From Audition to Applause: A Performer's Journey at Carnys

The Stage That Launched Careers

Every weekend at Carnys Restaurant & Lounge in Encino, something magical happens. As the golden lights dim and the first notes fill the air, talented musicians take the stage to do what they love most—perform for an engaged, appreciative audience in one of the San Fernando Valley's most sophisticated venues.

But what's it really like to perform at Carnys? How do musicians land gigs here? What makes this venue different from countless other restaurants and bars along Ventura Boulevard? We sat down with several regular performers to get the inside story of their journey from audition to applause.

Meet the Artists Who Call Carnys Home

Marcus Chen - Jazz Saxophonist

"I've played at venues across LA for 15 years," Marcus shares, adjusting his saxophone case backstage. "But Carnys is different. The audience actually listens. They're here for the music, not just background noise while they scroll their phones."

Marcus performs every Friday night with his jazz trio, entertaining crowds of 100-150 guests who come specifically for the live music experience. His journey to this coveted weekly slot started with a simple email inquiry nine months ago.

Sofia Martinez - Vocalist and Guitarist

Sofia's soulful acoustic sets on Thursday nights have become an Encino tradition. "I was nervous about the audition," she admits. "But the management team was so welcoming. They asked what I wanted to perform, who my influences were, and how they could help me succeed."

Now, six months into her residency, Sofia has built a loyal following. "I have regulars who come every week just to hear me play. Some have become friends. That personal connection is what makes performing here so special."

DJ Omar - Electronic and House Music

"Saturday nights at Carnys are electric," Omar says with a grin. "The energy is insane. People come to dance, celebrate, and lose themselves in the music. As a DJ, that's the dream—an audience that's fully present and engaged."

The Audition Process: What to Expect

Landing a performance slot at Carnys isn't about having thousands of Instagram followers or a record deal. It's about talent, professionalism, and fit with the venue's sophisticated atmosphere.

Step 1: Initial Contact

Most performers start by submitting an application through the Carnys website or emailing [email protected] directly. The entertainment coordinator reviews applications weekly, looking for:

• Musical quality: Professional-level performance ability
• Repertoire fit: Music that complements the upscale Mediterranean atmosphere
• Professionalism: Reliable, communicative, and easy to work with
• Unique voice: Something that stands out and resonates with audiences

"We get a lot of applications," explains the venue's entertainment coordinator. "We're looking for artists who understand our vibe—sophisticated but not stuffy, energetic but not overwhelming. Think intimate jazz club meets modern lounge."

Step 2: The Audition

Selected performers are invited for a live audition, typically on a weekday afternoon before the restaurant opens. You'll perform 3-4 songs that showcase your range and style.

Marcus's experience: "I played three jazz standards and one original composition. They wanted to hear how I'd interact with the audience, so I introduced each song as if there was a crowd. The feedback was immediate and constructive."

Sofia's advice: "Prepare your best material, but also be ready to adapt. They asked me to play something more upbeat after my first two songs to see my versatility. That flexibility mattered."

Step 3: The Technical Setup

If you pass the musical audition, the technical team walks you through the sound system, stage setup, and equipment available. Carnys provides:

• Professional PA system with monitor speakers
• Stage lighting with customizable colors and intensities
• Wireless microphones (up to 4)
• Direct boxes for instruments
• Basic drum kit (for jazz/rock performers)
• Piano/keyboard upon request

"The sound system is honestly better than some dedicated music venues I've played," Marcus notes. "They take the technical side seriously, which makes our job so much easier."

Step 4: Trial Performance

Most new performers start with a trial gig—usually one evening performance to see how they connect with the audience and integrate into the venue's flow.

"My trial night was terrifying and exhilarating," Sofia recalls. "But the staff was so supportive. The manager checked in during my breaks, and the servers were cheering me on. I knew this was where I wanted to be."

What Performers Love About Carnys

1. The Audience

This comes up in every conversation with performers—the audience at Carnys is special.

"People come here specifically for live music," DJ Omar emphasizes. "They're not just tolerating us while they eat. They're engaged, dancing, requesting songs, and showing genuine appreciation."

The venue attracts a sophisticated crowd—professionals, couples on date nights, groups celebrating special occasions—all looking for a elevated evening experience. This audience demographic means:

• Active listening and engagement
• Generous tips (typically $200-400 per night on top of base pay)
• Genuine appreciation and feedback
• Return visitors who become fans
• Word-of-mouth promotion and social media tags

2. The Compensation

Let's talk money—because professional musicians need to make a living.

Carnys pays performers fairly and consistently:

• Solo performers: $150-300 per night
• Duos/Small groups: $300-500 per night
• Full bands (4-5 members): $500-800 per night
• DJs: $200-400 per night
• Specialty acts: Negotiable based on experience and draw

Plus tips, which can add 30-50% to the base pay on busy nights.

"I make more here in one night than I do playing three bar gigs elsewhere," Marcus shares honestly. "And the consistency is huge—I know I have this slot every Friday. That financial stability lets me focus on my music."

3. The Promotion and Exposure

Carnys actively promotes its performers through:

• Featured posts on Instagram (12K+ followers)
• Event calendar on the website with performer bios
• Email newsletter to thousands of subscribers
• Professional photos and videos of performances
• Collaboration on social media content

"They tag us in every post, credit us in stories, and encourage guests to follow our accounts," Sofia notes. "I've gained hundreds of followers since starting here. That social media presence leads to private bookings and other gigs."

4. The Professional Environment

Small details matter to working musicians:

• Reliable scheduling: Gigs are booked months in advance with clear contracts
• On-time payment: Check in hand at the end of the night, every time
• Quality food and drinks: Performers get complimentary meals and non-alcoholic beverages
• Respect from staff: The team understands musicians are professionals, not background entertainment
• Green room space: A dedicated area to store equipment and take breaks

"These might seem like small things, but they add up," Marcus explains. "Too many venues treat musicians as an afterthought. Here, we're valued members of the team."

5. The Growth Opportunities

Performing at Carnys often leads to:

• Private event bookings (weddings, corporate events, parties)
• Opportunities to collaborate with other venue performers
• Networking with industry professionals who dine at the restaurant
• Building a sustainable performance career with steady income

"I've booked five private events directly from connections I made while performing here," Sofia shares. "People hear you, love what you do, and ask about availability for their events. That's the best kind of marketing."

A Typical Performance Night

5:00 PM - Arrival and Setup

Performers typically arrive 2-3 hours before showtime for sound check and setup. The technical team helps with equipment setup and runs through sound levels.

"The sound engineer knows his stuff," Marcus says. "He remembers my preferences from week to week—monitor levels, mic EQ, everything. That consistency is rare."

6:00 PM - Pre-Service

Time for a complimentary meal, final preparation, and getting into performance mode. Many performers use this time to mingle with early-arriving staff and regulars.

7:30-8:00 PM - Showtime

Most performances start between 7:30-8:00 PM, depending on the night and audience arrival. The first set typically runs 45-60 minutes.

"I love watching the room fill up," Sofia reflects. "You can feel the energy building. By the time I start the first song, everyone's settled in with their drinks and ready to listen."

8:45 PM - Break

15-30 minute break between sets. This is when performers often interact with audience members, sell merchandise, and build connections.

"The breaks are where the magic happens," DJ Omar notes. "People come up to request songs, share their stories, and become fans. Those personal interactions are what make this job meaningful."

9:15 PM - Second Set

The second set often has the highest energy—the crowd is warmed up, drinks are flowing, and everyone's in the zone. This set runs 60-90 minutes.

10:45-11:00 PM - Wrap-Up

After the final song and audience appreciation, performers pack up while guests linger. Payment is processed, and the management team provides feedback and confirms future bookings.

The Challenges and Rewards

The Challenges

Performing at Carnys isn't without its difficulties:

• High expectations: The sophisticated audience expects professional-quality performances
• Consistency required: You need to deliver every single night
• Adapting to the crowd: Reading the room and adjusting your setlist in real-time
• Balancing atmosphere: Providing entertainment while respecting diners' conversations

"It's a different skill set than playing a concert venue," Marcus explains. "You're creating ambiance, not commanding attention. It requires finesse."

The Rewards

But the rewards far outweigh the challenges:

• Financial stability: Regular income allows focusing on artistry
• Artistic growth: Performing weekly hones skills rapidly
• Community connection: Building relationships with audience and staff
• Professional development: Learning to adapt, improvise, and engage
• Joy of performance: Doing what you love in a supportive environment

"I genuinely look forward to Thursdays now," Sofia says with a smile. "It's not just a gig—it's a highlight of my week."

Breaking Into the Scene: Advice from Established Performers

Marcus's Tips for Auditioning

1. Know your strengths: Play to your best abilities, not what you think they want to hear
2. Prepare thoroughly: Have a diverse setlist that showcases range
3. Communicate clearly: Be professional in all correspondence and show reliability
4. Understand the venue: Visit as a guest first to understand the vibe and audience
5. Be coachable: Accept feedback gracefully and show willingness to adapt

Sofia's Advice on Building Your Following

1. Engage with the audience: Talk between songs, remember regulars' names
2. Use social media: Post about your performances, tag the venue, share stories
3. Offer value: Take requests, dedicate songs, make people feel special
4. Be consistent: Show up on time, every time, ready to perform
5. Support the venue: Promote the restaurant, not just your performance

DJ Omar's Performance Philosophy

"Read the room constantly. Your job is to enhance their evening, not impose your vision. When you get it right—when the energy, music, and crowd all sync up—that's when the magic happens. Those moments make all the challenges worth it."

The Future: Growing With Carnys

All three performers we spoke with see long-term futures at Carnys:

"I'm not looking for my 'big break' anymore," Marcus admits. "This IS my career, and I'm proud of it. I make good money, perform regularly, have artistic freedom, and connect with people through music. That's everything I wanted when I started playing saxophone 20 years ago."

Sofia is already discussing expanding to additional nights: "They've been so supportive of my growth. We're talking about adding a Sunday acoustic brunch set. The willingness to grow together is rare in this industry."

For DJ Omar, Carnys has become the anchor of his performance schedule: "Saturday nights here are guaranteed income and guaranteed fun. That stability lets me take creative risks with other projects."

Want to Perform at Carnys?

If you're a talented musician, DJ, or entertainer looking for a venue that values your artistry and supports your career, Carnys might be your perfect stage.

What we're looking for:

• Jazz musicians (solo, duo, trio, or quartet)
• Acoustic performers (singer-songwriters, guitarists, pianists)
• DJs (house, electronic, chill lounge vibes)
• World music artists (Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Latin)
• Comedy acts (clean, sophisticated humor)
• Specialty performers (unique acts that fit our upscale vibe)

Apply now: Visit carnys.org/performers to submit your application, or email [email protected] with:

• Your performance type and genre
• Links to video/audio samples
• Brief bio and performance history
• Availability and preferred performance schedule
• Social media handles

Experience Live Music at Carnys

Love live music? Join us at Carnys Restaurant & Lounge, located at 16101 Ventura Boulevard in Encino, for an unforgettable evening of Mediterranean cuisine, craft cocktails, and exceptional live entertainment.

Performance Schedule:

• Thursday: Acoustic nights with Sofia Martinez (7:30 PM)
• Friday: Jazz trio featuring Marcus Chen (8:00 PM)
• Saturday: DJ Omar spinning house and electronic (9:00 PM)
• Sunday: Open mic and acoustic showcase (7:00 PM)

Make your reservation today and discover why performers and audiences alike call Carnys their favorite venue on Ventura Boulevard.

Carnys Restaurant & Lounge - Where talent meets opportunity, and every night is a celebration of music, food, and community.