Misinterpretation of Booking Format – Band-Based vs. Individual Engagements

[23:29, 10/04/2025] NWSVA: There are slots for live music at SH Thursdays and Sundays. I know it’s short notice but there’s a slot this Sunday? 1 till 4 two one hour sets with lunch in between plus £[amount] each or Thursday £[amount] each 7 til 10.30

Title
Misinterpretation of Booking Format – Band-Based vs. Individual Engagements

Description
On 11 April 2025, RD responded to a WhatsApp message from promoter NWSVA offering a Sunday slot at SH. RD expressed availability and asked logistical questions, understanding NWSVA was assembling a lineup as he had during the first edition of the residency. NWSVA later indicated that MF and Dom were confirmed, suggesting RD and others could join. RD interpreted this as a confirmation of involvement. However, no further communication from NWSVA followed. On the day (13 April), RD checked in and was told someone else had been booked. RD’s parents, assuming NWSVA’s message was a confirmation, advised RD that he should have simply turned up — possibly missing a gig that MF’s group may have expected him at.

Action Taken
RD followed up in the chat with two messages of availability for 20 April 2025 but received no acknowledgement. Learning from the previous week, he turned up on the 20th to avoid missing a potential opportunity.

Resolutions
It became clear that NWSVA is now booking pre-existing lineups rather than assembling bands on the fly. RD's parents had incorrectly interpreted NWSVA’s earlier approach (from the scratch band in the first edition) as ongoing practice. The assumption that NWSVA was putting together a group, rather than confirming existing ensembles, led to the misunderstanding.

Notes Comments
Going forward, RD now understands that NWSVA is booking full bands, and he must ensure he is part of a pre-confirmed lineup before assuming a booking. Passive or ambiguous messaging should not be treated as confirmation.

Reported
Reported Date: 06/05/2025
Reported By (Individual): RD
Reported By (Organisation): R

INDIVIDUALS

Involved, Responsive, KD, Advisor
Incorrectly interpreted NWSVA's message as NWSVA putting together a lineup rather than booking existing lineups. Misinterpretation was carried forward by RD when he turned up on 20/04/2025.

Observer, Passive, MF, Bandleader
Had his own lineup for the 13/04/2025 event.

Responsible, Passive, NWSVA, Promoter
Responsible for booking lineups/musicians for the SH residency.

Involved, Responsive, PD, Advisor
Incorrectly interpreted NWSVA's message as NWSVA putting together a lineup rather than booking existing lineups. Misinterpretation was carried forward by RD when he turned up on 20/04/2025.

Impacted, Responsive, RD, Alto Sax
Confused about whether NWSVA was requesting RD as a solo musician, or as a lineup.

ORGANISATIONS

JS
Promoter booking musicians for the events.

TSH
Venue hosting the live music.