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05 Apr 05 - 10:17 AM (#1452583) Subject: Putting on a benefit concert/event From: Dani 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 |
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05 Apr 05 - 10:49 AM (#1452610) Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event From: pavane Depends where you are. In the UK, you may run into problems with music licencing, copyright, premises entertainment licence and so on. |
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05 Apr 05 - 10:51 AM (#1452614) Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event From: Dani North Carolina, USA |
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05 Apr 05 - 11:08 AM (#1452631) Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event From: GUEST,MMario 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. |
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05 Apr 05 - 12:35 PM (#1452721) Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event From: open mike 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. |
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05 Apr 05 - 01:15 PM (#1452766) Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event From: Dani Great advice. Thanks so much, guys. Keep it coming! Dani |
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05 Apr 05 - 02:24 PM (#1452848) Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event From: Bev and Jerry 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 |
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05 Apr 05 - 04:07 PM (#1452938) Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event From: Les B 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. |
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06 Apr 05 - 03:08 PM (#1453703) Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event From: GUEST 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. |
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06 Apr 05 - 09:26 PM (#1454036) Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event From: open mike 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" ! |
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06 Apr 05 - 11:20 PM (#1454083) Subject: RE: Putting on a benefit concert/event From: Dani Thank you, Thank you! And I think it's recoup, but I don't know why ;) Dani |