Maximum Ames, Des Moines Music coalition host Music University

By Dale Johnson
Ames247 Staff Writer

The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition and Maximum Ames will host a Music University session on touring as a band at the Orange Gentleman on Friday at 7 p.m.

“On the Road: Building a Tour and Surviving It” will cover how to book a tour and play one through open discussion. Both those who have toured before and those wishing to tour are encouraged to participate. This event will be moderated by Chris Ford of Maximum Ames and Jill Haverkamp of the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition.

“We’re hoping to inspire people who are interested in sharing their art with people outside of their communities,” Ford said.  “We’re going to share that people from their own community has done that.”

The event will cover how to find and book shows as well as other musicians sharing the various aspects of touring, according to Haverkamp.  Mumford’s front man Nate Logsdon, who will attend to share the band’s experiences, said some of these aspects include eating, exercise and hydrating properly when on the road.

Haverkamp and Ford both stated that they look to see attendees discuss what they want to learn about touring. They also encourage making  connections with other community members with a shared interest in touring and exchange contact information.  A tour can be anywhere from travelling the nation to remaining in state, according to Ford.

“Anyone that can send an email and use Google can book a tour,” Logsdon said.  He stated it’s easy but needs to be done right.

Attendees will also discuss how to promote a tour after booking one, according to Haverkamp.  Ford said Music University will provide people an opportunity to speak with bookers and musicians who work with touring on a day to day basis.

“I hope that someone takes away something from the discussion,” Haverkamp said. “Whether they learned something or taught something.”

Ford said that he looks to see musicians think about where they stand as an artist and learn to decide if touring is right for them and what type of tour to plan.

Details

Where: The Orange Gentleman 702 Clark Ave., Ames, Iowa

When: Friday, May 18

Time: 7 p.m.

Hosted by Jill Haverkamp and Chris Ford

Live music from Luke Belknap and potluck dinner also available