Info for Hosts

FLOCK OF DIMES, AUSTIN 2023, PHOTO BY MATT BRADFORD
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You're hosting an Undertow Show - how awesome! We really appreciate the generosity. We couldn't do this without you. 

If this is your first time hosting, we're so 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 some information 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. 

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

All other fans will be directed to buy tickets in advance through Undertow. We do it this way so no one has to worry about handling money at the door.

Everyone who buys tickets will receive a follow-up email with all the show details compiled into a simple PDF. This PDF ticket is built with the details you shared with Undertow via your submission form. Host's personal information (address, phone number, etc) WILL NOT be published on the internet.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.

**NOTE: Some low caliber hosts try and co-op these events and run them like a luxury house party where the artist is used as decoration. This 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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Here are some tips to help it go smoothly on the night of the show

+ Jayne or Bec 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 fans 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 are 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 tunes 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.

+ 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.

+ We love dogs and cats... we really do! But an excitable pet running around during the show can ruin the experience for guests and performers. I saw a dog spend half the show sniffing a performer's butt. It was weird. A big squawking parrot or a loose python isn't a good scene, either (yes -both of those things really happened!). Put 'em away, send 'em to a friend's house, bring 'em back after the show!

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Mask Policy (updated January 31, 2023)
Undertow is still encouraging COVID-19 safety precautions at shows. The mask policy is dependent on the host and artist 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 download a "Masks Required" sign you can print and post at the entrance in the night of the show.

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