This is going out to all the bands that are scheduled to play here at Safari Sam's or want to play here in the future. So don't take it personal but do take it as information we are giving out. We have noticed in the last 8 weeks that most of the local bands that are playing here are not doing their share of promotions for shows at Safari Sam's. Their draw is going from not so good, to bad and now to worse. This club spends about $12,000 per month on publicity and promotions to help with all the shows. I believe I have built a club that does right by the artists, by giving you great sound, great vibe, cool staff to deal with and lots of free parking. Almost everyone tells me how much they love this club. If you are wanting to play here or have already played here then you probably already know all that.
I am writing all this because we have instituted a new policy that you should all be aware of. If your band draws less than 20 people during the week or less than 30 people on weekends here at Safari Sam's then we will not ask you to play here again. There are about 6,000 bands in Los Angeles alone and I believe that is about 3,000 to many. The talent is diluted and you can tell by the fan base of about 90% of those bands that people are not very excited about the band. Yes I know that friends and family will tell the artist how great they are but when it comes down to paying money to see the band play they tend to not do that. Most of the venue's our size have Pay to Play policy's that I am trying very hard to stay away from. But at the same time we need to pay our bills.
So if you are on the calendar now and you don't think you will be able to meet these simple requirements I suggest you let me know and we will take you off the calendar until your fan base increases. I am trying to successfully walk the thin line between making money to pay our bills and keeping the artistic integrity that I started out with.
There are plenty of clubs in Los Angeles smaller than us that will fit the needs of growing bands. I can't tell you how many bands have played here that draw less than 10 people. It is sad. Anyway be well and we will see you soon at the club.
Sam
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