Solano Avenue Stroll
Information for Entertainers

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 15th ANNUALLY
Applications can not be accepted after the selection / review process in June.

 

New: You may apply for the Solano Avenue Stroll electronically using SonicBids.com
Sonicbids
There is a user fee involved, but it is a great option for you, and it is paperless!

 

  1. Please submit a Press Kit by mail or through SonicBids.com

    If you choose not to use SonicBids, please print out an application, and submit it with a photo, promotional materials (which may be used in the press) and an audition tape video/audio/CD with this application. Audition performance must be the same people/group/type as that at the Stroll. Only if you include a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope (with postage) will we return your materials. You will be contacted in mid July.
  2. 2. Performances will be mostly two 1-hour sets (AM or PM) every other hour (an hour on, an hour off), although there are a few exceptions for three sets. During the Parade, which starts at 10AM at the top of Solano, and finishes at about 2:00 at the bottom, stop performing until it passes. Getting equipment onto or off of the street after 10am poses a problem since the street is closed to traffic. There is no check in site. There are no parking passes. Drive carefully and do not block any driveways; please respect the residents and business owners on the street, thank you.
  3. Our pay ranges from $0 (we love volunteers!) to $400 plus any Grant money available (see below). Most groups are in the $200 range. Checks will be mailed within two weeks of the Stroll, including possible grant money from the Berkeley Civic Arts Commission - which may increase your pay by 20-30%.
    Additional Grant monies will be available after 2009
    We know there is not a lot of money involved; you will get fantastic exposure and participate in a great community event! You may pass the hat or sell your CD's/tapes/videos to supplement your income. You may not sell other items. You are responsible for collecting all sales tax and must supply us with a valid CA Sellers Permit # with this application. For a temporary resale number call 510/622-4100 or pick one up at 2101 Webster St., Suite 200, Oakland.
  4. Minimal amplification only. Your sound may not interfere with other activities on the street or you will be asked to leave. No sound is allowed from your site during your hour off, not even recorded music. Performers in the Berkeley area will have to sign sound permits and be accountable directly to the City of Berkeley for the allowable sound limits, although the SAA will pay for the permits which will be sent to you when accepted. We need to know in advance if you need electricity since these locations are limited. We do not provide sound systems or stages. You provide your own PA system.
  5. Begin set up at 8am. All vehicles must be off Solano by 10am. Parade begins at 10 as well. Shut down by 6:00PM! Street opens at 7pm when you may bring your vehicle onto Solano to load up, not before. You provide all that you will need: chairs, electric cords & duct tape to cover them, sunscreen, hats or shade. Be prepared, we can get a lot of wind from the bay – remember this if you read your music. Leave adequate room so that pedestrians may walk freely down the center of the street. Consider room for your audience. Do not block wheelchair ramps or fire hydrants. Each 3-block area is assigned a block captain to help with any problems. Their shirts say “STROLL PATROL” on the back. They and the police are in communication with the event headquarters which are at 1451 Solano.
  6. Attention Dance Performers and DJ’s: Please use edited or “radio versions” of the music that you play. Be mindful of the fact that the Solano Avenue Stroll is a family event, and the street will full of very young ears. Thank you in advance.
    We recommend that you provide a banner/sign with the name of your group, and have business cards available.
    In case of extremely bad weather or a natural disaster, the show may be canceled (at the discretion of the promoter). Call 510.527.5358 for recorded information that morning if you think there may be an issue. No refunds or payments will be made if the show is canceled.

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Entertainer Application (will open in a new window)

Info for other participants

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