MyGigNet Virtual Site - Pre-Venue Performance Services

This section addresses all the pre-requisite services and materiel supporting live performance prior to arriving at the venue.

Modules to support venue relationships are here, which is probably the very crux of what will make MGN indispensible to the business of music, and will, I believe, revitalize music culture in the U.S. By putting emphasis on creating, encouraging and nurturing venue relations, MGN will have the "inside" connection necessary to close the loop within which live performance transactions are accomplished.

This means venues and bands will be able to calendar, contract, and promote, with the venues they perform at, and be paid using MGN systems. Each service along the way can be easily customized by having the opportunity to create options. For example, a band may opt out of being paid by direct bank deposit because no band member has a local bank branch (MGN could setup preferential accounts for venues and bands at partner banks that have branches everywhere, so the MGN member venues and band get perks for using the MGN system). Or, a venue needs to have a liability waiver in the contract--they can specify any number of waivers and exceptions in MGN's contract-design module.

For those bands who prefer to use 3rd party manager/agents, this module provides everything needed for this position, automating most aspects of itinerary making and media contact/promotion. Event planners for corporations, chambers of commerce, arts organizations, etc., will find that using MGN systems take all of the headache out of creating and promoting an event with live performances.

MGN must create vendor relations with all the major music and sound wholesale and retail outlets, ensuring complete coverage across the country. Bands can optin to MGN equipment insurance that will immediately replace damaged pieces preventing performance by liaising with local music equipment vendors. These vendors are notified about all MGN band itineraries through their area, and agree to have a store agent on call to deliver needed items at a moments notice.

The same is true of transport services, such as car/truck rental vendors, and road emergency service such as AAA Autoclub, Sears Autoclub, or GoodSam Road Assistance. MGN develops relationships with these vendors to cover the country. Partnering with motel and hotel chains, restaurants, catering services, and grocery stores provide band discounts for food and drink. MGN Musician Hosting is a program where private families or individuals provide housing and/or meals for itinerant bands. In exchange the hosts receive free passes to shows, and other perks and points.

In case of sudden injury or illness in a band, using the MGN Musicians/Bands Database, qualified subs can be hired on the spot, who have already indicated this preference in the profile, and are kept notified of the itineraries of the bands they choose to be prepared for as a sub. Using MGN subbing program, they can be certified as a qualified stand-in, or bands can choose specific subs or audition subs via MGN conferencing modules. By doing the program the subbing musician can earn credits toward any MGN services.

Once a venue and band have completed the contracting process, MGN promotion machine goes into action, with automatic press releasing to all local media outlets. MGN develops parner relationships with all media outlets, influential bloggers, and other social networking sites on the Net to promote the show. Should the venue do ticketing for their shows, MGN offers a range of ticketing options from leading national ticket agencies (Ticketmaster) to regional or local vendors.

Bands can use MGN graphics templates and print services to develop all manner of swag for the band or the band's shows--everything from posters to hats to bumper stickers. MGN offers postering and signage services (sensitive to local ordinances) in agreement with local partners. MGN's Fan Club module manages email and snail mail lists and mailings, along with social networking websites, and street teams. Street teams get passes to shows, discounts on or free band swag, and if the street team member is an MGN musician, can also earn credits toward MGN services.

Non-musician street team members can also report on new venues, write show reviews, or blog on MGN's website in exchange for discounts on MGN Store items. Any non-musicians can participate in MGN at the 1st Tier, and are rewarded for doing so, because they are the volunteer eyes and ears of MGN, allowing MGN to avoid large staff payrolls in favor of a well-managed and rewarded volunteer force.

Forums

Musicians/Venues Database

Itineraries & Road Support

Equipment & Transport

Promotion & Media Services

Fan Clubs

SUGGEST RESOURCE FOR THIS PAGE