Booking FAQ. Updated 05/19/05.

Excusing what you see below, we are not accepting booking for the time being.

i just really didn't want to delete it for sentimental reasons.

repeat, the below FAQ no longer has much relivance, for now.

if you'd like to sumit art or concepts for consideration, the contact info you'll find down at the bottom of the page still works.

love ya.

What's the deal with this place? Is it really a church?
The Church of the Friendly Ghost is a multi-purpose art space. It was formerly a functioning church before taking its current form. We founded the church in late 2003 without a clearly defined vision besides wanting to foster marginalized art, and since then it has become an important part of a community of like-minded individuals in and around Austin.

What sort of events is the church looking for?
We seek to host musical, theatrical, and artistic ventures that may have a difficulty finding a home in Austin's other venues. Most of the acts that we book would not fit easily into Austin's rock oriented club scene. We might also do a wedding or bar mitzvah if you've got the green.

What events won't you do?
We don't do after-parties. We don't do raves. Musically, we feel that there are plenty of other places for rock bands to play in Austin, so those types of acts are less likely to be booked. Ironically, most of the people who live here and run the place are in rock bands. Don't shit where you eat, my friend.

What is your rate for regular events?
We charge $75/night and find that most acts are able to turn a profit if they promote the show. We also require a $25 cleaning deposit (returned at the end of the night).

When and in what form do I have to pay?
We currently only accept cash, which can be paid at any point up until the start of the show.

How late can events go?
Anything loud has to be over by 10. We're situated in a neighborhood, so unfortunately we've had to set that rule. Events can run later (though not too late, four of us live here) as long as they're relatively low-key. Anyone that donates a $1000 or so towards soundproofing can play as late as they want (see wishlist).

What is your alchohol policy?
We can't sell alcohol. You can't sell alcohol. But people can bring it. (All substances must be shared with the hosts)

Why is this place so cheap/expensive? How can you afford to keep going/Why are you so greedy?
We're not making any money off of this place. We're not even paying our utility bill with the place currently. We're doing it because we're masochistic fools that enjoy the constant grind of making a mess like this work. What we're currently charging is the absolute bare minimum which allows us to keep going.

What's your policy on cancellations?
Charges for events cancelled up until a week (Roman Calendar) beforehand will be refunded, minus a $25 cancellation fee. No refund will be issued for any event cancelled closer than 7 days. We have final approval over all substitutions and event changes. Any substitutions or changes that are not approved by us will be considered cancellations. (That sounds mean, doesn't it?)

What is your policy on benefits?
While we'd really love to help get Mumia Abu-Jamal out of jail, we've got bills to pay. We do try to hold at least one benefit a month, so if you have an idea please approach us. But there are far more worthwile causes than we have resources to accomodate, and we feel that our rates are reasonable enough that a well-promoted and organized show should be able to make you some scratch.

Do you guys do promotion?
In short, no. We will put your event on our website, add it to our bi-monthly newsletter, and send off press releases to the local media (although we will need you to write the copy for those). Anything beyond this--posters, flyers, t-shirts, billboards, overpass graffiti, slogans scrawled on bare breasts in permanent marker--is your responsibility.

Do you provide a PA/lighting/parking?
We cannot offer any sound equipment at this time (see wish list). We have some basic lighting racks, but if you're looking for something more elaborate you'll have to provide it yourself. Our parking lot holds anywhere between 3-7 cars depending on the intelligence of the parkers, but there is plenty of free parking in the surrounding neighborhood.

I love what the church is doing, how can I help out?
We are always prepared to accept donations in the form of money or candy. Alternatively you can take a look at our wish list.

How do I get in touch with you?
Contact information:
cofg@grandecom.net

Church of the Friendly Ghost
209 Pedernales
Austin, TX 78702

If you live in Austin and would like to drop off a press kit or demo CD you can always stop by and leave them in our mailbox.