NECTAR'S FAQ
Here are some answers to questions we get from bands who have never played Nectar's before or promoters/ agents who are unfamiliar with Burlington. Please check over the criteria listed in how to get booked before you send us an email. We're really excited about original music and we want to help your band! We think you'll love it in Vermont.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
This is where you can find information about the club, our policies, and the best way to book a gig at Nectar's. Most often, bands and promoters want to know who to contact. This section is a helpful guide with what we're looking for and what information to send.
PROMOTION QUESTIONS
So we've booked the band and now you want people to come hear you. This section outlines the best way to get people to hear your music.
We want to help you as much as possible and we have an in-house designer, a free copier, and a street team as great resources for you to use. We expect you to promote your performance (!!!) and encourage involving local bands, local press and the burlington music community.
PRODUCTION QUESTIONS
we've booked the band and now you want to advance the show or learn more of the specifics about your show. We send out a confirmation email with all the information you need and that's usually the best bet. This section outlines the way to producing the best possible show for you.
The biggest factor is being on time. Please don't be late! It jeopordizes your sound check, stage time, and overall sound.
HOSPITALITY QUESTIONS
Vermont is a wonderful destination and we're excited to host you. We have a wonderful staff, a great menu (with vegetarian options) and an impressive list of local beers. This section describes our policies
and procedures. Please be respectful of the club and considerate of the other bands who play here.
PAYMENT/POSTSHOW QUESTIONS
It's the end of the night and you want to pack up, load out and sleep in. This section explains all the easiest way to collect your pay,
get a live recording of your set and on the road towards bed/the party.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
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- what is nectar's?
- what is the age range of the club?
- what kind of music do you book?
- how do i get booked?
- can i send you my band's presskit? should i send a cd?
- should i send mp3s?
- what's expected of my band?
- what are standard set times?
- what are standard cover charges? why isn't it higher?
- why are you only paying my band $50?
- can i play on a weekend?
- do I have to play on a weekday if I'm confident in my band to draw?
- do you book local bands?
- do you book touring bands?
- is it ok to play other places in town directly before or after my gig?
- can i sell my merchandise at the show? do you take a percentage? do you provide a person to sell my gear?
- I sent you an email and i never heard back. do you hate my band?
- i've emailed a dozen times, i've called and left messages and still haven't heard back. WHAT THE FUCK?
- what will deter me from getting a gig at Nectar's?
what is nectar's?
Nectar's is a music venue, a bar and a restaurant. Our doors are open from 11AM-2AM daily. We've been open for over 30 years and we're located on Main St in downtown Burlington. Nectar's is a major destination for locals, college students and tourists.
what is the age range of the club?
Nectar's is all ages until 9PM every day. Monday through Thursday we have the option of having 18+ events. 18+ is determined show by show. Per Burlington City law, we don't allow anyone under the age of 21 to enter after 11PM. There is no re-entry for underage patrons, once you're in you're in. NO EXCEPTIONS.
what kind of music do you book?
We book every kind of music, but we are most interested in booking original music.
how do i get booked?
Send an email to booking@liveatnectars.com with links to your music, photos and press. Make sure you answer the following questions:
EMAILS MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
- What genre of music?
- Please don't list 20 hyphenated genres. We're just looking for a vague description for scheduling.
- Have you played in Vermont/Burlington before?
- If so, when and where?
- How many people did you draw at your last play?
- How many people do you expect at your play at Nectar's?
- How long is your optimal set?
- How long can you play for?
- What's your marketing plan?
- Have you worked with Vermont/Burlington bands before?
- If so, who?
- Where are you from?
- What's your availability?
- What are your target dates?
- Anything special about your band that you think would help.
Don't call. Don't send physical presskit unless we request it. We do not accept unsolicited attachments or files with your emails.
can i send you my band's presskit? should i send a cd? should i send mp3s?
Don't send a cd or physical presskit unless we request it! We do not accept unsolicited attachments or files. If you want to send us your music or information about your band we accept EPKs and links to your music, photos and press.
what's expected of my band?
Mon-Wed headlining bands are expected to draw 30+
Thu headlining bands are expected to draw 50+
Fri, Sat headlining bands are expected to draw 150+
Bands are expected to have all the information they need for their gig BEFORE they arrive. This includes hospitality, payment and contact info.
Bands are expected to break down gear immediately after performance. Set changeovers should take 15 minutes, maximum.
Headlining bands are expected to backline gear unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Bands are expected to act professionally and courteously to all Nectar's employees and patrons (on stage and off).
what are standard set times?
Music runs from 9-2am. Generally we have 2 or 3 bands every night.
2 band bills are:
Opening band: 9-10:45PM
Headlining band: 11-2AM
3 band bills are:
First support: 9-10:15PM
Second support: 10:30-11:45PM
Headliner: 12-2AM
what are standard cover charges? why isn't it higher?
Sun-Thu there is NEVER a cover for 21+ although we do charge $5 for underage patrons on 18+ nights to cover our staffing expenses.
Friday and Saturday we have a cover that ranges from $3 to $5 MAXIMUM.
We don't charge any higher because Nectar's has a history of being a low cover showcase for up-and-coming bands. We want to make the music as accessible as possible to our patrons.
If you are confident that can draw over 150 and that people will pay $5 or more to see you, we have another room that's more appropriate for you.
why are you only paying my band $50?
Because of our low cover we have financial restrictions and on any given night we can have up to 4 acts. We employ a full time sound tech and provide a state of the art pa system and lighting. There is more to playing at Nectar's than a huge guarantee.
can i play on a weekend?
Every band wants to play on a weekend and it's usually the first thing they ask. The bands that we book for weekend slots have worked hard paying their dues to get there. If you're right for a weekend slot we'll let you know.
do I have to play on a weekday if I'm confident in my band to draw?
Yes. We book bands mid week to see how they promote themselves, how they sound live and how they're received in the Burlington market. Having a good draw is only part of playing a weekend slot.
do you book local bands?
YES! We love local bands and we try to give them priority in playing our stages as much as possible! Please let us know that your band is local in your email. We will do our very best to accomodate you.
do you book touring bands?
We love touring bands! We encourage bands touring in the northeast to contact us as much as possible because we usually don't have a budget to pay for one offs or fly ins. If you're looking for a stop between Montreal and Boston/New York/Philly we're perfect for you!
is it ok to play other places in town directly before or after my gig?
It's not beneficial for you or us to play in town within 3-4 weeks before or after your gig at Nectar's. We expect you to focus on your gig here when you're booked. Playing down the street the night before your gig will hurt your draw and your chance at getting another gig. It's ok to do it, but we don't encourage it.
can i sell my merchandise at the show? do you take a percentage? do you provide a person to sell my gear?
Yes! We encourage merchandise sales. A lot of times bands make a lot of money selling merchandise. We don't take a percentage of merch sales. We do not provide a person to sell your merch.
I sent you an email and i never heard back. do you hate my band?
No! We do our best to answer every request to play. Unfortunately, we aren't able to get back to everyone. Keep making music and check back with us again soon. Please limit your attempts to contact us to once a week.
i've emailed a dozen times, i've called and left messages and still haven't heard back. WHAT THE FUCK?
Please have some patience and understand that there are tens of thousands of bands and only one of us. Sometimes your music isn't what we're looking for. Don't give up and don't take it personally. Work hard to distinguish yourself in the scene, hang out at the club, play some shows around town, build a following and get some press. If you're determined to make music you'll get an opportunity to play Nectar's eventually.
what will deter me from getting a gig at Nectar's?
Pestering us with phone calls/email, rude/unprofessional emails, disrespecting the club or staff. Please limit your attempts to contact us to once a week.
PROMOTION QUESTIONS
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- what do i need to promote my band?
- how high res is high res?
- do you have templates or examples of posters?
- do you have high res versions of your logo?
- do you have a press contact list?
- is there a local music community?
- how do i promote a show in burlington, vermont?
- what does the club do to promote my show?
- where can i post flyers?
- i've mailed you posters, why don't i see them up?
what do i need to promote my band?
The basics:
11x17 high res poster (pdf format preffered).
72 dpi band photo
Short band bio
Please email all promotion material to promotion@liveatnectars.com. We prefer digital versions of promotion as much as possible. If you only have physical posters you can mail them to:
Attn: Promotional Material
One Love Booking
182 Main St
Burlington, Vermont 05401
For press releases, print advertising and other promotions please also send an 8x10 high res band photo.
how high res is high res?
Posters should be at least 150dpi. High res band photo should be 300dpi at 8Óx10Ó.
do you have templates or examples of posters?
Yes. Check http://files.liveatnectars.com/Resources/Templates/
do you have high res versions of your logo?
Yes. Check http://files.liveatnectars.com/Resources/Logos/
do you have a press contact list?
Yes. It is available at http://files.liveatnectars.com/Resources/PRESS_LIST.doc
how do i promote a show in burlington, vermont?
The best way is grassroots: word of mouth, postering and flyering. We have 5 colleges and a university in Burlington as well as a thriving artist and musician community. Get creative and stand out. The more you get people talking about your band and your performance the better you'll do.
is there a local music community?
Your best bet is to reach out to local promoters and blog writers.
LOCAL PROMOTERS:
Tick Tick
Mixed Bag Productions
LOCAL BLOGS:
False 45th
Angioplasty Media
The Le Duo
Solid State
what does the club do to promote my show?
We have a street team that posts your poster on billboards and at local businesses. We will advertise in local newspapers as well as on our website. We occasionally do radio and extra print advertising.
where can i post flyers?
You can post flyers on city billboards and at local businesses. Please be courteous to other posters/venues and don't cover the boards with your poster. Do NOT post flyers on lightboxes, telephone poles, or private property. The venue is held accountable and is charged by the city for each posting.
i've mailed you posters, why don't i see them up?
It's a war out there! There are a lot of venues and lot of music going on in Burlington. Our street team goes out twice a week and is made up of friendly Nectar's staff who volunteer their time to help promote your show.
PRODUCTION QUESTIONS
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- what time do i need to show up?
- what if i'm late?
- can i have a soundcheck?
- can my soundcheck be closed to the public?
- where do i load in?
- where do i put my gear?
- where do i park?
- do you have a place i can store the van/bus/trailer that's safe?
- load in is real early, what do i do before my show?
- can we take a set break?
- do i really have to play until 2am?
- what do you provide for sound equipment?
- do you provide a backline?
- we have a stage plot, would you like a copy?
- do you have an in-house lighting designer?
- who is the club's day of show contact?
- who is the advancement/production contact?
- how do i get in touch with the sound tech
what time do i need to show up?
Mon-Wed
Headline: 6PM load in, 7PM sound check, 11PM set time
Support: 7PM load in, 8PM sound check, 9PM set time
Thu, Fri, Sat
Headline: 5PM load in, 6PM sound check, 11PM set time
Support: 6PM load, sound check if time permits or line check otherwise, 9PM set time (9:30 on Thursdays)
SOUND CHECKS MUST BE DONE BY 7PM
There are often exceptions but these are the general guidelines.
what if i'm late?
If you're late you jeopardize your sound check which effects the quality of your sound and the length of your set. It's extremely important to be on time. Please be on time!
can i have a soundcheck?
We do our best to accommodate each band with a sound check.
can my soundcheck be closed to the public?
No, because Nectar's is also a bar and restaurant we can't have private soundchecks. If it's completely necessary we will find a way to accommodate you.
where do i load in?
You can load your equipment in through the back of the club via the alley located on the right side of the building. Do not load your gear in through the front of the club. Do not block the alley. Make sure anyone parked in the back can leave because we share the space with local businesses.
where do i put my gear?
Please store gear in the designated areas. Generally our production manager, Eli, or a manager on duty will show you where to keep your stuff. Please DO NOT BLOCK EXITS for fire safety. The areas backstage are marked with tape where you can and cannot store gear. Just ask the manager on duty if you have any questions.
where do i park?
We do not provide parking. Parking is free on the street after 6PM. There is also a parking garage on South Winooski a block from the venue.
do you have a place i can store the van/bus/trailer that's safe?
We can accommodate buses with notice, otherwise you're on your own.
load in is real early, what do i do before my show?
Hit the streets and promote your show! Enjoy Burlington. It's a beautiful place.
can we take a set break?
If your set is 2 hours or longer you are allowed a 15 minute set break. There can be no set breaks after 1AM.
do i really have to play until 2am?
Mon-Thu the music must go at least until 1:30AM. Bands are expected to play the set length that is in the confirmation. Please use your judgment.
Thu, Fri and Sat music must go to until 2AM.
what do you provide for sound equipment?
We employ a full time sound and provide a full PA that accommodates most touring acts. Specs per request.
do you provide a backline?
No, but we encourage communication between bands. Headlining bands are expected to share their drums and bass amp with opening bands whenever possible.
we have a stage plot, would you like a copy?
We'd love a copy. Please mail your stage plot and any production information to Eli Schwab at production@liveatnectars.com
do you have an in-house lighting designer?
No, but we often can provide one at your request. Pricing varies.
who is the club's day of show contact?
The production manager Eli Schwab will be your contact on most nights, otherwise check in with the manager on duty.
who is the advancement/production contact?
Our in house production manager Eli Schwab.
how do i get in touch with the sound tech?
The general email for reaching the sound tech is soundtech@liveatnectars.com Their number will be listed on your confirmation or Eli Schwab can put you in contact with the sound tech for your night.
HOSPITALITY QUESTIONS
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- do you have hospitality?
- is there a green room? dressing room?
- can you get me a place to sleep?
- when do i eat?
- are my drink tickets good for anyone?
- can i bring my own beer/liquor?
- can i use illegal substances on the premises? even backstage?
- who can be in the green room? can i bring all my friends?
- do you allow a guestlist?
- my family member/friend is underage, can they come see the show?
do you have hospitality?
We often provide complimentary beverages or drink tickets to bands. We generally don't provide meals Mon-Thu. Anything beyond drinks is on a case by case basis.
is there a green room? dressing room?
Yes. It's in our basement, a true Nectar's legend. We provide private space for our artists. It is generally a shared space for all artists playing on the night. If you're headliner and need an exclusive space, it can be arranged but we'd like you to share.
can you get me a place to sleep?
By request we can get a discounted rate at a local hotel.
when do i eat?
Eat whenever you like. We have a full menu available until 2AM on most nights. Sometimes we are really busy and we have a long wait. Please plan accordingly.
are my drink tickets good for anyone?
No, only performers who are wearing a bracelet are able to use drink tickets.
can i bring my own beer/liquor?
No, silly. We have everything you need here.
can i use illegal substances on the premises? even backstage?
No, absolutely not. There can be no illegal substances in the club, in the alley or behind the club. Police do patrol the building and they will arrest you. If you choose to use substances off of our premises you're own your own.
who can be in the green room? can i bring all my friends?
Green room access is restricted to artists only. It's a shared space for all of the artists and we expect that you respect the space for everyone.
do you allow a guestlist?
Guestlists aren't necessary for shows without a cover. Underage patrons are not allowed on guestlists. Weekend guestlists we allow a limited number of guests per band member.
my family member/friend is underage, can they come in and see the show?
We allow it under special circumstances. Please get in touch with the production manager or manager on duty to make sure that they're aware of the situation.
PAYMENT/POSTSHOW QUESTIONS
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- how do i get paid?
- do you do bonuses?
- i have a bonus based on bar sales, when can i get paid?
- i lost my cymbal bag, effect pedals, bass amp who's responsible? will you mail me my stuff? will you hold it indefinitely until i pick it up?
- how can i get another gig?
- how do i get a recording of my show?
how do i get paid?
Payment will be given out by the manager on duty, the head of production or the closer bartender. Payment will be determined at arrival. We are not a bank and will not hold your payment indefinitely. Please pick up your payment the night of or following business day after your show. If you cannot, please leave an address and we will send a money order.
do you do bonuses?
Bonuses are negotiable based on attendance or bar sales. Generally, if we're making money, you're making money. Bonuses are paid the following business day. We can also mail a money order if you're not able to pick up your bonus.
i have a bonus based on bar sales, when can i get paid?
Following business day.
i lost my cymbal bag, effect pedals, bass amp who's responsible? will you mail me my stuff? will you hold it indefinitely until i pick it up?
You are responsible for your gear. If you leave it here will we do our best to store it in a safe place until you come and pick it up. We are not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen goods.
how can i get another gig?
Impress us with your performance and follow up about a return gig. It's important that you find a way to get us excited about having you back.
how do i get a recording of my show?
See the sound tech at the beginning of the night and request a recording. All recordings are board audience matrix recordings.
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