Info for Hosts

PHOTO BY MATT BRADFORD
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You're hosting an Undertow Show - thank you! We really appreciate the generosity. We couldn't do this without you. 

If this is your first time hosting, we're grateful you took the plunge. And while it doesn't take much to be a good host, the job can come with some questions. 

For that reason, we've compiled a bunch of info for you about how these shows work. There's also some helpful tips for the day-of-show to make sure this is a great experience for everyone. Please read through and get in touch if you have any questions or concerns. 

How ticket sales work:

+ Fans are directed to buy tickets in advance on the Undertow Shows website. We do online pre-sales so the host doesn't have to pay the artist or handle money at the door.

+ Ticket holders will receive a follow-up email immediately after purchase with event details compiled into a PDF. This PDF ticket is constructed from the details in your submission form. Hosts' personal information (address, phone number, etc) WILL NOT be published on the internet. We try really hard to respect your privacy and want to keep random people from hassling you directly about the show.

+ Hosts get 5 free tickets, in addition to comps for anyone who lives or works in the space. There's no need to give Undertow your guests' names, you can just let them in.

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Tips for a smooth day-of-show experience:


+ Undertow will send over the final guest list the day of the show. All you have to do is cross-reference the names on the list with attendees on your doorstep.

+ We ask guests arrive no earlier than 45 minutes before show time. The artist arrives just prior to the guests to load-in and set-up. Shows typically start promptly at 8pm and run 60-90 minutes. We tell guests ahead of time not to overstay their welcome and vacate your space 30 minutes after the show has ended.

+ Most artists will need to borrow a chair to sit on during the show. Armless dinner chairs work best. Artists will also need a small table or countertop space to lay out tour merchandise. If an artist is touring with a PA or extra gear we'll let you know in advance.

+ Put on some background music at moderate to low volume so people can mingle and chat before the show. Try to avoid playing jams associated with the act you're hosting. Don't forget to turn off the music before the show starts!

+ Mood lighting! It's helpful to have some ambient lighting, a few lamps, or overhead lights on a dimmer to set the mood. If you have no control over the lights, don't worry about it. **PLEASE!! No lit candles or open flame during event hours.

+ The submission pages state that we don't book openers on Undertow Shows. Please don't ask us to make an exception for your friend, or local songwriter, to play before the show. It puts us all in a weird spot when we have to say no. It's much easier for every show to stay consistent and on-schedule with just one act performing.

+ Make sure you've made proper arrangements for your pets. We agree that pets can be like family, but they can also become unpredictable around a bunch of strangers. Put 'em away, send 'em to a friend's house, and bring 'em back after the show!

**NOTE: Some low caliber hosts try and run these shows like a luxury house party where the artist is decoration. That is completely against the spirit of these shows and makes things really uncomfortable for everyone in attendance. Don't be that guy. You won't host again.

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Mask Policy (updated January 31, 2023)
Undertow is still encouraging COVID-19 safety precautions at shows. The mask policy is determined by the artist and host preference for each show. 

+ Masks encouraged shows:
Masks are not required during the performance, however - they are strongly encouraged. 

+ Masks required shows: 
Guests are asked, by the artist and host, to wear a well-fitting mask during the performance. 

Though not required to attend a show, Undertow HIGHLY encourages all eligible patrons to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Thanks for understanding and helping us make these shows as safe as possible for all guests, hosts, and performers. 

If you are hosting a "Masks Required" event - scroll down to grab a printable PDF sign you can post at your entrance to notify guests.

If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help make this easy and fun for everyone.

hello@undertowshows.com
ph: 217-359-0622 (Monday-Friday / 10am-6pm CT)

Thanks again for making these shows possible and supporting artists in a real and meaningful way.

Jayne + Bob
Undertow