How and Where to Get a Gig in Hampton Roads

By Mark Wisinger

Table of ContentsIntroduction General Advice Venues:Goodfella's Bayou Beach Grill Baker Street Jewish Mother House of Jazz Wipeout Eddy's Smackwater Jack's Scully's Route 44 Peabody's The Venue on 35th Club Relevant

IntroductionAs a young member of a band of teenagers, I had little idea what being a performing musician involved. There is no exact science to success, although there are basic guidelines that should be followed. It's extremely important to know all the clubs, dives, bars, and other various venues in the area. However, there's no intuitive guide or directory of venues in the Hampton Roads area. Most information is spread via-word-of-mouth, but this leaves a lot of musicians in the dark. Crucial information such as atmosphere, venue type, and contact information are often hard to locate. Venues also close and open, but sometimes unexpectedly, leaving a miscommunication gap and a massive amount of misinformation. For example, Cogan's used to be a local rock dive, but is now a pizza joint. Without this crucial tidbit, a musician may waste valuable time searching for a nonexistent venue. Certain venues are also tailored to certain genres such as metal, blues, rock, et cetera. The last thing a musician wants to do is play to an audience that wants something drastically different. The purpose of this guide is to quickly inform readers about the local venues, by giving essential information that will contribute to your success, along with some general information that applies to all situations. In no time you'll be on stage rocking out to that massive crowd, and well on your way to Hampton Roads fame!

General AdviceAs a musician or member of a band that is interested in performing at the local scene in Hampton Roads needs to know the venues and how to get access to the stage. Each venue follows a similar guideline: notify the owner or a manager of your interest, and work out an agreement. Some venues have an open mic night or similar opportunity that allows impromptu performs by any willing performer. These open mic nights are an excellent way to become acquainted with the audience and vibe of some venues, and to gain precious experience. It is also useful for establishing contacts with the managers of the venues and other musicians. It is imperative to establish a large network of contacts, which can be utilized to book shows and gain information. A rapport with an owner or manager will be essential in securing gigs and other opportunities to perform. Accept every opportunity offered, as owners or managers are less likely to continue to offer gigs if their offers are routinely declined. Money should not be a prime concern, as at the amateur level, any chance to perform should be taken. There are a limited number of slots in any given night, and innumerable acts around the area, therefore the competition for the spotlight is fierce. With these valuable tips under a musician's belt, he or she should be well under way to becoming a successful local performing musician.

Goodfella's

Venue Details:Goodfellas Restaurant & Bar 13 E Queens Way Hampton, VA 23669 757-723-4979 www.goodfellasbluesbar.com

Atmosphere:A very popular and lively venue, hailed as the premier blues venue in Hampton Roads. It yields sizeable crowds, and is highly revered as a high-quality venue for solid blues and rock. Contact the owner far before you plan to perform, and make sure you have an average amount of experience, as this is not an entry-level venue. They may request a press kit, so prepare one in advance. A press kit may comprise of photos, recordings, and other material to advertise and demonstrate professionalism.

Bayou

Essential Information:Omni Pavilion in Virginia Beach; 757-422-8900

Atmosphere:This beach dive features alternative and cover oriented bands. Low bar of entry, a great starting and romping grounds for fresh acts.

HO Beach Grill

Essential Information:757-496-2755. 3152 Shore Drive in Virginia Beach

Atmosphere:This small surf bar and grill features open mic nights, bar bands, and alternative acts. The open mic nights are an excellent opportunity for beginning bands, as a signup is all that is required to perform.

Baker Street

Essential Information:757-479-4480. 1920 Centerville Turnpike in Va. Beach.

Atmosphere:This restaurant features a songwriter's night. Acoustic performers and mellow acts with low-key performances will find a home here. Don't expect to play metal or anything heavy here, as it is focused on original and mellow songs.

Jewish Mother

Essential Information:757-422-5430. 3108 Pacific Ave. in Virginia Beach

Atmosphere: A well rounded venue, with a jazz, rock, and folk focus. Requires a moderate level of experience, rather than entry level acts. Contact owner/manager in advance to secure a gig.

House of Jazz

Essential Information: Atmosphere:A jazz oriented venue, with a moderate level of experience required. Performances are usually held most weekend evenings.

Wipeout Eddy's

Essential Information:11712 Jefferson Ave Ste K, Newport News, VA Tel: (757) 873-3339

Atmosphere:A club with reggae, acoustic, and alternative sounds. Moderate to little experience required. A laid back venue that serves as a stepping stone to more intense venues.

Smackwater Jack's

Essential Information:757-340-6638. 3333 Va. Beach Blvd. in Va. Beach

Atmosphere:Another club with a laid-back attitude and a reasonably low experience requirement. The focus is on acoustic pieces, singer-song writers, and blues-rock music, although there are karaoke nights for the less serious. There are usually no covers performed however, so it is advised to perform only original songs.

Scully's Essential Information:3472 Holland Road Virginia Beach, VA Zip:234524873 Phone:757-468-7625

Atmosphere:Scully's primary performances are metal, hard rock, or alternative. Admission is at the door. A midrange venue that serves the heavier genres. If you or your band does metal, then look no further, because most venues don't particularly focus on heavier genres.

ROUTE 44

Essential Information:206 22nd St. Virginia Beach, VA 23451-3327 757-425-6979

Atmosphere:The top rock venue on the Beach strip. At least, that's the perception and attitude of this venue. All the focus is on rock and associated genres. A moderate to slightly below moderate level of experience is required; contact the owner/manager to book a gig.

Peabody's

Essential Information:211 21st St Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (757) 422-6212

Atmosphere:This venue features a focus on alternative and dance acts. There are also bar bands and dance nights. Expect a party and dance atmosphere, and not a bar atmosphere. Moderate experience required, but experience should be related to dance/club music.

The Venue on the 35

th

Essential Information:631 35th Street between Colley and Newport Avenues Norfolk VA, 23508 757-469-0337

Atmosphere:A very balanced venue, featuring performers of all types. Anything goes here, just be sure to book a gig in advance and run by your ideas with the manager. There is an open mic night, which is an excellent opportunity for rising bands to showcase their music.

Club Relevant

Essential Information929 Level Green Boulevard. 23462. Virginia Beach, Virginia. 757-714-9874

Atmosphere:A very active and clean atmosphere, geared towards teenagers. Features a wide variety of genres, but hardcore and alternative in particular. Very easy to book a show, simply ask the manager via myspace or phone, usually a supporting role is always available. Little to absolutely no experience required, as long as you can sell 25 tickets minimum (if supporting). Very popular venue that is easy to start at, recommended for younger musicians.