This is Scranton: Getting Booked in Scranton, PA (Workshop)

There is no single way to get booked in Scranton.

The local music scene is made up of wildly different venues, audiences, genres and promoters, and what works for an original punk band trying to land an all-ages show might be completely different from what works for a DJ trying to get into a nightclub or a rock band hoping to become a regular at one of the area's busiest live music venues.

This is Scranton brings together three bookers who operate in very different corners of the NEPA music scene for a candid conversation about what they look for, what makes them say yes, what makes them say no and what artists can do to build lasting relationships in Scranton.

Ray Meoni of Diavolo Booking and Skalidays Festival has spent years booking highly independent shows throughout the area. His experience spans all-ages events, 21+ shows, local showcases, regional touring acts and national artists across a variety of venues and unconventional spaces.

DJ Hersh of Sergei's Live and Beatteks approaches booking from an entirely different side of the industry. He books DJs for one of Scranton's busiest nightlife destinations, works with other venues to help connect DJs with opportunities and, as one-half of Beatteks, understands the other side of the conversation too: successfully booking and marketing your own act.

Vinnie Archer, owner and booker of The V Spot Bar, oversees the entertainment calendar at one of the most successful rock music venues in Scranton's history. With some form of live entertainment happening seven nights a week, Vinnie personally books an enormous number of artists every year and has a unique perspective on what separates a band that gets one show from a band that gets invited back again and again.

Three bookers. Three completely different worlds. Three very different perspectives on what a successful booking actually looks like.

We'll talk about how to make the first approach, what information bookers actually want from artists, common mistakes musicians make, building a draw, professionalism, promotion, networking, getting invited back and how touring artists can successfully break into the Scranton market.

We'll also talk about something that is just as important as getting your first show: staying relevant once you're here.

If you're an artist, band or DJ trying to play more shows in Northeastern Pennsylvania, this is your opportunity to hear directly from the people on the other side of the booking conversation.

Come with questions. Take notes. Make connections.

If you want to play Scranton, start by understanding Scranton.