The Launching Pad
The Launching Pad logo
Also visit...
- The Launching Pad's MySpace profile
- The Launching Pad's Facebook group
- The Nuvo article written about the venue
The following FAQ was written by venue cofounder and booking manager Alan Maugherman:
The Launching Pad interior
What is the Launching Pad?
The Launching Pad is a 225 square-foot all-ages concert venue and recording/rehearsal space operated by the Full Circle Arts Co-op. It is located in the back end of University Square, in the BSU Village. Click here if you have trouble locating the venue, or if you need directions.
How do I book a show at the Launching Pad?
Send a message through MySpace. This is the easiest way for us to hear your music, check out your tour dates, and figure out if a show will work or not. In your e-mail, please briefly list what dates you are interested in, any bands that may be a good fit to play with you that night, and why you think you’d be able to bring in a good crowd.
One of our younger fans enjoying a show.
I’m a promoter or booking agent. How do I book a show?
Send a message through MySpace and we can work out the details. If you are booking a full lineup for the night, the venue will take out a standard cut from the door and the promoter will be responsible for splitting up the remainder of the cover with the bands. The only two rules are that we reserve the right to put one local act on the bill for a 30 minute set to help promote the local music scene (they may play for free) and all bands are guaranteed to get 100% of their merchandise sales.
I e-mailed you about my band, so why haven’t I heard from you?
We’ve been getting at least 20 requests a week from bands to play at our new venue and I haven’t been able to respond to most requests. So, if you’re in a band and haven’t heard back, its just because I’m swamped with booking requests and we’ve only had two nights per week to fill shows. We’ve had to limit shows to local acts and touring bands that we safely know will bring in a crowd. The good news is that we are moving ahead towards being open four nights per week and will be booking more bands soon. HERE’S HOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF PLAYING OUR VENUE If a single band e-mails me that I’ve never heard of and who doesn’t have a huge following on myspace, I put you on a list of bands to contact if we need someone for a show. Unfortunately that list is now about 80 bands long. To increase your chances of getting a show your best option is to pick a date two months from now, contact several bands that have a following or find a popular local area band and ask them about doing a show together. If you come to me with a specific date and a list of three or four bands who are willing to work together and help PROMOTE the show, then I’ll be much more likely to get back to you. There typically needs to be at least one local band playing to bring in a crowd, so keep that in mind. You can search under Top Artists in myspace music near area code 47303 to get an idea of what bands to contact, or just ask around. Also, you will be much more likely to get a date on a Thursday or a Sunday.
The Launching Pad exterior
How much does it cost to play at your venue?
The Launching Pad was partially started because too many local bands were having to pay to rent out places to play for their friends. You do not have to pay anything up front to play at our venue. However, our rent is $1600 per month due to our location and we have to keep the first $200 from the door so we can at least stay open. We generally keep $2 per person with a minimum of $200 for a show. If we book your band and very few people show up, you won’t make any money and we likely won’t be too excited to book you again. If you don’t make the $200 minimum, we definately won’t book you again. We do help promote shows, but if you don’t have a big following, you’re going to have to promote your show to make money. Also, if you are booking directly through the venue, we set the cover charge for the show at $2 plus $1 for each band that is playing a full set (i.e. $5 for 3 bands, $7 for 5 bands). The venue keeps $2 and each band keeps $1 per person. Larger acts or shows put on through a promoter are worked out on an individual basis.
Can I rent out The Launching Pad for a private party or fundraiser?
Yes, as long as we do not have a show scheduled for that night. We charge $200 for Fridays and Saturdays and $100 on any other day to rent out the venue, and we provide volunteers to run sound and clean up afterward (though we appreciate all the help we can get). As an All Ages venue we do not serve alcohol at any public events. We are in the process of arranging the possibility of having catering and alcohol for private functions that are closed to the public. If you are interested in renting the venue for your fraternity, sorority, church group, bamatizvah, birthday, personal fan club, or what not, then send us an e-mail
What does our band need to bring to play a show?
The Launching Pad has a 225 square foot stage with stationary stage lighting and a 4000 Watt PA system. We have a 24 channel mixing board, vocal/guitar/drum microphones, mic stands, and stage monitors. You should only need to bring a drum kit, amplifiers, and instruments. We have some spare music equipment on hand too if you have an emergency. We now have three direct boxes (yeah!!!). We also have the capability of recording live from the mixing board, but it will need some post production and tweaking to sound good. You are welcome to bring a digital recorder or laptop to record the show.
How do I sell merchandise at the show?
We have a dedicated merchandise area as you walk in towards the stage. You will need to set up your merchandise and have someone man the merch area. Bands always keep 100% of merch sales.
Can I bring in food and drinks?
Unfortunately, we have a strict No Outside Food or Drinks policy. First, we can’t have people sneaking in alcohol and getting the place shut down. Secondly, we don’t sell alcohol, so the only way to compete with local bars for customers is to have really good live music and sell a few refreshments.
Do you only have rock music acts?
We are open to hosting any type of music and other forms of art. Just send us a message and give us some indication that you can get people to come see you. We are also planning to have DJ’s, dance nights, Guitar Hero competitions, open mic nights, and art exhibits in the future. If you have ideas for possible events or bands you’d like to see, feel free to leave us a message.
Do you rent out rehearsal space?
We have had bands asking to rent out rehearsal space since we are usually only open Thurs-Sat nights. We have a dedicated rehearsal space in the venue that can be used by local bands. Instead of having bands pay for rehearsal space, we prefer to have each band work an upcoming show in exchange for rehearsal time. Send a message if you have any interest in working out rehearsal time.