Putting on a benefit concert/event

Subject: Putting on a benefit concert/event
From: Dani
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 10:17 AM

Can some of you who've done things like this before give me some insight into what goes into creating a benefit concert: organization, pitfalls to watch for, opportunities, etc.?

Folks I know are searching for a way to help a beloved family who is facing the death of the father after a long illness. There is a huge community of supporters, some of whom are searching for a way to translate/leverage their caring to help the family face real financial challenges. I don't think finding the music/musicians will be a problem, and there are lots of adjunct ways being discussed to complement it (silent auction?). I'd love to hear your ideas, thoughts and comments.

Prayers are also welcome for a wonderful brave man and his family as they face this sad end to a long struggle.

Dani

Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event
From: pavane
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 10:49 AM

Depends where you are.
In the UK, you may run into problems with music licencing, copyright, premises entertainment licence and so on.

Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event
From: Dani
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 10:51 AM

North Carolina, USA

Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 11:08 AM

Dani - "LEGALLY" ie: according to the way the statutes are written - you still will be liable for ASCAP etc fees (unless you manage to get a venue who already pays them) - though you might squeek by if you associate the function with a religious institution as they have sme exemptions. (not that you are likely to be hit - but better safe then sorry as they say)

I have always found a live auction with a personable auctioneer brings in more money then a "silent auction" - but there has been a decided move away from live auctions - for one chairty benefit we had - we did live auction for some "prime" items - silent auction on some other items - and drawings for still more. Mixed them up thrugh the evening to keep people anticipating.

Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event
From: open mike
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 12:35 PM

if you have a non profit agency who is connected to the cause and/or
willing to collect and disburse funds that will help.

we did a few benefits for a fellow musician with cancer last year.

the auction brought in nearly as much as the door/tickets.

some musicians may insists on some expenses being paid...gas, food, etc.

for the silent acuction, you make up a sheet for each item
with description, value, and several lines for bidders to sign w/ amount bid, etc. Also consider getting people to donate time
and services : yard work, massage, etc. as well as items, objects, etc

people might just donate to a "hat" or Jar" as well, but are more likely to give if receiving something...auction item, music entertainment, dinner at a restaurant, lodging , etc.

if you do find a non profit to help administer the event,
people who donate items might be able to receive tax write-off
for donated goods.

We have never had a problem with ascap, etc.

good luck, and thanks for helping this family, i hope it all goes well.

Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event
From: Dani
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 01:15 PM

Great advice. Thanks so much, guys. Keep it coming!

Dani

Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 02:24 PM

We've been very successful doing benefit concerts by making a list of everyone you think might attend and calling them to ask how many tickets they want. It takes a little effort but you'll raise a whole lot more money. We sold $1200 worth of tickets in one day of calling and $1000 more in a few days of follow up.

Also, remember it's a fund raiser so charge a lot for tickets and be sure to remind purchasers that it is a fund raiser. They'll pay more if they support the cause than they will to see the musicians.

Silent auctions can be very profitable if you have good stuff to auction off. Try to get your local merchants to donate in exchange for having their names mentioned at the auction. Collecting the items is a biiiiig job but it pays off. We usually make around $6000 at our annual silent auction.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event
From: Les B
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 04:07 PM

There was a benefit here recently for a popular local guy who's also a musician. There was music, a silent auction and a live auction.

It was held at a bar & lounge and a percentage of all drinks bought went to the benefit. There was also a spaghetti dinner donated by a local restaurant for which everyone paid $5 (probably cost about $3).

Some of the things auctioned were big ticket items, some fine bronze sculptures and wildlife paintings,a $2000 hunting trip w/guide, and a couple of $1500 fishing trips. They all sold !

I was amazed to learn that $20,000 was raised on a Sunday afternoon.

Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 03:08 PM

Don't undersell it - artists are effectively giving your their fees when they perform. You owe it to them and to the cause you are raising for to price the event as if you were paying the artists commercial fees and to publicise it accordingly.

Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event
From: open mike
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 09:26 PM

and you might offer the artists the chance to sell their recordings
to re-cupe (how spelled?) any costs they incur for travel time,
etc. I waas fortunate enough to visit a crafts fair just prior
ro one of the benefits we held, and was able to ask the artisans
for donations on the spot. Since the musicians we were holding the benefit for had played at that fair for years, many knew them and
were quite generous. Also it is fun to combine some donations
such as a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine for enhanced value...
picnic "kit" !

Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event
From: Dani
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 11:20 PM

Thank you, Thank you!

And I think it's recoup, but I don't know why ;)

Dani