What do performers on SZ use to advertise themselves at gigs? I think it's very important to have a professional looking banner/s, and I'm wondering how others do it.

I've seen some bands who use foldable music stands with their logo. I've seen others who use a pull down banner on a stand which works kind of like a roll up curtain which they put behind them. Others simply put a banner in front of the keyboard.

What do you do? Do you have any pics?

http://www.neon-das.com/programmable_led_electronic_disp1.html


Maybe this will help.

I've been thinking about this some, for a long time.

Currently we have a sign done by a traditional Sign writer (one of our regulars) that we tape to the front of the Korg.

Doesn't look quite as bad as it sounds, but I'd MUCH rather have a "Times Square" kinda dealie (like the one in the link), or even more impressive and unique, a "light sign" as in - the logo projected above us on the wall behind.

Only problem I have is - it needs to be VERY portable and robust.

Hi:

I have been using the Beta Bright programmable sign for over a year. This works Very well for ME, I change the messages according with the Holidays, season, etc.
Is very easy to program it with the software that cames with, the ONLY suggestion I have, is that because does not "Save" the messages, you must enter every time your message, a save option would be so nice and time saver.
I purchased in Sam's Club for $199.00 and it certainly, has paid for itself several times over.
I put Velcro in my 2 Keyboard stands, the V-stand and the Quik Lok M92, and of course in the back of the sign, this arrangement is working Great since I got it.


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mdorantes

Neon lights etc are interesting ideas for pubs and clubs, but I think it will be a bit corny for a wedding which is my cliental... Does anyone here use light signs for upscale events?

I work for caterers, planners and other clients that will NOT allow any visual advertising by me at all. They run the event, they get the Kudos. I once had a pair of speakers with my name painted on it ... a client insisted that I face them away from the audience. Tough lesson for a young buck....I never tried that again. I pass out cards, and do my shmoozing on breaks, but the "gig" belongs to the host.

I use a banner identical to Scott's I had it made locally where I live.($75) If you visit my home page you see the banner it replaced(lower right corner of my home page) http://steveonpiano.com




[This message has been edited by Stephenm52 (edited 04-10-2008).]

That's a cool looking banner, Steve...not too showy, but just the right amount of tastefulness.

How does it attach to the X-stand?

BTW, you have a great site....also tastefully done.

Ian

[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 04-10-2008).]

I post two high gloss signs 6 1/2 x 11 inches wide with the band name and web site address and a slot for business cards and I mount each sign with Velcro onto the Speaker Stands.

They are elegant, unobtrusive, easy to see, and setup/take down.

The sign is lighted with a strip light positioned beneath the laptop platform. It's all one unit that holds lots of unsigtly power supplies, wiring, etc... I created and printed the sign on the PC using Print Shop, and the sign is covered with a sheet of lexan.

Cheers,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Gary .....
Very classy look. Sign colors really stand out. No wonder why your the top entertainer in your area. Great Picture!

Ian gotta give Scott the credit for the banner design. I have the option of mounting the banner with industrial strength velcro which I do most of the time. I can also use a piece of wood similar to what you find at the bottom of the window shade. If using the latter method then I use a decorative style type rope. and can loop the rope over the end either end of the keyboard X stand.

Thanks for the compliment on my web site. I designed it using Microsoft's Front Page.

double post

[This message has been edited by Stephenm52 (edited 04-10-2008).]

Uncle Dave, you touched on one of my pet pieves. The caterers and planners have entirely too much power. Thank God I haven't had to work for them for some time now. If I get a call from one of them, I tell them I'm busy. I will work those kind of events if I'm hired by the client giving the party. I consider planners just one more nail in the coffin of live music. Of course, this is just my opinion.

Joe

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Songman55
Joe Ayala

Joe,
Some of the best paying clients I have are "event planners". I also sub out for many other local performers, and when playing for someone else's client, you NEVER advertise yourself. I pass out thier business cards, their phone number etc.

If you cut out the protocal in this area (Philly/NY/NJ shore), you cut out a LOT of potential income. Music ( for me ) has always been a BUSINESS. In business, you follow certain rules, or you don't make much money.

More power to you for standing by your beliefs. I too, adhere to a code of work ethics. In many cases - I am a hired gun, and no more.

The caterers don't make me any problems about signs; but they're not the ones who hire me.
I used to put business cards on the tables, but they asked me to stop and I respected that.

Getting a meal is a different situation.
Some of the caterers are really good about feeding the band, and others are really lousy.
But I tell them its a two way street: if they want the band to make their best efforts to fit into the catering schedule,
they've got to make sure we're well fed. The logic normally works on them!

Chony

[This message has been edited by chony (edited 04-10-2008).]

I really like ScottYee's sign. Is it color printed to canvas? Where can I do something like this?

Chony, it's actually a heavy duty sheet of black vinyl. The sign maker then put the yellow and white lettering with precut letters that he has in stock. Off hand I don't have the name of the business. I can get that info to you. I gotta believe that if you go to any sign maker they can do something very similar. The guy I had was great he sent me 3 different proofs before I finalized on what I wanted.


[This message has been edited by Stephenm52 (edited 04-10-2008).]

Chony,

You can go to Kinkos and they can have it for you the following day. I believe this is where DNJ an dScott Yee both had their signs made.

Cheers,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy