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Workshops


How to Get and Keep the Gig - Insider Secrets

By Mark Towns - Band Leader, Booking Agent, & Journalist
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Mark Towns has been involved in the music and entertainment business from the inside out during his years of working as a musician, booking agent, and journalist. In his workshop, you'll learn how to get the gig as Mark Towns reveals proven tips, techniques, and secrets for successfully presenting your band to the bookers of clubs, restaurants and hotels. Youll also learn what it takes to land those high dollar gigs at corporate events, weddings, and private parties. Plus, you'll find out how to keep the gig and get repeat business by avoiding common mistakes musicians and bands make that keep them from getting called back.

How to Get and Keep the Gig - Insider Secrets is great for vocalists, individual musicians, sidemen, band leaders, and groups. If you sing or play an instrument and want to get gigs, this workshop is for you! Whether you're a beginner, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, you'll discover valuable information in Mark Towns' workshop - information that you can use right away!

In How to Get and Keep the Gig - Insider Secrets, you'll find out:

  • How to find the gig, how to book the gig, and how to keep the gig
  • What talent buyers look for on a demo CD
  • 25 ways bands blow it and lose gigs!
  • The best time to contact talent buyers
  • What to never say to a booking agent
  • What to put in your press kit - and what to not put in it!
  • All this and much more in this fun, informative workshop!

Mark Towns has over 40 years experience as a professional musician, leading his own bands in performances across the U.S. and in Latin America, as well as being a featured sideman and musician contractor for major artists including Chaka Khan, Rickie Lee Jones, Martha Reeves, Kirk Whalum, Hubert Laws, Larry Coryell, Dave Valentin, Yomo Toro, Joe Ely, and more.

Mark Towns' booking agency, Mark Towns Entertainment, provides live music and entertainment nationwide to clients including: Major League Baseball, CityCentre, Kings Harbor, Ouisie's Table, Shogun Grill, Houston Rockets, Mi Luna, Ft. Bend County Chamber of Commerce, Shell Oil, Taco Milagro, Chevron, and more.

As a journalist, Mark Towns' articles have appeared in numerous publications including Houston Press, All About Jazz. L.A., Urban Beat Magazine, Public News, and JazzHouston.com.

Mark Towns is owner of Salongo Records and Selim Sound Music Publishing Company. He is a member of the Jazz Journalist Association, and is a voting member of the Recording Academy for The Grammy Awards and The Latin Grammy Awards. Mark is a member of The Los Angeles Professional Musician's Association (Local 47, AFM).

Mark Towns currently resides in Los Angeles and Houston.