The Lake Travis area—including Lakeway, Bee Cave, and Spicewood—is known for its laid-back Hill Country charm and vibrant local music scene. Whether you’re a solo artist looking to land your first gig or a venue manager hoping to bring in more talent, navigating live music bookings in this community can be a challenge—unless you know how to play the game.
We sat down with an insider to get the scoop: Brad, an amazing musician who’s been booking gigs and blowing his harp all over Lake Travis for the last sixteen years.
Q: What’s the first step musicians should take when trying to book gigs in the Lake Travis area?
Brad: “Honestly? Build a strong local presence first. Get some good videos of you performing, even if it’s just in your living room. Venues want to know what kind of vibe you bring. Then start with smaller venues that host live music and open mics regularly—like Poodie’s, or It’s All Good BBQ.”
“We get a ton of emails. What stands out is a musician who’s done their homework. If someone emails and says, ‘Hey Jess, I saw you’ve got blues nights on Fridays. I play Texas blues and have a strong following in Spicewood,’ I’m listening.”
Q: What should musicians include in a booking email or message?
Brad: “Short and sweet. Include:
- A brief intro (genre, style)
- A link to a live performance video
- Your available dates
- Your social media or website
And always be respectful. You’re building relationships, not just booking gigs.”
“Bonus points if you mention how you’ll help promote the show. We love artists who bring energy and a crowd.”
Q: What are the most musician-friendly venues around Lake Travis?
Brad: “It’s All Good BBQ and Poodies are my personal go-to’s. I also love playing at Angel’s Icehouse because it’s casual and family-friendly. Iron Wolf has a great outdoor stage. Poodie’s is iconic—you never know who’s gonna show up. And It’s All Good BBQ is underrated but super supportive of local musicians. A lot of venues here are built around community. If you treat people well, word gets around.”
Q: Any tips for new artists just getting started?
Brad: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Play backyard parties. Post videos. Join open mic nights. Show up and support other musicians—people notice. And don’t overthink your gear. We care more about your sound and your connection with the audience than whether your pedalboard is Instagram-worthy.”
Q: How far in advance should artists reach out to book a show?
Brad: “At least 4–6 weeks out. Especially in spring and fall when we get busy. If it’s a last-minute cancellation, we sometimes need someone quick, but having your name in the mix early helps. The earlier you ask, the more likely you are to get the date you want. And always confirm and follow up. Be professional.”
Q: What should venues know about working with local musicians?
Brad: “We’re part of your brand. If you treat us right—fair pay, clear communication—we’ll promote your venue like it’s our second home. We don’t always have big budgets, but we are local and have local followings. If a musician draws a crowd, we notice. It’s a two-way street.”
Final Thoughts: Booking Live Music in Lake Travis Is About Community
The live music scene in Lake Travis thrives because of the people behind it—artists who care about their craft, venues that believe in showcasing talent, and locals who come out to support it all.
Whether you’re trying to get your first gig or fill your next lineup, remember: it’s not just about the music. It’s about connection, consistency, and community.
Looking to book live music in Lakeway, Bee Cave, or Spicewood? Reach out today—I’m happy to connect artists and venues who want to keep our Hill Country sound alive.