Having been both a performer and a booker, here's my perspective.

When performing I had the most success when I was able to clearly identify myself as a good fit for the venue, and then I made contact with the booker either by phone or e-mail. Sometimes I got no return phone call or e-mail, but it pays to be persistent. I would describe what I do and ask if I could send a demo or if they would be willing to take a look at my website and listen to sound samples. Some people wanted the demo, but some were happy with the website. I would send in in a packet along with a brochure and then follow up a few days after I figured it had arrived. Sometimes that wasn't necessary - someone would see me at a venue or festival and want to book me, or I would be recommended by someone and would get an offer based on that.

When booking, I WILL book people I have not seen if their music fits with what we want in the concert series, which is strictly traditional   I will want to see a list the venues they have played, and I'm happy to listen to sound clips on a website - I don't usually ask for a demo if they have something up on the web. I also will take into account other people's recommendations. If someone approaches me cold I prefer that it be by e-mail.   All they need to do is explain briefly what they do and send me a link to their website. We only have nine concerts a year so certainly there are many people that we can't book, and it might not be because we don't like them - it could be that we've had too much of that type of music lately (i.e. Appalachian, Irish, etc.) and we need to vary our program. Sometimes it may be that I would personally like their music, but I'm not sure our audience would turn out for it. Courtesy when approaching the booker is a must, and patience. And it is a little bit annoying when someone who obviously doesn't fit our criteria - which is clearly given on our website, is badgering us for a gig! To respond to the video question, I probably would take the time to watch a video but if it froze my computer up I wouldn't like it! I don't really need a video - but "live" sound clips are good.