Busboys and Poets offers a platform for a diversity of artists including the soundsmiths and melody makers of the universe. We have many different opportunities for musicians!
PERFORM AT ONE OF OUR OPEN MICS SUITABLE FOR MUSICIANS
"LIVE! from Busboys" Talent Showcase & Open Mic
Where & When14th & V | Every 1st Friday of the month; 11:00pm – 1:00am hosted by Ne'a Posey
Shirlington | Every Last Friday of the month; 10:00pm – Midnight hosted by Ryan Walker
Hyattsville | Every 3rd Friday of the month; 10:00pm – Midnight hosted by Y’Anna Crawley with house musicians, the Lissen Band.
Admission
$5 tickets available ONLINE beginning at midnight on the day of the Open Mic. If available, door sales will begin 30 minutes prior to the event. Cash only. Sorry, no refunds.
SINGER-SONGWRITER OPEN MIC
(In partnership with Songwriters’ Association of Washington)Where: 5th & K
When: 2nd Sunday of every month; 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Admission: $5 tickets available ONLINE beginning at midnight on the day of the Open Mic. If available, door sales will begin 30 minutes prior to the event. Cash only. Sorry, no refunds.
RENT A SPACE FOR YOUR GIG
Musicians and bands have the option to rent one of our event spaces to host a performance. There are plenty of event-planning information such as room fees, event menus, and policies right here on our website, so be sure to review the Plan an Event section! We offer musicians discounted rates to rent the space. Please contact our Marketing & Events Team by phone at 202-332-6432 or by email at events@busboysandpoets.com for further details.
BUSBOYS AND POETS SPONSORED GIGS
We invite musicians to perform live, however, due to our diversity in programming our live music bookings are limited. While we are not your typical music venue, our performance spaces are ideal for an intimate and unique performance experience. Acoustic performances work best in our space. The performance spaces are set up "dinner theater-style” and food and beverage service is offered throughout the show. We require that all performances booked by Busboys and Poets be free and open to the public. Musicians are permitted to “pass the hat” and sell merchandise, a responsibility held by the musician. If you are interested in submitting a request to have a Busboys and Poets sponsored gig, please review and email the following to Nafisa at nafisa@busboysandpoets.com:
• links to website, myspace, facebook, EPK, etc. where we can hear and review your music
• local places (venues, festivals, concerts, etc.) where you have played (DC/MD/VA)
• number of attendees you draw (please provide a realistic estimate)
• any other useful information and "selling points" about your band/music
We do our best to listen to every submission, but due to the large volume of musical inquiries that we receive we are unable to respond to each request. Submissions are reviewed monthly.
All musicians who perform at Busboys and Poets must abide to the Live Music Guidelines below.
LIVE MUSIC GUIDELINES
1. Musicians will only be permitted to perform at Busboys and Poets after a signed copy of the Live Music Guidelines Agreement Form (LINK TO THE PDF) has been received. The agreement should be signed by the event host (not the performer).
2. Artists must be able to load-in through the front of the restaurant.
3. 30 minutes is provided for set-up and sound check. Since there is minimal allotted time for sound check it is suggested that a line check be worked into the set to check levels.
4. There is no dedicated sound technician. The manager on duty sets up the sound and checks in intermittently. Artists are permitted to bring a qualified sound technician.
5. We require that all programming go through our sound board. Amplifiers are not allowed but artists are permitted to bring one stage monitor.
6. Artists are permitted to sell CDs and merchandise as long as sales are handled by the artist.
7. Busboys and Poets prides itself on being a good community member. Accordingly, we reserve the right to regulate the volume of live music performances.
EVENT ROOM SPECIFICS FOR MUSICAL PERFORMANCES:
LANGSTON ROOM (14th & V)
Seated Capacity: 85
Max number of performers: 4
Capabilities: An 18x12 ft stage, MACKIE DFX 12-channel mixer, 7 speakers, 4 microphones, professional lighting, XLR and quarter inch cables, DVD/CD Player, iPod hook-up, Projector and Projection Screen (in front of stage)
CULLEN ROOM (5th & K)
Seated Capacity: 90
Maximum number of performers: 4
Capabilities: 12x12 ft stage, 8-channel sound board, 7 speakers, 4 microphones, professional lighting, XLR and quarter inch cables, iPod Hook-up, DVD/CD Player, Projector and Projection Screen (in front of stage)
ROBESON ROOM (Shirlington)
Seated Capacity: 80
Max number of performers: 4
Capabilities: 12x12 ft stage, 8-channel sound board, 7 speakers, 4 microphones, professional lighting, XLR and quarter inch cables, iPod Hook-up, DVD/CD Player, Projector and Projection Screen (in front of stage)
ZINN ROOM (Hyattsville)
Seated Capacity: 150
Max number of performers: 4
Capabilities: 20x11 ft stage, 14-channel sound board, 7 speakers, 3 wired microphones, 1 wireless microphone, professional lighting, XLR and quarter inch cables, iPod Hook-up, Blu Ray DVD Player, Projector and Projection Screen (behind stage)
