BOOK A SHOW
Never played here before?
Send a link to your music with a brief description and your estimated weeknight and weekend draw to booking (at) skylarkclub (dot) com. Music clips that stream online (like on myspace) are required. Shows in progress are not posted to the website until they are fully confirmed, so blank slots on the calendar aren't necessarily free, but it's definitely good to check our calendar before emailing about a specific date.
Due to the high volume of email, we can only respond if there is a match on a bill. Do not call the club for booking. You will only connect with a bartender or cook who cannot help you get a show. Bands are encouraged to drop by with their instruments on Wednesdays at 8pm to sign up for the fully backlined open mic at 9pm. A solid performance could get you a full show someday--it's happened numerous times. (Your email still needs to be in the booking inbox so we can easily make the connection and contact you.)
Want to play again?
It's great to get an email reminding us of your existence. Many, many bands come through here and we book primarily from the inbox, so an email shortly after your latest gig requesting another is perfect. No need for multiple emails, but do remember to include links to your music again, even if you think we already have it.
PROMOTE YOUR SHOW
WHAT WE DO...
- put you in our online calendar with a link to your music clips.
- have regular spots sponsoring the morning calendar on KEXP 90.3.
- submit all shows to the calendar editors at Seattle Times, The Stranger, Seattle Weekly, Seattle Sound Magazine, KEXP, Three Imaginary Girls, West Seattle Herald, etc. (Press releases and/or photos are up to you!)
- sponsor the West Seattle Blog weekly events calendar.
- print a monthly calendar flyer that goes out with every guest check.
- design and put up 8.5 x 14 posters in the venue. (You are welcome to design your own posters/flyers, we will hang them for you.)
- send out a monthly email newsletter with all shows to 800+ customers.
- post shows daily on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc. as often as humanly possible.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO...
- promote! email your mailing list, post on your website, poster, flyer, contact the press with your unique story, etc.
- bring or mail four posters here for us to put up 2-3 weeks ahead of time (optional but encouraged)
- be considerate of your fellow bands (set up and break down efficiently, don't bail the second you get offstage).
- don't book another gig in Seattle within a week of your Skylark gig...it dilutes your draw for both shows and no one wins.
- play a great show, have a good time
- email us if you want to play again! don't forget to include your URL.
F.A.Q.
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What's the basic set-up? When do you have live music? What type of music do you book?
Skylark is an 1,834 square foot room with a full PA, mics, micstands, monitors, stage, etc. We have a posted capacity of 85 people and there is plenty of seating. We usually book three bands per night, Thursday through Sunday. All genres considered.
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Is Skylark an all-ages club?
Sorry, no minors allowed after 9pm, unless they are onstage playing (exception: Sunday all ages shows, when minors are allowed until 11pm).
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Why haven't I heard back from anyone?
You will hear from us if we have a match on a bill and we like your sound.
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What's the cover charge / when are "doors"/ what's the guest list policy?
We don't charge a cover, so thus door times and guest lists are irrelevant...come early and stay late. For free.
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So...do bands get paid?
Yes. Details are in your confirmation email.
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When is load-in?
7:30pm on bills with 9:00pm start times, 6:00pm on bills with 7:00pm start times. (Bands do get that dinner discount on the full menu, so plan accordingly.)
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Do we get a sound check?
The first band sound checks half an hour before their set begins.
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We have a member who's under 21, is that a problem?
It's not a problem, minors are allowed to perform. The trick is they aren't allowed to be in the venue before or after performing, so the sooner we know about the minor the better. We'll probably try to put you on first so they don't have to hang out alone in the basement with the frozen tater tots. Or we could book you for a Sunday show, since those are all ages until we close at 11pm. But please, if you have a minor in the band, do NOT try to slyly hook them up with drinks or let them attempt to order drinks. Our bartenders are sharp and you will all be banned from Skylark forever faster than you can say "I'm an idiot!" We are fond of our liquor license and would like to keep it.
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What kind of P.A. gear do you have? Do you have direct boxes?
16 channels of whatever you want. Yes, we have direct boxes. Email cha (at) skylarkcafe (dot) com to discuss our sound system.
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Do you have house amps and/or a drum kit we could use?
Yes. Email cha (at) skylarkcafe (dot) com to discuss our backline.
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Does that piano work? Can I play it and leave my keyboard at home?
Yes. It has not been tuned recently, so it has a charming saloon-style sound and a few keys that stick sometimes. But we will happily mic it for you if you wish.
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I'm on tour, where do you recommend that I stay?
There's a band-friendly bed and breakfast called Truly Central that we have heard good things about. Beyond that try Trip Advisor.
