Everett writes in today with a question that he hopes ‘Gus’ can help with.

I have a venue. Or, I’m trying to help a friend pay his rent for his venue. It’s a historic movie theater, well known in our town of 40k or so, right next to a city of a few hundred thousand. I believe it’s the largest venue for a show, in town. At least, it’s open to other possibilities and is no longer a movie theater. It seats nearly 600, has a concession stand, stage, big-screen, etc.

I want to bring in bands, acts, whatever. Specifically, I’m thinking, blues bands or musicians. But comedy acts might work well, too.

How does one find acts that may want to play on our stage? Also, how does one go about listing the venue to let it be known there is a stage and facilities available?

I’m sure this can all be done online these days, but I’m not an agent, not a booker, not even a musician. I’m just a middleman (I guess), learning as I go, and trying to help a friend and bring something new and great to our town.

Wow, Everett. You give me a lot of credit here!

First of all, we consulted the best sound guy in our area, Scott of Village Sound. He’s a stand-up guy and knows his stuff. And before you tell me that it’s cheating to ask for help, remember that half the battle is knowing where to find information, right?

Scott writes:

In Ohio, I’d suggest that he contact Eighth Day Sound, near Cleveland, and speak with someone there.

They are one of the premiere sound companies in the world, and I’m sure they could suggest some booking agents, promoters, bands, etc. in town that he could work with. If he were in Baltimore, I’d suggest a couple of local promoters to him. They are always looking for new venues.

Eighth Day Sound Systems, Inc
5450 Avion Park Drive
Highland Heights, Ohio 44143
USA

440-995-5900
440-995-2828 fax

Thanks, Scott. Now onto the online tools.

You can list your venue all over the place. Some starting points:

Yahoo! (Ohio entertainment)

Indie Music (Ohio)

Online Gigs

One option is that you can find performers and groups by hiring a promoter. Great local article in the News Gazette Ohio promoters showcase acoustic music.

These days, you can find musicians promoting themselves online. Check out this MySpace page – it’s for Ohio musicians or go to their official page at Ohio Musicians.

Maybe look at Gig Masters or the Music Mates database.

The possibilities are endless. First, I’d do what Scott suggests. Pick up the phone.

Good luck and remember, we’re here if you’d like to hire us!

Peace out.

I’m Gus. I’m the Scherer ‘mascot’ if you like. You know, of Ask Gus, He Knows fame? And while I’m really just an amalgamated character, I’m hoping we can be friends. And by friends I mean, I hope you’ll read my blog posts and be in awe of my answers.

Today, I got the following question from Jodi Womack of The Womack Company.

How many US businesses are owned by married couples?

Gracias!!!!

(see how polite Jodi is?)
Well, we checked it out and voila!

Back in 2006, the Indy Star wrote:

“Copreneurs,” as they’re called, are a rapidly growing segment of business partnerships. The number of husband-wife companies has more than tripled since 1990, topping 3.6 million, according to the U.S. Census. Glenn Muske, co-author of a 2002 study titled “Copreneurs as Family Businesses,” believes the number of copreneur firms is “greatly underestimated.” He said couples are leaving corporate jobs and opening businesses, but for reasons beyond the bottom line.

This (even older) article from Inc. How To Work (If You Must) With Your Spouse writes:

Though there are no accurate statistics about what happens when spouses try to run a business together, expert estimates are grim: “Only 5% of couples can make all-in partnership work,” says Azriela Jaffe, a frequent reporter on the phenomenon of entrepreneurial couples and author of Permission to Prosper: What Working Wives Crave From Their Husbands, and How to Get It. (”All-in” co-ownership is tougher than a partnership in which one spouse is a subordinate who’s helping out.)

We may need to wait for the next Economic Census for an update, but I’d go with 3.6 million for now! So Jodi, you are not alone!