I've put on an annual concert in a village hall for 25 years. Profits lately have gone towards the MacMillan nurses.I find it helps greatly to work for an organisation that has a network that can sell tickets.
I've always employed top pros and made sure they were paid.Of course, paying their normal fee would take too much of the gate money, but I've always found they were happy to work, where possible,for a lesser fee because of the cause. I usually put on two acts, one semi-pro or up and coming, and one established artist. I do a spot myself every year.I also ensure that one of the acts is purely musical, and the other more humourous, thus attracting a wide ranging audience.The concert is always a sell-out. All the artists were willing to work for less than their normal fee, thus making a profit on a sell out of between £800 and £1000 pounds for the Nurses.
The local community have had some fantastic nights and have a much better opinion of what's happening on the English music scene than TV ever shows them!
I've only approached two artists who turned me down because of the money offered. No names, but not suprised!
To anyone thinking of having a charity concert I would say don't be afraid to approach your favourite artists. As long as they get something to help feed the family I think you'll find they're the most generous and helpful people.Of course they can't do charity work all the time!
It's not a way to get someone cheaply, but it is a way to bring something new to your local community, and believe me, they always find it's an eye (and ear) opener!