How would you go about planning a benefit concert?

Question

I would like to raise awareness in global warming and try to increase recycling. I know a lot of bands that would be interested but im not quite sure where to start. Any ideas?

Answer 1

It's a very, very expensive endeavor. Someone has to pay for:

- insurance

- the venue

- security

- marketing

Even if you get bands to donated their services, you will have a lot of expenses.

If you really want to raise awareness about global warming and encourage people to recycle, consider joining existing campaigns who are engaging in a number of advocacy activities. A good place to start looking:

http://www.change.org

Also see:

VolunteerMatch, http://www.volunteermatch.org

Idealist, http://www.idealist.org

CraigsList, http://www.craigslist.com

Network for Good, http://www.networkforgood.org

http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/

ServeNet, http://servenet.org/

Through volunteering with existing organizations, you can help with events, including concerts, and see for yourself just how expensive such an endeavor is.

Answer 2

As a frontwoman for bands for 13 years I can tell you it really isn't that hard.

1. Find a reputable organization(s) who will take the money earned at the benefit and distribute it properly.

2. Find a venue. Go to your favorite bar that showcases live music similar to the bands you'd like to play your benefit. Find out how many band they'll let you invite. and on what day.

3. Find your bands.

4. Ask all the above if they would assist in advertising. A lot of non-profits have advertising budgets and they can take care of things like radio/local tv. Bands can help with flyers* and hanging them. Venues can use their regular outlets.

*If you plan on making the flyers you can probably get a local artist to donate their services as well. Print them off and have a big day out with the bands where you all hang stuff together.

5. Don't stop advertising until the show is over.

6. Be sure to have people with information pertaining to your cause available to hand out pamphlets at your show.

If you have any other questions feel free to contact me [e-mail]