the bandshare story
What began in Seattle in 2008 as a simple idea among three friends who shared a common desire to play and perform music in a fun and non-competitive environment eventually blossomed into the Urban Music Farm: a thriving playing community chock-full of talented adult recreational musicians in and around Seattle. Following a handful of live events where rotating vocalists performed cover songs with a backing band, the idea evolved to include a wider range of musical styles, series formats and participating musicians. And from there a recreational musician community was born. Bandshare is an exciting evolution of our early day "musician hub" roots and we're excited to get you involved.
WELCOME TO THE BANDSHARE PERFORMANCE COMMUNITY
With a rotating cast of musicians performing on classic songs from iconic bands and artists, Bandshare events connect everyday players, host bands and live music fans in cities across the country. Guest musicians sign-up for an event, pick their songs and playing slots, learn their parts and have a great time with friends, family and community on the live stage.
Each Bandshare event is designed to strip the performance experience down to its bare essentials for guest musicians: well-curated set lists, goal-oriented practice time, a great show atmosphere and a guaranteed good time for everyone. It's participatory, plug-n-play performance made easy minus the constraints, pressures or judgments of the professional music scene.
Each Bandshare event is designed to strip the performance experience down to its bare essentials for guest musicians: well-curated set lists, goal-oriented practice time, a great show atmosphere and a guaranteed good time for everyone. It's participatory, plug-n-play performance made easy minus the constraints, pressures or judgments of the professional music scene.
who you are
Bandshare participants range from college students to 9-to-5'ers to early retirees who love to play and perform but lack the time and resources to put a stage-ready band together. Maybe you used to be in bands but gave it up for "adulthood" or you play an instrument but haven't done so in a while and are hungry to pick it back up, if you like to play and perform, Bandshare makes it simple and fun. So whether you're 25 or 55, a little rusty or highly-polished, we've got you covered.
benefits of participation
- Simple and convenient way to meet like-minded musicians, perform live and make some new friends along the way.
- Low-risk and hassle-free way to tryout the "fit" (musically and personally) among potential new band mates.
- Improve your overall playing through focused, goal-oriented practice time and live performance.
- Expand your playing network in your hometown or in new locations across the country.
- Try out new musical styles you might otherwise not have considered or had the opportunity to explore.
- Have an amazing amount of fun performing music like you never have before.
As a Bandshare performer you're supporting working bands and musicians by directly contributing to their show earnings through your individual participation in the band's performances. Not only are you gaining access to a bandsharing marketplace that makes plug-n-play, participatory-performance a reality, you're also contributing to the success of your local music scene. Everyone benefits in the Bandshare model.
Sign up for a event today and experience a shift in not only how you make music but who you make music with.
Questions? Check out our FAQ page for additional information or feel free to contact us. We love hearing from the community!
Questions? Check out our FAQ page for additional information or feel free to contact us. We love hearing from the community!