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How do young/new performers get gigs?

• Friend recommendations to musicians/dance organizers
• Friends with musicians/callers
• Do guest calling spots or sit in with experienced band
• Find a mentor
• Callers/musician networks so they can swap gigs
• Networking at breaks/festivals
• Play or call at small, "struggling" dances - to get experience and let people see that you know what you're doing
• Email/call every organizer you can. Cold call. Introduce yourself.
• Start your own dance
• Take workshops to network with other callers or musicians
• Join discussion groups/online communities
• Book a tour For yourself in a region where people don't know you - if you email and say you're a caller/band on tour they're likely to book you, but make sure you're good enough to get asked back
• Get dances from experienced callers at dance weekends - word circulates, and people you don't know will start approaching you and going, "so, I hear that you call, and there's this opportunity..."
• Open band once a month where some experienced musicians get paid to teach new musicians how to build tunes and drive a dance. Then organizers can consult with open band leaders about who is ready to get booked
• And call at open mic nights
• Separate open band and open caller times to help things go more smoothly

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