Booking

Some quick housekeeping

The Pyramid Scheme is a 425 capacity, independently owned and operated community space, and y’all know what it’s like to be an independent small business “in this economy”. So my job, besides curating a varied calendar of events that’s reflective of the folks that live in our community, is to make sure the venue is packed, drinks are flowing, the staff is paid and happy, and the lights are on. The Pyramid Scheme primarily books national bands or local bands that have a following. Opening slots are limited (most national tours bring their own support) and generally reserved for artists that we feel are working hard in Grand Rapids and beyond.

I’ve been booking shows in this room since it opened 14 years ago, and collectively, our team knows what it takes to fill the space. And the reality is, a lot of artists just might not be ready, or a great fit with the vibe, and that’s OK. Throughout the booking process, I strive to be completely honest and transparent. In most cases, even opening acts need to have a following in Grand Rapids, to help keep the lights on. We’re not a restaurant, we don’t have a built-in crowd. This is a destination venue, with a significant mailing list and social media following, which we will activate to the best of our ability. But an act definitely needs to have some semblance of a following here to help us get enough people in the door to keep the bills paid.

That all said, let’s talk about what we ARE looking for. The Scheme is a place for original music, first and foremost. While we do host comedy shows, live podcasts, and a good number of dance parties, what we’re trying to do here is fill out a calendar with original live music. We want to host a diverse calendar, a mix of sounds and faces that is representative of the beautiful folks of the Grand Rapids area, mixed with a variety of touring artists from all over the world. We don’t often host tribute and cover acts. And we’re generally filling dates 3-6 months in advance. For busier times of year (spring/fall), it tends to be more on the 6 months side.

OK, OK, so you’re a live performer, you think you fit the bill at the Scheme. Now what? Let’s divide you into 1 of 3 categories.

If you’re a touring band from out of state, let’s just skip ahead a little. Do not fill out the form linked below. Just make your best pitch to me via email at nate@pyramidschemebar.com. Put the name of your act in the subject line, do not attach anything to the email except maybe a one-sheet PDF (links to Google Drive or Dropbox are great), and just make your best pitch. Includes links to your streaming and socials, a bio, any important milestones, and especially any history that you might have playing shows in West Michigan!

If you’re not pulling 150-200 people in markets like Grand Rapids, this might not be the spot, but you never know. I might fall in love with what you’re doing and find you a spot regardless of the numbers. I’ll try to at least give a listen and see what I think, and will do my best to answer your email, even though we get A LOT of email.

If you’re a Michigan artist, and you’ve worked with me before, chances are you’re already in my database. Check my artist database first. If you’re not listed in there, fill out our booking form.

Feel free to shoot me an email at nate@pyramidschemebar.com to check in and make your pitch. If things have changed a ton since we last talked, and you want to shoot me a fresh pitch, go ahead and fill out the form again. I’ll combine your entries.

Finally, if you’re neither of these, and you think that you’re truly a new (to me) Michigan-based artist that’s looking to say hello, please fill out our booking form. That’ll get you into the system that I use to find local opening acts, to dream up cool ideas, etc. And once you’re in there, feel free to email me at nate@pyramidschemebar.com whenever about whatever! Let’s stay in touch!