merchandise, but no door receipts can be paid.
All performers will be booked via the link below. The Owner asks that you not contact her or the shop directly, since they have their hands full with a newly opened shop.
Performers must perform original content and cover content that is in the public domain ONLY Performers should ideally have a variety of songs covering the variety of human experiences, including social commentary, relationships, humor, etc.
Performing acts will be limited in size to a maximum of trios, using minimal amplification/sound reinforcement; no full drum sets, though hand percussion is ok
We are actively seeking performers who represent the ethnic and cultural diversity of Rogers Park, so please don't hesitate to contact us.
IF YOU ARE PLAYING THE SECOND HOUR, PLEASE BE COURTEOUS TO THE FIRST PERFORMER AND REFRAIN FROM LUGGING INSTRUMENTS OR OTHER GEAR INTO THE PERFORMANCE ROOM DURING THE FIRST PERFORMER'S SET. THE CAFE IS A COZY PLACE TO HANG INSTEAD IF YOU ARRIVE AFTER THE FIRST SET HAS STARTED. THANKS.
For booking, please email here