Anyone Can Book A Gig

A few months ago, we wrapped up our second guided artist training cohort in partnership with Jazz Power Initiative. Here's what Co-Founder and Artistic Director Eli Yamin had to say about the program.

"Nobody enjoys being broke – and this course gives you the tools to pursue your art with integrity while creating consistent pathways to pay the band and pay yourself."

New videos are coming to Anyone Can Book a Gig!

As part of our trip to Europe a few weeks ago, we had the chance to shoot additional content to update our online program!

👀 Stay tuned...

After more than 20 years attending jazzahead! in Bremen, Katherine McVicker has learned what makes the difference between a trip that transforms your career and one that just costs money.

We're excited to share that Anyone Can Book a Gig is heading to Europe this April for a three-stop workshop tour.

This is a meaningful milestone for us. Take a look at what we have lined up:

📍 Royal Conservatoire, The Hague — April 21
We're bringing the workshop directly to students at one of Europe's most respected music conservatories. This is an opportunity to work directly with the next generation of professional musicians on the real-world business skills that don't always make it into the curriculum.

📍 Jazzahead! Conference, Bremen — April 24
Jazzahead! is one of the premier international jazz industry gatherings, and we're honored to be presenting on the conference program. This workshop is our follow up to the hugely successful industry panel we presented independently at last year's conference.

📍 Zig Zag Jazz Club, Berlin — April 27
We close the trip at one of Berlin's most beloved jazz venues, a destination for so many of the artists represented by our agency, to bring booking education to working musicians in a grassroots, community setting.

We're proud of the range these three events represent: conservatory, conference, and club. It reflects our belief that this work belongs everywhere musicians are.

🎷 BERLIN — we're coming for you.

Anyone Can Book a Gig is landing at Zig Zag Jazz Club on Monday, April 27 for a live workshop on demystifying the booking process.

If you've ever wondered how to actually get gigs — how to reach venues, pitch yourself, and build a touring life — this is for you.

📅 Mon, April 27 · 7–8:30pm
📍 Zig Zag Jazz Club, Berlin
🎟 https://www.zigzag-jazzclub.berlin/program-mai/kathwork

Led by Katherine McVicker and Music Works International, with 30+ years of experience booking tours.

Workshop - Anyone can book a Gig with Katherine McVicker — Zig Zag Jazz Club Berlin (Workshop) Katherine McVicker, Leiterin der weltweit renommierten Booking-Agency Music Works International gibt Einblicke in die Prozesse hinter den Kulissen!

At our Folk Alliance International workshop, we asked: what does a successful 2026 look like?

One artist wanted to grow beyond DIY house shows.
Another aimed for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
A third wanted to expand regionally with their band.

Different goals → different strategies. That’s why we start with clarity, not bookings.

What does success look like for you this year? 👇

We're officially 3 months into 2026—Time to check in on your yearly goals!

Back in January, at Folk Alliance International, we spent time asking artists about their goals for the year. Knowing your own version of success can make a huge difference in knowing how to stay moving in the right direction.

It's time to ask yourself:
What have you been doing that's been working?
What areas can you deprioritize?
What's the next step for you over the next 3 months?

If you didn't set goals in January, that's okay, you can start now.

For the full review, download our free 2026 Touring & Music Career Planner: https://2xhnn.share.hsforms.com/20qngZLjhTJWlLr_hZkrrzA

What happens when real booking knowledge meets the classroom?

This semester, saxophonist and educator Javon Jackson, Director of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at The Hartt School, University of Hartford, included the Anyone Can Book a Gig textbook in his master’s curriculum.

As part of the course, program author Katherine McVicker joined the class to share insights from decades in the booking world — answering students’ questions and teaching the practical skills musicians need to start booking their own shows.

Here’s what some of the students had to say after the session.

If you’ve ever sent a booking email like this… you’re not alone. 😅

Most musicians spend hours posting online but forget the simplest step: sending a clear, thoughtful email.

Save this post for the next time you reach out to a venue — your future self will thank you.