Hi Melissa, I tried to respond to your post earlier but Mudcat was acting up. If you're booking "name" artists with managers, etc. they'll tell you what they want in terms of fee, accommodations,sound set up, etc. and will probably send you a contract which you can look over and, if there's anything that isn't acceptable or feasible, you can let them know and negotiate or politely agree that you won't be booking them. For local performers, or touring folks who haven't hit the big time (and there are an amazing number of very talented people who deserve to but haven't) I suspect you'll find it easy enough to work out an arrangement. Start by asking if they're interested in the booking and let them know the location and date, and explain what it is. You can either state the fee upfront or ask them what they require - all is negotiable. Likewise accommodations, meals, etc. Things they'll want to know would be - PA system,(is it provided and what do you have) fee (% or flat), CD sales (do you take a percentage, will you provide a table and a volunteer to staff), how many sets and how long is each set, etc. Some performers like formal contracts, others will just work on the basis of e-mails, but if you do that be sure you spell everything out clearly in writing. Having just had to cancel and reschedule two concerts here because of snow, you might want to mention something about what happens in case a cancellation is necessary. I run a small concert series and we have found most of the people we've booked to be wonderful and easy to work with. We try our best to make their performance a pleasant experience, and they always come through with a good show for our audience.