Why sponsor Twangfest?
With more than one-fifth of American adults now attending festivals while on vacation and music festivals the most popular choice, the timing has never been better to sponsor a music festival. By taking advantage of Twangfest’s sponsorships, you can gain access to a highly targeted audience as well as visibility for your organization.
Twangfest is a unique music festival in many ways. It’s foremost among the few festivals featuring Americana music. This community feeling is what also makes Twangfest different from other music festivals: it’s fueled by musicians, DJs, retailers, industry members, and fans who are all passionate and knowledgeable about the alternative country Americana genre. Our community members come from as far away as Norway, Australia, and Ireland and as close as St. Louis’ neighborhoods. Over the years, we’ve added showcases during the SXSW conference in Austin, TX, an on-line auction to raise funds, and debuted a live video and audio web cast, which was Apple QuickTime’s most clicked-on event of the month. Our attendance has grown steadily, over 35% since our first year, while donations from the Twangfest community have increased over 60%. 2000 saw a 70% increase in hits on the Twangfest web site. National media from USA Todayto Yahoo! have cited Twangfest as a top event.
Twangfest is a registered nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization, with an official mission to preserve and promote the unique tradition and culture of Americana music. The list of headliners has grown more impressive each year as well, from the Waco Brothers to the Damnations to Dale Watson, Bill Kirchen, and the Lonesome River Band. Grand Ole Opry regulars have graced the Twangfest stages. But we’ve also maintained a commitment to showcasing unknown artists. Each Twangfest has featured a mix of “name” headliners and the best up-and-coming Americana bands. The festival’s policy of not allowing bands to play two consecutive Twangfests ensures that the lineup is fresh and exciting every year.
Twangfest offers its sponsors
The Twangfest Community
Comprising mainly musicians, DJ’s, music fans, and industry professionals. With an average age in the mid-30’s, members of the Twangfest community are educated (70 percent are college graduates), well-paid (60 percent make more than $40K per year), informed consumers and an ideal audience for any sponsor. About 50 percent of the audience travels more than 60 miles to the festival; the other 50 percent comes from the St. Louis metropolitan area. They’re also a loyal and generous group. Twangfest receives 60 percent of its support from the community in both in-kind and cash donations. The Twangfest community is on the cutting edge of one of the hottest emerging trends in music today. They are internet savvy. They purchase and listen to their music on the Web. They buy CDs, download MP3s and other forms of digital music, and listen to and watch webcasts. Americana music is one of the most listened-to formats on Internet radio and has become increasingly popular on digital cable networks as well. Our artists are on independent labels or are self-released. They use the Internet as a resource tool, to purchase musical equipment, to sell their products, and book and promote tours.
Quality
Twangfest’s reputation is one of unparalleled excellence. From booking the most respected acts in the genre to running a well-organized event to hosting interesting and diverse daytime activities, Twangfest never compromises on professionalism and quality.
Exposure
We offer on-site signs, MC announcements, advertising in our program, and merchandise space. We do everything possible to make sure the Twangfest community remembers your name.
Web Exposure
Sponsors receive logos and links on our continually updated Website. During the year preceding Twangfest 4, our Website hits increased nearly 70 percent. Last year we introduced the first live Webcast, Twangstream. It was Apple QuickTime’s most clicked-on event of the month. We also hold a wildly successful on line auction each May to raise funds for Twangfest’s operational expenses. Twangfest’s e-mail newsletter, the Twangletter, has a readership of nearly 2000.
Media Attention
Twangfest has received media coverage from regional, national, and international press, including newspapers, TV, magazines, and online sources. Twangfest media coverage includes: The Wall Street Journal, USA Today,Yahoo! Net Events, Sonicnet.com, Citysearch.com, The Riverfront Times, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Austin Chronicle, No Depression magazine, AAA Magazine, Apple’s QuickTime News, The Tennessean,and whatsgoingon.com.
