Chicago has one of the richest music scenes in the world. Jazz may have been born in the Big Easy, but it learned how to walk and talk in the Windy City! You may not be able to hire one of Chicago’s legends for your next event, but you have a bountiful selection of up-and-coming Chicago bands and musicians for hire to choose from.
Pick the Type of Music That Fits Your Audience
Before starting your band hunt, put some thought into the type of music that best suits your audience. If it’s a dance, what age group are you catering to? Hosting a party? Find out what types of music the guests enjoy. Of course, when it comes to weddings, the bride and groom’s taste is all that matters. In Chicago, the primary musical genre selections are:
- Jazz
- Blues
- House Music
- Soul
- Rock
- Hip Hop
- Gospel
Knowing what genre will best fit your crowd will help you narrow your search for the best bands.
Search the Local Classified Ads
The local classifieds can help you find Chicago bands for hire in two ways: you can search the already-posted ads, or you can place your own ad and let the bands come to you. Classified ads in the Chicago Tribune are often filled with local acts looking for gigs, and placing your own ad is more affordable than paying cover charges at all the local clubs to hunt for a band.
Many local acts also place ads on Craigslist, within the “musicians” section. You can also check the Chicago eBay classifieds under the listing for services, or search the listings in Oodle Chicago marketplace. If you decide to place an ad, put it in the “For Hire” section for the best results.
Use Chicago Bands for Hire Websites
In addition to the classified ads, a number of websites are set up specifically to help people find the right band for their event. Chicago Entertainment Agency, for example, is designed so you can search for a Chicago band by the type of event you’re having. Other popular websites include GigMasters Chicago jazz band listings and GigMasters Chicago blues band listings, which are ideal for finding bands to play at wedding receptions, family reunions, and parties for older crowds.
To search for a band by genre instead of the type of event, try Gigs4All. Gig Salad is another great resource similar to GigMasters, and you can search their site for specific genres, like folk music and Mariachi. If you’re specifically looking for a band to play a wedding, WeddingWire features orchestras, party music bands, cover bands, DJs, and more.
Hang Out at the Chicago Music Venues
In truth, there’s no better way to select from the available Chicago bands for hire than to see them play in person! Fortunately, Chicago has a thriving live music scene where you can see the area’s best bands and book them before they become too popular to afford.
The Elbo Room, for examples, hosts a variety of different bands and genres.
No matter which method you use to find Chicago bands, be sure to make time to hear them perform before making your decision. You can narrow down your search by looking for local reviews on the band before scheduling an audition, or simply head to one of their upcoming gigs to check out their style. With an awesome band on stage, your event will be the talk of the town!
Photo by Canadian Film Centre
Suzy S.