Because we are small, Whippoorwill Arts programming is focused on roots musicians, which is a community and family of music we know well:
• Folk in all its heritages
• Americana
• Blues
• Bluegrass
• Old-time
• US-based global music

As we see it, Pop Music is popular in a given time; Roots Music, on the other hand, comprises traditions and repertoire that are passed on–both preserved and freshly interpreted–from generation to generation, transcending a particular time. It is often story-based, and features specific instrumentation (eg, the cuatro in Puerto Rico).

American and US-based Folk Music is understood to be underfunded and under-resourced at this time. While there are funders and organizations economically supporting other genres, our mission is to provide support for the working musicians who keep the unique traditions of Roots Music alive.

• Working professional musicians within the Roots Music genre: Bluegrass, Folk, Americana, Blues, Old-time, and US-based global music (Note: musicians/bands do not need to play Roots Music exclusively. For example, a straight-ahead jazz band that also plays Americana may be approved and funded)

• You must live in an area with a Music aLIVE Chapter (Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay area, Nashville area, and Fort Collins Colorado area) and perform as a solo, duo or trio in a funded genre. We are expanding, stay in touch!

• Solos, duos, and trios. Up to 3 members per group, maximum

• Musicians working within their own region (eg, an easy drive away from the venue)

• Musicians may play up to eight (8) Music aLIVE concerts within the calendar year and no more than 1 concert within a calendar month***
***With the exception of Community Bookers doubling as band leaders – see Community Booker Info section.

We strongly encourage applications from BIPOC, disabled, and LGBTQIA musicians

• Concerts at agencies dedicated to serving underserved communities (see “Acceptable Venue Types” section for more info).
• Concert must be a one-off event. No series or festivals will be funded.
• Concerts are 1 hour.
• Generally acoustic performances. Bringing sound equipment is not necessary. Concerts are typically in a small room where an acoustic setup is completely appropriate. Please perform dynamically.
• Performances must cater to the specific audience (eg, when playing at a senior center, the setlist should include some covers the audience knows, and interaction should be positive and fitting for that audience).

• Children's Day Care
• Homeless shelter
• Developmentally Disabled Care Facility
• Detention Facility
• Assisted Living Center
• Mental Health Center
• Senior Day Program
• Drug & Alcohol Recovery Program
• Special Needs School
• Skilled Nursing Care
• Hospital
• Low Income Housing
• Visually Impaired Facility
• K-12 Public schools
• Farmers Markets (limited spots available)
• Libraries (limited spots available)

• Guaranteed pay of $200/musician for one hour of live music
• Payment will be made out directly to the band leader
• All musicians must be paid $200 per gig

• You will handle the online application on behalf of the bands you’re booking.
• You will be paid $35 per gig you book, following proof the concert took place.
• You may book your own band for Music aLIVE concerts, not exceeding one gig/month. ***Musicians playing in your band may perform in up to 12 Music aLIVE concerts per calendar year.
***You will be paid the $50 admin fee per completed gig for your own band, as is standard for band leaders.

• You must live in an area with a Music aLIVE Chapter (Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay area, Nashville area, and Fort Collins Colorado area) and perform as a solo, duo or trio in a funded genre. We are expanding, stay in touch!

• We will have *new* streamlined applications, expected by early January 2024. Until then, all curation is done through the Community Bookers. Please feel free to contact musicalive@whippoorwillarts.org if you would like to have an application emailed to you.