The Listening Room | Fargo ND

If you have read some of the other pages on this website then you know that we are dedicated to providing musicians with a listening venue. We believe you will enjoy The Listening Room. We do our best to provide you with a professional stage and sound, and an appreciative audience. Our motto is, "Cut the conversation, we're here for the music..."

What We Are Looking For
This is a professional venue. We do not host "open-mics" and normally do not offer the stage to first-time performers. We will want to hear recordings of your music. You can send us a CD or direct us to a website. (Contact Us)

We are primarily an acoustic venue. We are not looking for Rap, Grunge, or Heavy Metal. We don't think its bad, but the venue across the street already has the market on that! Our listeners enjoy a variety of music; Americana, traditional folk, blues ... Our stage is best suited for up to about four people, but if your band is larger, we can accommodate you.

Your show should include 1.5 hours of music. You can split that up any way you like, but we suggest 2 sets with a 10-15 intermission so we can sell some beverages and help you sell some merchandise. Beverage and merchandise sales are in a separate room. Listeners are asked to come and go between songs so you won't be interrupted.

If you have a warm up act coming along, they should plan on about 20 minutes. We have people who are interested in doing warm up acts, so if you would like us to provide one, we may be able to do that for you.

The Venue
We are in the upstairs of a restored building on Fargo's historic Broadway Ave. The room is lively with a high ceiling and hardwood floors. We seat about 60. If we expect a larger attendance, we can move to a larger room at the center that will accommodate more people.

The Fargo metropolitan area is home to nearly 200,000 people. Fargo's downtown Broadway area has become an eclectic menagerie of live music venues, stage and film theatres, nightclubs, fine restaurants and unique shops. Over 24,000 students are enrolled at our 3 universities. The technical and business colleges add to that number.

Advertising, Merchandise & Ticket Sales
We follow the House Concert Model. Between the manager and our primary sponsor, "The Spirit Room", all costs involved with presenting your concert are donated. This includes advertising in newspapers, magazines, radio, and mailing lists. We will design and hang posters for your event. We have sponsors who provide support for advertising. A small number of complimentary tickets are given to sponsors as a way of saying, "thank you" for advertising your concert

You will receive 100% of ticket sales. If you have merchandise you would like to sell, one of our volunteers will be available to help you. Naturally you also take 100% of your sales. We ask that the items you bring be in good taste.

Accommodations
We understand that traveling musicians sometimes enjoy socializing with their host, and sometimes they don't. We want you to do whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. We will provide a place to stay for the night, usually in someone's home, and some meals. If you have a few down days we may be able to accommodate you a few extra nights.

Sound
We have a professional sound system and our technician will do his best to accommodate your needs. We are equipped for your DI boxes, pedals, line-out amps, etc. If you have something of your own you want to use, let us know so we can be ready to get you connected. For a list of our equipment, see our section, Sound Rental (there is no charge to you for use of our equipment.) Not all equipment is on-site so give us at least a week's notice if you have something you specifically want there for your performance.

If you prefer to bring you own sound system that's fine - and if needed, you are welcome to borrow a few things from us for the show.

Load-In
The building is open weekdays at noon. If you would like to load in earlier, we can make arrangements. Bands should be set up when the doors open at 7:00. ShowTime is 7:30. Soundcheck is arranged at your convenience prior to 7:00.