Get booked at the Depot.
How can we get booked?
All booking inquiries must be sent to depotbooking@yahoo.com, DO NOT CALL THE DEPOT about booking, DO NOT MYSPACE THE DEPOT about booking, send smoke signals, telepathic messages, carrier pigeons, etc. Our booker will respond to your emails and suggest dates which you must write back to confirm.
Already booked?
If you make a verbal booking to the booking manager, you need to email a copy of the information to depotbooking@yahoo.com, otherwise other board members or staff will not know about your event. If you're calling the Depot to reach the booking manager, our email address is the best way to contact us.
When can we be booked?
The Depot currently only books bands on Friday nights in the following timeslots: 6:30, 7:45, 9, and 10:15. Other nights may be available for rental. For rental information/pricing please contact lclark@hopkinsmn.com or at 952-548-6309. We only book about two months in advance you can always check the calendar for availability and send us an email.
How long are set times?
Sets are 45 minutes in length with 30 minutes in between bands. A band in the 7:45 spot would set up at 7:15 and be done playing at 8:30pm.
When is our load in?
The Depot is an actual 100+ year old train depot and as such has no backstage for equipment. The Depot does not have a place to store equipment for band members before/after their sets. Therefore load-in is just 15 minutes before your set.
What does The Depot provide?
Vocal amplification (mics, cables, stands). We DO NOT mic instrument amps as we are a small facility and it is generally unnecessary and adds to setup time. Bands are encouraged to bring their own microphones for vocals if vocalists like to swing mic cords or otherwise prefer to use their own. We will use kick drum mics if bands provide them. Any other questions about amplification should be addressed to tedduepner@gmail.com.
What are the age limits?
The Depot is a youth-venue meaning that it is run by youth for youth, youth in this case meaning grades 9-12. While the Depot strives to book bands with members in high school, we do allow older bands to play the Depot provided we keep a 3:2 ratio of youth bands to older bands. Similarly we welcome friends and family of all ages to come and view shows at the Depot, keeping in mind that we are a youth venue and some families may feel that language/subject matter may not be appropriate for all ages.
Do we get paid?
Read about band payment at The Depot.
Can we "mosh?"
Due to the small area and liability in The Depot we cannot allow moshing or crowd surfing. Bands encouraging such behavior may have their performances halted and future shows canceled. Please try to make The Depot fun and safe for all in attendance.
Can we swear/curse/use explicit language?
Explicit language should be kept to a minimum. While the Depot wants bands to express themselves fully, Depot staff reserves the right to halt any performance it deems to be over the line and inappropriate.
How many people can we put on the guest list?
The Depot does not allow guest lists. The only people that get in for free are actual performing band members. Others will only have to pay around $5, so that should be affordable to most.
Do we get free drinks?
The Depot does not give band members free drinks other than providing water.
Can we play cover songs?
YES! The Depot now has appropriate recording licenses, please feel free to play cover songs.
Why play The Depot?
We’re a small, fun, casual venue that offers you a great place to showcase your talents for family, friends, and fans. The Depot was designed by youth for youth so any ideas you have will be helpful to us.
