Lefty’s is proud to introduce a new series of shows starting in the later part of February.

New Music Mondays

We are opening up our stage, sound system and hearts to local bands that would like to play Lefty’s but for some reason haven’t yet. Not only will this give you a chance to play the room and expose your band under the best possible conditions but our talent buyers will be present to see your bands performance and your draw. Yes, that’s right the people that actually book the bands will be there. We will also encourage the independent promoters we work with to be there too.

It will give you a chance to meet, enjoy and network with other bands and artists from the area. Often we are all too busy to see every band in town and often have to pick and choose. Here’s an opportunity to be exposed to many bands that you may have not even known existed.

Our Goals:

1. To create a night where bands new, established or new to the market can play and win over new fans in front of a receptive audience.
2. To expose music fans and musicians to what local, regional and national music has to offer.
3. To get bands in front of our talent buyers in the most ideal condition. On a stage playing on one of the best sound systems in the Des Moines area and in front of a crowd.
4. To allow developing artists a comfortable, easy going and safe place to develop their art.
5. To allow artist to be exposed to other artist and network. With the goal of strengthening the local music scene.
6. In the future, we see this becoming established as the place to try out a new project, new members and/or new material to a more forgiving audience without all the pressures that are involved in playing for a paying audience. Regardless of if it’s a brand new project or a long time established band.
7. To get back to the heart of why music is so important in our all of us, IT’S FUN.  The goal both for our audience and the bands that play our stage is to have a good time. Often it seems as live music is increasingly sold as an Industry, it’s easy to forget that it’s supposed to be fun.

How to Get On the Bill

So, if you have a new band or established band, contact DaVo at davoleftys@gmail.com and include a short Bio/Description, links to music/youtube video and live or press photos. Booking will be done on a first come, first booked bases with a goal of starting February 22nd and then running every 2 weeks unless there is schedule conflicts with touring bands.

Requirements:

Originals – 90% of your set must be original material. Meaning that if your set is 10 songs, 9 of them need to be originals.

Not Open Mic Night – Should have a set lasting at least 30 minutes with a maximum of 45 minutes. I know that some styles of music lend themselves to shorter set but try to at the least have 8-10 songs. This is not an open mic night if you are a singer song writer with 4 songs, there are a number of coffee shops that would love to have you. If you are a band and only have 4 songs, write more songs.

Be On Time – Be able to show up on time and be supportive of the other bands. I know it is a school night and all but the reality is that local bands get better when the members take the time to watch other bands. If you don’t believe me ask anyone that has been successful in the music business and they will say, “See every band you can!!!”

Payment – This is a free show, meaning there will be no ticket sales/cover charge and no payment for talent at the end of the night. However, you are welcomed and encouraged to sell merchandise. Also, if you want to put out a tip jar and ask fans to feed the Kitty, please feel free to do so. Lefty’s Live Music does not support or require Pay to Play. In fact, we are completely opposed to the practice. We will not require you to sell ticket or buy tickets for resale!!!

Ages Requirements – Part of the show will be after 9pm which requires that there are no minors in the building. This will not effect those preforming but will effect those in the audience.

Promotion – Lefty’s will include the shows in all it’s normal promotions including posters in venue, inclusion on calendars, on our website and social media. However, additional  flyering, handing out handbills, social media and just pushing the show and getting the fans out will be up to  you. If you haven’t done promotions for your band and need pointers, feel free to ask.

Hospitality – Beyond  tap water, you will have to provide your own hospitality and buy any alcoholic beverages you wish to consume on the venue property(yes that does include the back parking lot) from the bar. However, we will be running a rotation of drink special throughout the night.

Regional and Touring Bands – Often the only date that you can manage in the area is Monday night. Yes, you can play Mondays but except only special situation will we charge cover or pay talent. However, you are welcome to play, sell merchandise and put out a tip jar. We are finding that the crowds on Mondays are often more respective to new bands they have never heard of than they would be on other nights with a cover charge. We will also try to put you between a few local acts to insure that the audience sticks around.

Update-Earlier Start Time:

Like every new thing it is a work in progress and we have made a few changes including the name. The biggest change has been moving the start time to 7pm. This allows part of the performances to be all ages from 7-9pm. This also means that the show is over earlier to allow those with work the next day to still enjoy a night of live music.