The Details (PLEASE READ):

Location: The Sunday Night Singer/Songwriter Series takes place every Sunday in the backroom of The Burren, an Irish pub in Somerville, MA. In the front room they have traditional Irish and Americana sessions. It's a nice atmosphere. There have been nights when the crowd is completely quiet and others when it's been very noisy, but the general response by both the audience and the performers has been positive. It is a bar and does get chatty, but the patrons generally understand what the night is about and do appreciate the music. The crowd is easily swayed. If you bring a nice group of people who are there to listen to you, the walk in crowd will often follow. The more supporters you have in the audience the more likely it is you'll have a listening crowd.

Time: The show starts roughly at 8pm. There's an 8pm(ish) and a 9pm(ish)performer. Special guests perform after 10pm. Each set is about 45 minutes. Over the last few years it's become a fun scene and a great hang out for local musicians. All performers should arrive by 7:15pm to set up merch and get situated. Note: (On holiday weekends (band nights), you may need to get there earlier. Let Tom know your sound needs and he'll decide accordingly (see "Sound" below).

Compensation: The hat is passed toward the end of each performer's set and it's split it evenly at the end of the night between the 8pm and 9pm performers. The more people you bring, the more money you'll make. The performers also get a collective drink tab of up to $50. This usually doesn't run out unless someone is downing shot after shot of whiskey. We've only been shut off once (I tried to tell Janis to slow down). Unfortunately, meals are not included and the Burren won't substitute the drink tab for food.

Bringing a crowd: It will be a great night for you and all involved if you can bring at least 15 - 30 people. You'll have supporters there who are already on your side and you'll make money. You don't have to pack the place out wall to wall (though that would certainly be nice and would guarantee another gig), but please be reasonable when booking around it. Don't book a Burren spot the night after your big Saturday show at Club Passim. If you're a touring act and trying to hit a lot of places while here or if it's your first time playing in town, please let us know so we can pair you up accordingly. Either way, please do everything you can to promote your show.

Sound: Tom Bianchi will be your friendly soundman for the night. A great sound system, one or two good mics and a bunch of mic stands are provided. IF YOUR SET UP IS ANYTHING OTHER THAN SOLO PLUG IN AND PLAY, PLEASE SEND TOM AN E-MAIL, so we can be sure we have everything we need. tom@24hourtom.com. IF YOU NEED TO MIC ANY INSTRUMENTS, LET TOM KNOW. You may need bring extra mics.

Rockin' Out: Percussion is okay if it's a hand drum or a small set with brushes. Loud drums or big crazy amps just don't work back there on on Sundays unless it's a holiday weekend. Don't get me wrong, you can rock to your heart's content. We just try to keep it at a reasonable volume.

The address:

247 Elm Street
Davis Square
Somerville, MA
617-776-6896
http://www.burren.com