Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Last updated 10.19.2007

Great Scott
1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston MA 02134
manager@greatscottboston.com / www.greatscottboston.com
Bar Manager: Tim Philbin / 617.566.9014
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This FAQ is new, and may not answer all questions. Please feel free to drop an email to Miriam if you’re still a bit lost, and he’ll get back to you and Ernesto will update the FAQ. But really; this is like, a last resort so try to be resourceful.

Miriam Lamey miriam.lamey@greatscottboston.com

I. Where is Great Scott, and how do I get there?
A. Area Maps
B. Public Transportation
C. Driving, Biking, and Walking

II. What kind of events does Great Scott host?
A. What music can I expect to hear and see? Who has played?
B. Does the venue ever do benefits or fundraisers?
C. Is the room available for 3rd party rentals?

III. How do I get in touch with Great Scott?
A. General Manager
B. Booking and Promotion
C. Web Related

IV. What is Great Scott’s booking and demo submission policy?
A. General Policy
B. Demo submission and show requests

V. What is the general rundown on how events work?
A. Door times, prices, and ticketing
B. Booking and Promotion
C. The Bar (beer companies, promoters, advertisers)
D. Paying bands fairly

VI. Miscellaneous Questions
A. Lost and Found
B. Local Taxi Cab Services

VII. Can I get updates on shows via email?
A. Email List

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I. Where is Great Scott, and how do I get there?

Great Scott is located at 1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston MA 02134
We are at a major intersection, with Harvard Avenue.

A. Google Maps

B. Getting to GS on Public Transportation

Both MBTA.com and HopStop.com offer trip planning on their sites. Hopstop even gives you an estimated taxi fare.

--- SUBWAY- Great Scott is conveniently located directly across the street from the Green Line (B) Train. The B Line runs from Boston College (Brighton) through Allston, to downtown Boston and connects to the Red (Cambridge, etc.) and Blue (Dorchester, Revere Etc) lines at Park St. and Govt. Center respectively. From Park St, the general travel time is 25-30 minutes, but can be longer when busy / nights. The subway costs $2.00.

--- BUS- The Harvard Ave stop on the Route 66 Bus (Harvard Sq > Dudley Station) stops approximately 10 feet
from our front door. The Route 57 Bus (Oak Sq > Kenmore Sq) stops at Brighton Ave & Harvard Ave, 1 block from G.S.
Just walk down Harvard Ave (past Blanchard’s). When you get to Commonwealth, we’re across the Street. A bus ride costs $1.50 one-way, and travel times vary based on starting point, time of day and traffic.

C. Driving, Walking or Biking

Great Scott is pretty much in the dead-center of Allston, so if you live nearby you’ll have no trouble. Just remember to be safe. We recommend locking your bike up well (double / in pairs when possible). Also be aware that while very safe, no part of the world is without the occasional crime. Shows can get out late (2am) so when possible, have someone to walk with.

--- Driving and Parking

Great Scott does not have a parking lot. Street parking (metered) is available. After 6pm and on Sundays, street parking is free. Be warned: many parts of Allston are reserved for Resident Parking and you will most likely be ticketed if you break that one. .

Both of these websites will plot a point to point directions set. Use 1222 Commonwealth Ave, Allston MA as your destination info.

Google Maps
Yahoo Maps

 

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II. What kind of events does Great Scott host?

A. What music can I expect to hear and see? Who has played?

Great Scott hosts a wide range of live music and DJ events. We pride ourselves on diversity and are open to hosting events for all creative artists, musicians, or
promoters who are willing to work hard. In the past, Great Scott was known more for its Sunday Ska nights, and rock / cover bands, as well as the
always classic “Ladies 80s”.

Starting in early 2004, Great Scott began to gradually switch formats to host more indie, underground, and live rock shows for a wide range of artists. In just a few short months, the venue boomed to become one of Boston’s newest venues for great rock shows. We welcome all fans of music, and want everyone to feel universally welcome regardless of age, race, sexuality, or ‘scene’. A quick list of some great bands who have stopped by since the summer of 2004 would include national acts such as Wolfmother, Of Montreal, Lightningbolt, Hot Chip, Magnolia Electric Co., as well as local favorites Night Rally, Hooray For Earth, Clickers, and The Bon Savants.

B. Does the venue ever do benefits or fundraisers?

Yes! Great Scott is a venue, but it’s also part of a neighborhood and larger community of caring people. Every Thanksgiving, G.S. does a large dinner feeding 200+ people who are homeless, in need, or just need a place to go and feel warm. In addition recent benefits for Oxfam International will help with disaster relief efforts after the tsunami that struck parts of Asia in December 2004. We are always open to ideas that will benefit our community.

C. Is the room available for 3rd party rentals?

At this time all booking is done in-house, and thus the room is not available for private functions. However, we are always open to people’s ideas and seek to accommodate the needs of our community, both business and personal. If you have a specific request in mind, please contact Carl Lavin (Booking) at submissions@greatscottboston.com and he will get back to you shortly.

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III. I want to get in touch – how do I contact you folks?

A) Bar Manager- Tim Philbin - manager@greatscottboston.com

B) Booking - Please see the Booking section of this website before contacting with
show requests or offers. Carl Lavin - Booking agent - submissions@greatscottboston.com

Promotion- Miriam Lamey - promotions - promotions@greatscottboston.com

C) Web administrator- Ernesto Gianola ernesto@shoreleavemusic.com

General site layout was done by Mathew Sisto for Lemmingtrail. info@lemmingtrail.com / www.lemmingtrail.com

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IV. What is Great Scott’s booking and demo submission policy?

A. General Policy

Artists are chosen to play events based on a wide range of factors ranging from anticipated draw and bar sales, to Great Scott supporting the local music community and giving unknown bands a shot. 3rd party promoters (and band members looking to set up a show) should only contact Great Scott when they have a FULL show solidified, or at least 1 act who can be billed as “headliner”. If you are looking to have a (your) band added to a show already booked, you should send an email, but keep in mind that often shows are booked far in advance. We would love to help every band, but there are only so many nights a week.

Booking agents representing national acts should be prepared to supply Great Scott with figures regarding a band(s) past draw, expected draw, technical requirements, and any other information / questions needed upon request.

Some general rules your band should keep in mind

-- 1. Respect the venue. The intentional damaging of any of Great Scott’s property (by a visiting artist) including sound equipment that belongs to Great Scott may result in pay deductions and will jeopardize your band’s chances of playing the venue in the future.

-- 2. Bands get a flat drink discount, not drink tickets.

-- 3. Bands generally recieve one guest list spot per band member.

-- 4. Park somewhere legal. Great Scott is not responsible damages or parking fines to your vehicle, or lost/stolen equipment from your vehicle.

-- 5. Watch over your own stuff! We are not liable for lost or damaged personal items.

-- 6. Load in / setup / breakdown / as well as set times effect the flow of the entire show. Please respect the time-guidelines suggested by the venue so all bands are able to get their fair share of playing time.

-- 7. Have fun but be professional. If no one in your band is sober enough to sign a tax form or load out at the end of the show, it’s going to be on the minds of Great Scott next time we consider you for a show.

B. Demo submission and show requests

Bands can feel free to send demos to:
Booking
Great Scott
1222 Commonwealth Avenue
Allston MA 02134

You can also send myspace/website links and online press kit to submissions@greatscottboston.com. As large files are difficult to download, myspace links as well as direct mp3 links are perferred to attachments.

When sending demos in the mail, please be sure to include full contact info / bio and when possible, examples of past shows played, bands played with, press material and anything else that will help give us an idea of who you are. Professionally packaged demos are preferred but not required.

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V. What is the general rundown on how events work?

A. Door times, Prices, and Ticketing

Doors open at 9PM nearly every night unless it is for a special event.

Tickets range in price from free to $15. Most shows are $7 or $8. Note to promoters: Great Scott keeps an additional $2.00 for each patron under 21 years of age. Please refer to our main page for per-show information

For most shows, tickets are available through ticketweb.com. We also have tickets for many events available to be purchased at the bar (feel free to call 617.566.9014 to check). Tickets for all shows are also available at the door the day of the show (providing the show is not already sold out).

Please have a valid identification. This means a license, non-driver state I.D., or Passport. College / Student I.D.s etc will not be accepted.

B. Booking and Promotion

For booking information please read section IV of this FAQ.

Promotions for all events is a group effort. Great Scott works hard to get the word out about our events but we also rely on bands to pass out their own promotional materials to friends and fans. Currently G.S. has listings in major papers such as the Dig and Phoenix, and often gets write-ups for our events in those publications as well as The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald and several local blogs/ezines. A major press release is sent out weekly to over 200 local writers, editers and DJs. Any additional information that you can send to Miriam will be much appreciated.

We have an excellent street team here. Any posters/flyers that can be sent to us will promptly be put up around the city.

When promoting an event at Great Scott that you are involved with, please respect the laws of Boston regarding the posting of bills and promotional materials. We want to keep our neighborhood clean and looking good. Also, please don’t tear down other people’s posters or post over them (when possible). Promotional etiquette is an important art not to be lost

C. The Bar and Drinks

The Bar. Ah, the bar. It is our main asset and we’re proud of it. Great Scott offers a full selection of beers and alcohol to please the taste-buds of our patrons. As well, non alcoholic beverages (sodas, water, juice) are available. The bar is long and wraps around about 60% of theleft hand side of Great Scott. With a clean counter and comfortable stools, its not a rare site to see it packed with a happy crowd. PBR tall boys and bottled Miller High Life are always $3.

When ordering more than one drink, all recipients must be present to show their wristband to the bartender proving they are of legal age to consume alcoholic beverages. The purchasing of and distribution of alcoholic beverages to patrons under the age of 21 will result in your immediate removal from Great Scott.

We can’t MAKE you tip your bartender, but let’s be real here… you KNOW it will increase your chances of going home with him/her! Duh!

D. Paying bands fairly

It’s really quite simple: you bring in a lot of people; you’re going to be paid fairly. Now, ‘fairly’ is an objective term but most of us here are musicians or know what its like to be down on a dollar. We have a base rate per-show the venue keeps, and the rest is given to the bands / promoter to divide among bands. All bands must sign a tax id form or supply a social security number.

We understand sometimes a snowstorm hits, and draws are lower than expected. All aspects of your show, from how well you helped promote it, to how many people were there for your band (guestimated) are taken into consideration (this is when the house pays out, when a 3rd party promoter pays out, you’ll have to work it out with them).

So in short – we do the best we can, and like the sign on the wall says “No Whining.”

 

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VI. Miscellaneous Questions

A. Lost Items

If you feel you’ve lost an item, call us back right away at 617.566.9014. If you can’t get to a phone, email us (might take longer) at manager@greatscottboston.com
If the item is of value, you should be sure to report it missing to thelocal police (link).

B. Local Taxi Service

Metro Cab, 617-782-5500
Green Cab, 617-625-5000
Boston Cab, 617-536-5010
Checker Cab, 617-536-7000
City Cab, 617-536-5100
Town Taxi, 617-536-5000

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VII. I’m forgetful – can I get show info via Email?

A. Email Lists

We send out a weekly email with information on upcoming events and news. Additionally, we give away tickets on a week to week basis.

To Sign up for the mailing list, simply send an email to promotions@greatscottboston.com with the subject line "join"

Great Scott will never share your information with other companies. Each email will detail the list of events for the week, and give a longer look at our calendar. We are only sending out text with basic html (hyperlinks) and will not send you advertisements or SPAM.

All emails from Great Scott will come from GreatList@GreatScottBoston.com. If you are contacted with event information from any source other than this list, or one of the promoters listed above, we can not verify the information is correct and take no responsibility for the actions / words of others.

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