Unlike many other clubs, Ashkenaz works hard to promote our shows (see Ashkenaz Publicity for a full description). But this is meant to augment, not replace, efforts by the artist. Ultimately the responsibility to get people in the door falls on the bands, and if your show flops you will not be asked back. We do our best to provide a wide variety of music to the community, and often take chances on new bands, but unfortunately we simply cannot afford to lose money on an event.

Ashkenaz employs a part-time publicist, Joe Balestreri (joe at ashkenaz.com). If you enlist the services of your own publicist, please put them in touch with Joe so they can coordinate.

Here's some tips on how to promote your show:

Radio: Make sure that local community-oriented stations have your music: KPFA, KALX, KUSF, KPOO, KALW, etc. It is best to track down particular DJ's who would like your music and contact them directly with details about your show. To assist in this, I have put together a spreadsheet with local DJs who are receptive, including their emails and musical style. You can download it here.
Please let Joe know who you are in contact with, and Ashkenaz can coordinate ticket giveaways with them directly.

Posters: We have the resources to design and print black and white posters for you if you will do the legwork to put them up around Berkeley. Please let us know 4 weeks in advance of your show if you would like extra posters, and send us any graphics you would like used or special instructions. We're sorry, but we don't have the resources to provide proofs and edits of our designs, unless you discover a major error. The printing cost will come off the top on the night of your show, but printing is very cheap, around $13 per 100. 200-500 is recommended to cover Berkeley. With enough advance notice, we may be able to arrange for someone to put up your posters, at a rate of $40/100. Please note that it is illegal to post in Albany and Oakland, so please stick to Berkeley or we can get a hefty fine which we will pass on to you. Postering in San Francisco is subject to strict regulations, which can be found here.

Handbills: Likewise, we can print black and white handbills upon request, for you to distribute and for us to put out at the club. Some great places to flyer:
- Other shows in your genre in the month before your show, at venues all around the Bay Area.
- Farmer's markets
- Flea market at the Ashby BART station on weekend mornings
- Cultural events that are relevant to your musical style
- Get creative!

Print Press: If you have a press release for your band, please forward it to joe at ashkenaz.com and he will send it out to Ashkenaz's extensive list of press contacts.

This page will be updated from time to time, so please check back next time you play for more info.

Have a great show!