Registration begins in April
**Deadline is June 15th (annually)**
Applications can not be accepted after the selection / review process in June.
Hello and welcome!
Bands who have performed for two years in a row must take a mandatory one-year break to make room for new talent. This condition only applies to bands – not most dance troupes, schools, etc.
Performances will be mostly two 1-hour long (maximum) sets.
Our pay ranges from $0 (we love volunteers!) to $550. We know there is not a lot of money involved; you will get fantastic exposure and participate in a great community event!
You may solicit donations and/or actually sell materials. You are responsible for collecting all sales tax if you do.
Here is everything you need to know about a sellers permit.
Minimal amplification only. Your sound may not interfere with other activities on the street. No sound is allowed from your site during your hour off, not even recorded music. Performers in the Berkeley area will have to sign sound permits and be accountable directly to the City of Berkeley for the allowable sound limits / parameters. Within the City of Albany, no individual sound permits are required, but compliance with City standards may be enforced. The SAA will pay for the [Berkeley] permits. We need to know in advance if you need electricity (or if you plan on using a generator) since these locations are limited / documented.
We do not provide sound systems or stages. You provide your own PA system.
Leave adequate room so that pedestrians may walk freely down the center of the street. Consider room for your audience.
Dance Performers and DJ’s: Please use edited or “radio versions” of the music that you play.
Details:
- REMINDER: We do not provide canopies, chairs, or tables (or stages).
- Here is our Performer’s Agreement.
Day of Event Info:
- Check out or Participants Page and become familiar with our Expectations of Public Conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I am a performer, when will I know if I am going to participate?
Late June, or early July
What kind of music are you looking for?
The SAA [volunteer] Board of Directors changes frequently and so there is no “preference”. That being said it is safe to say that the Board looks for something exciting and up-beat. “Festival” music is a good way of describing it; however we do have space for more “reserved” acts. Additional advice includes making the first song on your submission your favorite/strongest one. The Board has hundreds of artists/bands to listen to so we do not have the resources to listen to full songs/albums during the review process.
How many “stages” do you have?
None, we only provide the real estate on the ground and 100,00 smiling faces.
I have been turned-down in the past. Should I bother applying?
Yes. We encourage and appreciate your diligence. The SAA Board of Directors evolves every year (they review the entertainment) and with every fresh Stroll comes a new state of affairs.
I am a martial artist with a performing group, can we ask for money even though we are paying for a separate booth-space?
Yes, you can ask.
Do you supply the “PA” or sound system?
No, we really only provide “real estate” on the Avenue.
Do you provide “hospitality suites” or hotel accommodations?
No, but we hope someday we can afford to provide “VIP” services to out of town performers.
Can I sell materials (CDs etc.)?
Not unless you possess a valid sellers permit. It is my understanding that you can “give-away” items based on a financial “donation” like public television does (in some cases). You can get a single day resellers permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Here is everything you need to know about a sellers permit.
How does the pay scale work?
Typically, the most we pay for a band if $550. $550 is our maximum rate with a larger band with usually three performance times. Solo / duo artists should ask for a little less. The distance you are traveling and number of performance slots are major payment factors. We do not typically pay for performances from “organizations” or performing art schools. We know this is a pittance; with the cost of amplified sound permits and the sheer number of acts this is the limit of our budget at this time. We may even offer you less than you ask for on your registration form.
Feel free to check-out our Performer’s Agreement for more details.
**Deadline is June 15th (annually)**
More questions? Stroll FAQ (Frequent Questions and Answers)
return to Step 1: Read Basic Info
return to Step 2: Choose your category/categories